ORLANDO, FLa. – Drought conditions continue to worsen across parts of Central Florida.
Some counties have recently been upgraded from moderate to severe drought, including Seminole and Sumter counties, as the region continues to see a lack of meaningful rainfall.
The most intense drought category — extreme drought, shown in red on the map — has also expanded in parts of Volusia County, now including New Smyrna Beach.
The growing dryness is beginning to rival the 2001 drought, which remains the worst drought the region has experienced in the past 25 years.
As conditions deteriorate, the expanding drought is leading to water shortages, local water restrictions, and burn bans in several counties. It’s also increasing wildfire risk and placing additional strain on crops and already-low aquifer levels.
Burn ban restrictions
The burn bans prohibit the following:
- Use, ignition, or discharge of fireworks, sparklers, flares, or any items containing explosive compounds
- Open burning, including campfires, fire pits, and similar containers
- Throwing matches, cigarettes, or other burning materials from vehicles
- Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in tall or dry grassy areas
Counties currently under burn bans
- Orange
- Lake
- Brevard
- Marion
- Polk
- Sumter
With dry conditions expected to persist, officials urge residents to follow restrictions and remain cautious to help reduce the risk of wildfires across the region.