Bonfire Permit Process
How Beach Bonfire Permits Work Near Destin & Along 30A
Planning a beach bonfire should feel simple and stress-free — and with the right guidance, it is. One of the most common questions we receive is about permits, especially for guests staying in Destin. Here’s what you need to know:
Beach bonfires are not permitted within Destin city limits (Okaloosa County). However, just minutes away, permitted bonfires are allowed on select beaches in Walton County, including Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and along 30A.
At Destin Bonfire Company, we host our bonfires exclusively on these permitted beaches and handle the entire process for you so your experience is fully compliant, professionally managed, and easy to enjoy from start to finish.
How the Walton County
Permit Process Works
Once you reserve your bonfire, our team coordinates all required permits behind the scenes.
Here’s how the process works:
- Standard bonfire permits are released by Walton County two weeks prior to your scheduled event date
- Each beach is limited to a set number of permits per day
- Because availability is limited, we require a second-choice beach option in case your first choice is unavailable
- Permits are secured based on availability at the time they are released
This is why booking early is important - while permits are not issued until closer to your date, your reservation ensures you are in position when they become available.
Limited Availability & Planning Ahead
Because Walton County strictly limits the number of bonfires allowed each day, certain dates and beaches can fill quickly - especially during peak seasons.
Providing flexibility with location and booking in advance gives you the best chance of securing your preferred setup.
When a Special Event Permit May Be Recommended
If you are planning a larger gathering or would like to include additional elements such as catering, lighting, or expanded setups, an additional special event permit may be required by the county in addition to your standard bonfire permit.
This option can:
- Allow for more advanced planning
- Provide greater flexibility for larger or more customized events
We’re happy to guide you through whether this is needed for your specific event.
A Transparent Process
We believe in keeping things simple and transparent.
All permit fees are set by the county and paid directly to them - we do not mark up or profit from permit costs in any way. We do not add any amin or processing fees to your permit purchase.
Our role is to manage the process, handle the logistics, and ensure everything is done properly so you don’t have to worry about the details.
Ready to plan your beach bonfire experience?
Book online or contact us to learn more about availability, private events, and custom celebrations.
