The ability to utilize prescribed fire for various ecological and agricultural purposes in Florida is often hampered by issues (such as smoke management and public education/notification) stemming from the close proximity of developed areas to fire-dependant ecosystems. One successful method of meeting these challenges on a wider, more regional scale is the utilization of multi-agency fire councils. The Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council (CFPFC) was formed in 1992 and is made up of 17 Federal, State, local and private groups that may differ in their fire management goals, but all agree that the ability to utilize prescribed fire as a safe and effective land management tool must be protected. Through public education, multi-agency cooperation, the dissemination of training opportunities, political involvement and other activities, the CFPFC serves as a successful example of how different organizations can combine their individual strentghs in order to promote prescribed fire in an ever-increasing urban setting.