You can help to control invasive insects and diseases by limiting the movement of firewood, especially from out of state.

Invasive Pests Can Travel in Firewood

Moving firewood puts our forests in danger, because firewood can contain invasive pests that kill trees. These pests include insects such as the redbay ambrosia beetle, emerald ash borer, Sirex wood wasp, Asian longhorned beetle and gypsy moth, as well as diseases such as beech bark disease, sudden oak death and oak wilt.

Don't Move Firewood: Protect Florida's Forests

You can help protect our forests from invasive insects and diseases by limiting the movement of firewood, especially from out of state. The best way to protect your forest is to use firewood from the area where you plan to burn it.

Campers, take these simple steps to help ensure the healthy future of Florida's parks and forests:

1. Leave firewood at home and purchase aged firewood near your campsite location. Many parks offer firewood for sale at a reasonable price, or private sellers will have it available just outside the park.
2. Firewood purchased at or near your destination should be used during your camping vacation. Don't leave any unused wood behind and don't take it with you to another destination.
3. If you can't burn your wood, donate it to a fellow camper.
4. When buying firewood, make sure you receive pieces that are dry and have either little bark or bark that is loose (a sign that the wood is very dry). Not only will this reduce the threat of spreading diseases, but your fire will be easier to start.
5. Reduce your need for an open fire by cooking over gas or charcoal when possible.

Florida's Firewood Rule

The movement of commercial shipments of firewood, unprocessed wood products and other regulated articles into Florida is prohibited unless accompanied by a permit issued by the state plant protection organization in the state of origin.

There are also limited exemptions for sources of firewood within 50 miles of the Florida state border.

For more information, see Firewood Rule 5B-65 Background Information [ 574.8 kB ] .