Obtain prescribed-burn-manager certification (Texas TDA or Florida FFS) to legally serve as the responsible individual on prescribed fire/land-clearing burns

Steps

1. For Texas: complete the Texas A&M Forest Service Certified Prescribed Burn Manager course, then meet TDA certification requirements (3 years burning experience, 30 total burn-days, 5 days as responsible individual, qualifying insurance policy)
2. For Florida: complete the Florida Forest Service's 24-hour Certified Prescribed Burn Manager course through FDACS, offered at multiple locations/dates (roughly $175 tuition)
3. Maintain required continuing-education/renewal activities (e.g., approved regional fire council annual meetings) to keep certification current
4. Carry proof of certification and required insurance documentation to each burn, since certified-manager status is often tied to liability protections under state law
5. Register in the applicable state's certified-burner online permitting system once certified, since some online systems require certified status for expedited access