This compendium of fire information for selected south Florida vegetative communities will help resource managers and policymakers to better predict the consequences of their fire management decisions. Included is a brief history of fire in south Florida, along with some associated damages and benefits. Certain natural functions fulfilled by fire are outlined. Fire is rated against other specified threats to south Florida's remaining wildlands, and the impact of ongoing vegetative changes upon fire management in the near future is assessed. The effect of fire on attainment of resource management objectives and the necessity of integrating fire planning into the land management planning process are explained. Available information about fire effects is presented for each of the major vegetative types in south Florida, and fire's relationship with certain exotic species is discussed.