Grills & Fire Code Requirements

Effective as of December 31, 2007; below are the use and storage requirements for grills in apartments or condominiums. What happens if I fail to comply?


Play it safe! – Please no gas grills on your balconies.

Cooking on Balconies
The Florida Fire Prevention Code prohibits any cooking on a balcony of an apartment or condominium. The only exception is for electrical cooking appliances such as electric ranges or electric grills.

Storage of L.P. Gas or Gas Grills
The Florida Fire Prevention Code also prohibits the storage or use of L.P. gas in quantities greater than 1 pound above the first floor in any apartment or condominium. Therefore, L.P. gas grills cannot be stored on a balcony. It is important to note that L.P. gas cylinders cannot be stored inside the residential unit or anywhere above the first floor.

The specific code sections are as follows:

NFPA 1:10.11.7 For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, gas-fired grill, charcoal grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose, shall be used or kindled on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within 10 ft (3 m) of any structure. Listed electric ranges, grills, or similar electrical apparatus shall be permitted. (Per NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code, Florida 2007 Edition)

NFPA 1:69.5.3.5 Storage Within Resdential Buildings. Storage of cylinders within a residential building, including the basement or any storage area in a common basement storage area in multiple-family buildings and attached garages, shall be limited to cylinders each with a maximum water capacity of 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) and shall not exceed 5.4 lb (2.4 kg) aggregate water capacity for smaller cylinders per each living space unit.

PLEASE NOTE: Many condominiums or apartment complexes have regulations on the use of barbecue grills that exceed fire code requirements. Please check with your management staff to see what requirements or exceptions apply to use of grills at your complex.