Winters in Jacksonville, FL tend to stay pretty mild. We do not usually have to bundle up or deal with freezing temps, which makes it easier to spend time outside. Still, once the sun goes down, the evenings can get cool enough to want something to take the chill off. That is part of why more homeowners are thinking about adding an outdoor fireplace in Jacksonville, FL.
Whether it is on the back patio or near the pool, a fireplace can change how we enjoy our outdoor spaces in the cooler months. It creates a place to gather and makes our patios more comfortable, even in February. If you have been wondering whether it is worth building one, now is a good time to think through the options.
What an Outdoor Fireplace Adds to Your Space
An outdoor fireplace can become the main feature of a patio without taking away from the natural look and feel of it. It gives the space a warm, relaxed vibe that makes outdoor time feel inviting instead of rushed.
• One big benefit is comfort. It is easier to stay outside longer when you can take the edge off the evening air. You can still feel that cool breeze without needing layers of blankets or jackets.
• A fireplace does not just warm the air, it changes the mood. The soft glow of a flame makes everything feel a little calmer, whether you are alone with a book or catching up with friends.
• It is also a natural spot for people to gather. Fireplaces invite conversation. You will often find people pulling chairs closer and staying a bit longer, especially when there is no TV or phone pulling attention away.
The right fireplace does not try to be the star of the space. It just gives people a reason to be there.
Will It Work for Jacksonville’s Weather?
Jacksonville’s winters feel cool, not cold, and that gives us more flexibility when it comes to outdoor upgrades. We do not need big heaters or layers of gear just to step out back. A fireplace is something that adds just enough warmth to make the patio easier to use from December through early spring.
We get a lot of days with clear skies and mild temps, especially in February. On cooler nights, a fireplace can make the patio feel cozy without shutting us off from the fresh air. And because it is not freezing, we do not have to block off space or build a full enclosure.
• Fireplaces work great with both open patios and screened-in spaces.
• They help stretch the season, so we are not waiting for warm weather to enjoy the yard again.
• On slightly breezy evenings, they give a good balance between cool air and steady heat.
It is one of those upgrades that fits neatly into our kind of winter, just enough comfort but not too much structure.
Choosing the Right Spot and Style
Not all outdoor fireplaces look or work the same, and placement matters. We usually start by thinking about where people spend time now. That helps guide where the fireplace should go and what kind of look works best.
Popular spots often include:
• Near a covered lanai or screened patio, where people already relax or eat outside
• Close to a pool deck, where it can double as a place to warm up after a swim
• In a corner of the yard with space for chairs or a low table
There are a few main styles to choose from, and the right one depends on how the yard is set up.
• Built-in fireplaces look like part of the patio itself, often made of stone or brick. These bring a solid feel to the space and tend to stay in one spot.
• Freestanding fire bowls are more flexible and do not require major changes to the patio. They are easier to move but usually smaller in size.
• Some homeowners go for a more natural look using textured materials and low design to keep things simple.
Wind direction is something else to think about. Placing the fireplace on the wrong side of the yard might send smoke drifting toward the house. That is why planning the layout around airflow matters just as much as how it looks.
The Florida Patio Company installs outdoor fireplaces and custom fire pits in a range of materials, including stone, brick, and paver surrounds, to bring visual warmth and character to any style of Northeast Florida patio. Whether you prefer a classic built-in or the flexibility of a portable fire feature, there are plenty of options to fit your vision.
Safety and Planning Tips to Know Before You Build
Before setting anything up, there are a few things we always go over to keep the space safe and practical. Fireplaces can run on gas or wood, and each option comes with its own setup needs. We want to make sure the place we choose works not just for how the space looks but also for how it functions.
A few simple planning points include:
• Making sure there is enough open space around the fireplace so it is not too close to walls or furniture
• Checking wind patterns in the yard to help guide where the smoke will go
• If we are working in a neighborhood with an HOA, we may need to follow certain rules for size, distance, or fuel type
For gas fireplaces, we look at utility hookups ahead of time. For wood-burning setups, we think about storage and how often the space might need extra cleaning. Those small details tend to make the biggest difference down the line. A little planning now means less adjusting later.
The Florida Patio Company provides advice on local safety codes and proper clearances for all installations, and our team can help you plan a feature that both fits your space and meets any relevant guidelines.
A Simple Way to Enjoy More Evenings Outdoors
There is something about sitting by a fire that helps us slow down, and Jacksonville’s cooler months give us the perfect reason to do just that. An outdoor fireplace gives comfort without closing us off from the fresh air. It works with our weather instead of fighting it.
Even a mild chill can keep us from using the patio. But with a fireplace, those small shifts in temperature become an excuse to get outside, not stay in. Soft light, steady heat, quiet moments, they are all more reachable when the backyard has a space that works in every season.
This kind of upgrade is less about making something grand and more about keeping things simple and usable. And for those of us who like the idea of enjoying winter evenings without needing to go far, it is a smart place to start.
At Florida Patio Company, we love helping Northeast Florida homeowners create outdoor living spaces they enjoy in every season. Whether you are looking to add warmth and style to your backyard, features like a fire pit or fireplace can make cozy winter evenings even better. For inspiration and to see what is possible with an outdoor fireplace in Jacksonville, FL, contact our team today.