ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s drought has gotten worse in a hurry this winter due to a much drier-than-normal dry season and a long stretch of freezing weather that dried out the soil and took a toll on plants.
By mid-February 2026, the entire state is experiencing some level of drought conditions, with severe to extreme levels covering much of the peninsula. This marks the most widespread drought Florida has seen this early in the year since 2001.
Brush fires wreaked havoc across the region over the weekend, burning 20 cars and closing I-95 in Volusia County while also scorching an Osceola County nursery.
[WATCH BELOW: Volusia brush fire burns 20 cars at campground, closes I-95]
This year’s drought conditions not only rival those seen in 2001, but are also drawing numbers similar to 1998, which left a mark on the region as one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in Central Florida.
The expanding dryness has led to water shortages, local restrictions and burn bans in numerous counties, while also heightening wildfire risk and placing added strain on crops and already-low aquifers.
Counties under burn ban
Burn bans are typically enacted when there is an increased risk for wildfires; it bans open burning, including bonfires, campfires, trash burning and other outdoor incineration.
The burn ban prohibits the following:
- Use, ignition, or discharge of fireworks, sparklers, flares, or other items containing any “explosive compound”
- Open burning, including campfires, fire pits, and similar containers
- Throwing matches, cigarettes, or other burning materials from vehicles
- Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas
Here are the counties currently under a burn ban:
- Brevard
- Flagler
- Marion
- Polk
- Sumter
[WATCH BELOW: Crews battle Osceola County brush fire near Avenue A in Intercession City]
How could this impact our wildfire season?
In Florida, fire season typically ramps up and peaks in the spring, when lightning strikes become more common, but the landscape is still bone-dry from months of limited rainfall.
As the state heads toward the start of the wet season, grasses, brush and forests haven’t fully greened up yet, making it easier for fires to spark and spread. The combination of increasing thunderstorms and lingering dry ground is what often makes spring one of the most active times of year for wildfires across the state.
How can we help prevent brush fires?
- Skip outdoor burning on dry, windy days. Even small debris burns can quickly get out of control when vegetation is dry and winds pick up. Always check for local burn bans first.
- Be careful with yard equipment. Lawn mowers, chainsaws, and tractors can throw sparks.
- Dispose of cigarettes properly. Never toss cigarette butts onto the ground or out of a car window. One smoldering ember can ignite dry grass along roadways.
- Don’t park on dry grass. A vehicle’s hot exhaust system can easily spark a fire if it comes into contact with dry vegetation.
- Keep a defensible space around your home. Clear away dead leaves, pine needles, and dry brush from around your house and out of gutters to reduce the chance of a small fire spreading.