Florida Faces Extreme Drought and Fire Danger
Florida is experiencing its worst drought in 25 years, with over 95% of the state facing drought conditions. The Florida Forest Service (FFS) has reported a dangerous start to the 2026 fire season, with more than 650 wildfires recorded across the state since January 1.
The drought conditions have left vegetation across the state bone-dry and ready to ignite, prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency. The order waives agricultural weight restrictions to allow farmers to transport and harvest crops faster and directs Florida to collect information to request aid from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Small Business Administration. Water shortage restrictions have been issued across all five of the state’s water management districts, including limits on lawn watering.
Severe Drought Conditions
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 98% of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with 85% experiencing “severe drought”, the most since March 2001. The severe drought conditions have led to a significant increase in wildfire risk, with the FFS reporting that wildfires this year have already consumed more than 21,000 acres. 
Drought conditions.
(FOX Weather)
Emergency burn bans are in effect across 34 of the state’s 67 counties, prohibiting residents from starting campfires, bonfires, or fire pits, as well as burning yard waste or trash.
The intentional burning of part of Kelly Park in Orange County on Wednesday is an example of land management officials attempting to stay ahead of fire weather conditions. The measures are designed to reduce the strain on firefighting resources already battling active blazes like the 3,500-acre Buggy Fire in Broward County. 
Wildfire threat.
(FOX Weather)
Prolonged Dry Pattern
According to the FOX Forecast Center, Florida has been in a prolonged dry pattern since the 2025 hurricane season. The lack of rain continued through the fall and through the first half of winter, with January being the 20th driest in 131 years of record keeping in Florida. 
FILE – Alligators crowd into drying water March 1, 2001 in Everglades National Park at Shark Valley because of drought.
((Photo by Tim Chapman/Liaison) / Getty Images)
Some of the worst drought conditions are across North Florida and parts of the Panhandle, with Jacksonville and Tallahassee seeing rainfall deficits swell to more than 13 inches below average since last August. However, some drought relief may be on the way, as this weekend’s cross-country storm could drop 1–2 inches of rain across the Panhandle. 
Expected rainfall.
(FOX Weather)
Florida’s fire season historically runs from January until the start of the rainy season in June. For more information on the extreme drought and fire danger in Florida, visit Here
Image Source: www.foxweather.com
