Florida is currently enduring its most severe drought in 25 years, according to updated data recently released. This troubling development coincides with the Florida Forest Service (FFS) reporting a highly concerning beginning to the 2026 wildfire season Friday. Since Jan. 1, over 650 wildfires have already been documented statewide.
A state of emergency has been issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis to address both the prolonged drought and the history-making Arctic cold that impacted Florida at the start of Feb.
The emergency order suspends agricultural weight limits that enable farmers to move and harvest crops more efficiently. It also instructs the state to gather the necessary documentation to pursue federal assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Small Business Administration.
Water shortage restrictions are now in place through every one of Florida’s water management districts — there’s a total of five. Several restrictions even have strict limits on lawn irrigation. (RELATED: ‘Very Significant And Dangerous’ Severe Storm To Potentially Spark Up Tornadoes, Flash Flooding In Southern California)
Per the U.S. Drought Monitor, 98% of Florida has some degree of drought while 85% is classified as being in “severe drought,” the highest level since Mar. 2001.
Throughout the peninsula, the parched conditions have left vegetation extremely dry and highly susceptible to ignition.
In 2026, wildfires have scorched over 21,000 acres, per FFS records.
Wednesday, land management officials conducted a controlled burn in a portion of Kelly Park in Orange County as they work proactively for more potential fire weather.
🚨Wildfire Dangers Grow as Drought Worsens
With much of the state in extreme drought conditions, FFS is urging everyone to be mindful & follow any county-imposed burn bans. Any fire that starts in these conditions could quickly get out of control and endanger property or lives. pic.twitter.com/qYKjNIhTjR
— Florida Forest Service (@FLForestService) February 13, 2026
In 34 of the 67 counties in Florida, emergency burn bans are currently active. With these restrictions in place, residents are not allowed to light campfires, bonfires, fire pits or burn trash and other waste.
The measures aim to ease pressure on resources for firefighting, which are already stretched thin due to combating active fires such as Broward County’s 4,200-acre Buggy Fire.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was unusually quiet in terms of U.S. impacts, with no storms making landfall in the country.
Minimal tropical rainfall carried into the fall and persisted through winter. For instance, January ranked as the 20th driest all-time in Florida over 131 years. (RELATED: 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season To Potentially Be Suppressed As El Niño Expected To Arrive In Summer)
North Florida and areas of the Panhandle have some of the most extreme drought conditions.
Rainfall deficits in Jacksonville and Tallahassee have ballooned to over 13 inches below average since Aug. 2025.
Some relief arrived through the weekend, as a cross-country storm brought rain to the Panhandle and North Florida.
The wildfire season in Florida typically lasts from Jan. through June when the rainy season begins.