Loading...
Ordinance 2025-4772 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-4772 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, ENTITLED "FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION," BY AMENDING SECTION 50-10, TO ESTABLISH PERMITTING FEES TO RECOVER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLIANCE WITH THE MINIMUM RADIO STRENGTH FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS IN ALL NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 633.202(18), FLORIDA STATUTES; AND FURTHER AMENDING SECTION 1-15, ENTITLED "FEE SCHEDULE," BY AMENDING APPENDIX "A" THEREOF, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PERMITTING FEES AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLIANCE WITH THE MINIMUM RADIO STRENGTH FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS IN ALL NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Section 633.202(18)(a), Florida Statutes, establishes minimum performance requirements for in-building public safety communications coverage, and imposes associated compliance deadlines; and WHEREAS, under the statute, certain structures that meet specified criteria must undergo a radio signal strength survey, to be reviewed by the City's Fire Department — to determine whether technology must be integrated to sufficiently boost public safety radio frequencies, thereby maximizing the ability of first responders to reliably communicate to and from a dispatched location; and WHEREAS, the statutory provisions, together with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, set forth the requirements for buildings meeting the definition of a "high-rise building" to comply with these standards; and WHEREAS, Florida Statute 633.202(18) mandates that all new and existing high-rise buildings comply with minimum radio signal strength requirements for fire department communications no later than January 1, 2025, and where deficiencies are found, requires installation of two-way radio communication enhancement systems, such as bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs); and WHEREAS, to ensure compliance and safeguard public safety, the Miami Beach Fire Department will be responsible for reviewing, permitting, and inspecting such systems, including plan review for compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, conducting on-site inspections during installation and commissioning, and performing periodic re-inspections to ensure continued system functionality; and WHEREAS, these new responsibilities represent a significant increase in the workload of the Fire Prevention Division, necessitating a formalized permit process to streamline plan review, inspections, administrative processing, recordkeeping, and ongoing compliance monitoring; and WHEREAS, establishing a new permit category and related fee structure for BDA systems will enable the City to recover costs associated with staff time, administrative processing, necessary equipment, and specialized training, rather than absorbing such costs into the general fund; and WHEREAS, the Miami Beach Fire Department has evaluated comparable fee structures in peer jurisdictions, including Miami-Dade County, the City of Hialeah, and the City of Fort Lauderdale, all of which have adopted similar permit fees for BDA systems; and WHEREAS, the proposed fee aligns with regional standards, ensures consistency with neighboring municipalities, and supports the City's ongoing commitment to public safety and fiscal responsibility. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That Section 50-10(a) of the City Code is hereby amended as follows: CHAPTER 50 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION * � * Sec. 50-10. Other permits and reviews. (a) Fire permits. A fire permit is required for installation, modification, or deletion of any component of a fire detectionl e� protection system, or public safetv communications enhancement system, includinq bi-directional amplifier (BDA) systems required by Section 633.202, Florida Statutes. A fire permit is issued by the fire marshal and processed by the building department for components or systems designed for smoke detection, fire alarm, fire protection or fire suppression, includinq BDA systems, or similar life-safety systems. A fee for the plan review, acceptance test, survey test, verification test, and inspection of work under a fire permit will be charged as specified in appendix A to include services provided by fire department staff. (b) Hydrant flow test. Upon a request from an applicant, a hydrant flow test will be performed by fire department personnel and results provided to the applicant within a reasonable time after receipt of request. A flow test may not be performed whenever the city, county, or state has any water flowing restrictions imposed on the water supply of the City of Miami Beach. A fee will be charged for each flow test as specified in appendix A. (c) Occupant content sign. Owners, managers, or operators of any assembly occupancy in the City of Miami Beach must obtain an occupant content sign issued by the fire marshal and processed by the building department. A fee for plan review and inspection related to the occupant content sign will be charged as specified in appendix A. (d) Pyrotechnic displays permit. Any person or entity using, storing, or displaying pyrotechnic devices indoor or outdoor of any facility within the City of Miami Beach must first obtain a permit issued by the fire department. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged as specified in appendix A. Additional fee will be charged for staffing of fire department personnel as determined by the fire chief. Any person or entity who does not obtain a permit, provides false information in order to obtain the permit, or who violates any provision in said permit will be charged a fine equal to the double fee as specified in subsection 50-3(d). (e) Fireworks permit. Any person or entity using, storing, or displaying fireworks for private or public display within the City of Miami Beach must first obtain a permit issued by the fire department. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged as specified in appendix A. Additional fee will be charged for staffing of fire department personnel as determined by the fire chief. Any person or entity who does not obtain a permit, provides false information in order to obtain the permit, or who violates any provision in said permit will be charged a fine equal to the double fee as specified in subsection 50-3(d). Other than for New Year's Day, January 1; Independence Day, July 4; and New Year's Eve, December 31, no fireworks permit shall be issued for the display, use, or discharge of fireworks in the following locations within the city's jurisdiction: (1) Any portion of Biscayne Bay; or (2) Any residential area. (f) Open burning permit. Any person or entity engaged in open burning activity must first obtain a permit issued by the fire department. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged as specified in appendix A. Additional fee will be charged for staffing of fire department personnel as determined by the fire chief. Any person or entity who does not obtain a permit, provides false information in order to obtain the permit, or who violates any provision in said permit will be charged a fine equal to the double fee as specified in subsection 50-3(d). (g) Bonfire permit. Any person or entity engaged in a bonfire activity must first obtain a permit issued by the fire department. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged as specified in appendix A. Additional fee will be charged for staffing of fire department personnel as determined by the fire chief. Any person or entity who does not obtain a permit, provides false information in order to obtain the permit, or who violates any provision in said permit will be charged a fine equal to the double fee as specified in subsection 50-3(d). (h) Special events. All special events permits issued by the City of Miami Beach must be reviewed and approved by the fire department. A fee for the plan review and inspection of each special event will be charged to the applicant as specified in appendix A. (i) Trade shows. All trade shows or public events taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center or other public facility must be reviewed and approved by the fire department. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged to the applicant as specified in appendix A. (j) Sidewalk cafe permits. All sidewalk cafes must be approved by the fire department before a permit is issued by the city. A fee for plan review and inspection will be charged as specified in appendix A. (k) Special magistrate. Special magistrate cases such as mitigation of fines requiring research and testimony of fire department personnel will be charged a fee to the applicant as specified in appendix A. (I) Documents. Requests for copies of fire department records, inspection reports, logs, or similar documents maintained by the fire marshal's office will be charged a fee as specified in appendix A. (m) Adjusted rates. The rates in appendix A pertaining to this section will be administratively adjusted annually to reflect increase(s) or decrease(s) in Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers CPI-U. * * ,� SECTION 2. Appendix A to the City Code, entitled "Fee Schedule," is hereby amended and attached as "Exhibit A". SECTION 3. REPEALER. All ordinance or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith and hereby appealed. SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, clause of provision of this Ordinance is held invalid, the remainder shall not be affected by such invalidity. SECTION 5. CODIFICATION. It is the intention of the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami Beach, and it is hereby ordained that the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the Code of the City of Miami Beach, FL. The sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered or re- lettered to accomplish such intention, and the word "ordinance": may be changed to "section," "article," of other appropriate word. SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect on the a� day of S< W� !r', 2025. PASSED AND ADOPTED this /1 day of S���tm6P,- , 2025. ATTEST: • ��� 1 � ?(���; Steven Meiner, Mayor Rafael E. ranado, City Clerk _�`��,�.��.�,,,, :�:. .y-, ���� (sponsored by Mayor Steven Meiner) ��N�og'�ORAtED:: ; �'',y� `,� ,^�':�' �,,,,�����•��. ; APPROVED AS TO FORM & LANGUAGE 8� FOR EXECUTION 81 ZS/zoZs'' Attomey Dab \ ` Exhibit "A" FEE SCHEDULE Pursuant to section 1-15 of this Code, this appendix includes all fees and charges established by the city commission that are referred to in the indicated sections of the Code of Ordinances. Certain specified fees and charges, as identified herein, shall be subject to annual adjustment by the city manager, pursuant to the provisions of section 1-15 and this Appendix "A". A schedule of all current city fees and charges as set forth in Appendix "A" shall be maintained on the city's website. * * � Section of Description FY 2025 Fee Annual this Code Adjustment (References shown are defined at the end ofthis Appendix A) Subpart A.General Ordinances Chapter 50. Fire Prevention and Protection * * * 50-10(a) Fire permits Sprinkler/standpipe systems based on area of work • Up to 2,500 square feet 784.00 [A] •2,501 to 3,000 square feet 852.00 [A] •3,001 to 5,000 square feet 984.00 [A] •5,001 to 10,000 square feet 1,342.00 [A] • 10,001 to 15,000 square feet 1,470.00 [A] • 15,001 to 30,000 square feet 1,995.00 [A] •30,001 to 75,000 square feet 3,564.00 [A] •75,001 to 100,000 square feet 5,231.00 [A] • 100,001 to 150,000 square feet 7,451.00 [A] • 150,001 to 500,000 square feet 22,155.00 (A] • Over 500,001 square feet 26,106.00 [A] Standpipe systems only(no sprinkler system)per 100 333.00 [A] feet Fire pump acceptance testing 395.00 [A] Pressure reducingvalve acceptance testing 1,099.00 [A] Minor work on existing sprinkler system(1-5 91.00 [A] components) Minor work on existing sprinkler system(6-15 278.00 [A] components) Replace sprinkler heads(more than 15) •Up to 2,500 square feet 233.00 [A] •2,501 to 3,000 square feet 266.00 [A] •3,001 to 5,000 square feet 331.00 [A] •5,001 to 10,000 square feet 396.00 [A] • 10,001 to 15,000 square feet 462.00 [A] • 15,001 to 30,000 square feet 656.00 [A] • 30,001 to 75,000 square feet 1,441.00 [A] •75,001 to 100,000 square feet 2,094.00 [A] • 100,001 square feet and up 3,073.00 [A] 50-10(a) Fire alarm system based on area of work • Up to 2,500 square feet 415.00 [A] •2,501 to 3,000 square feet 489.00 [A] •3,001 to 5,000 square feet 558.00 [A] •5,001 to 10,000 square feet 749.00 [A] • 10,001 to 15,000 square feet 817.00 [A] • 15,001 to 30,000 square feet 1,013.00 [A] •30,001 to 75,000 square feet 1,536.00 [A] •75,001 to 100,000 square feet 2,029.00 [A] • 100,001 to 150,000 square feet 3,235.00 [A] • 150,001 to 500,000 square feet 9,511.00 [A] •500,001 to 1,000,000 square feet 11,599.00 [A] • Repair and replace fire alarm panel only • Up to 2,500 108.00 [A] •2,501 to 3,000 108.00 (A] •3,001 to 5,000 128.00 [A] •5,001 to 10,000 148.00 [A] • 10,001 to 15,000 148.00 [A] • 15,001 to 30,000 185.00 [A] •30,001 to 75,000 266.00 [A] •75,001 to 100,000 539.00 [A] • 100,001 to 150,000 629.00 [A] • 150,001 to 500,000 1,952.00 [A] •Over 500,000 2,264.00 [A] Installation of new single station smoke detectors • Under 5 devices, minimum 140.00 [A] • Up to 25 devices 620.00 [A] • Per additional 25 devices beyond the initial 25 or 415.00 [A] fraction thereof, above fee plus Minor work on existing fire alarm system(1-5 57.00 [A] components) Minorwork on existingfire alarm system(6-15 270.00 [A] components) 50-10(a) Fire suppression system. Localized suppression 328.00 [A] system(cooking hood, paint booth,etc.), per unit or system. Multiple systems in same area(i.e., kitchen) will be charged at 50%of above fee for each additional system 50-10(a) Fire suppression system. Room suppression system 852.00 [A] (computer hood,electrical rooms,etc.), per unit or syste m Minor work on existing fire suppression system (1-5 79.00 [A] components) 50-�a) BDA Bi-Directional Amplification IN-BUILDING PUBLIC RADIO ENHANCEMENT SYSTEMS PFiASE 1 SITE ASSESSMENT SURVEY BDA Initial Permit Submittal Fee 9� [A] Si�nal Strength Verification Review and Sy_stem 265.5b �A,l Acceptance Test, Per Inspector,Lper hour Re-acceptable/Re-Verification Test}Per Inspector _�er 293.95 hour PHASE 2 NEW BDA SYSTEM DES�GN AND REVIEW Initial Permit 97.00 [A] Submittal Fee Desi n Review and Site Rough Inspections 1 to 6 devices 19 .71 fA] 7 to 1_00 devices 331.58 �A,1 Over 100 devices 1.89�er jAl device Si nal Strength Verification Review and System 293.95 �A,l Acceotance Test�Pe_r Instructor�per hour Expedited Review/Inspection�not to exceed 4 hours_ 333.00 �A,l Ordinances - R5 G NIIANII gEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager DATE: September 17, 2025 9:35 a.m. Second Reading Public Hearing TITLE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, ENTITLED "FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION," BY AMENDING SECTION 50-10, TO ESTABLISH PERMITTING FEES TO RECOVER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLIANCE OF THE MINIMUM RADIO STRENGTH FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS IN ALL NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 633.202(18), FLORIDA STATUTES; AND FURTHER AMENDING SECTION 1-15, ENTITLED "FEE SCHEDULE," BY AMENDING APPENaIX "A" THEREOF, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PERMITTING FEES AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLIANCE OF THE MINIMUM RADIO STRENGTH FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS IN ALL NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS ; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEA�ER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. RECOMMENDATION The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission adopt the subject Ordinance. If adopted this ordinance will provide for a new section of Chapter 50 to establish a permit and fees to cover costs associated with addressing requirements set forth in State Statute 633.202(18) to comply with minimum radio communication strength in all new and existing buildings. BACKGROUND/HISTORY Pursuant to Florida Statute 633.202(18)(a), the State of Florida has established requirements that directly impact the City of Miami Beach concerning public safety communications coverage �n buildings. The statute specifies minimum performance standards for radio signal strength to ensure reliable communication for first responders. Under the statute, certain structures, including high-rise buildings, must undergo a signal survey assessment. The results of this assessment are reviewed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in this case, the Miami Beach Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division to determine whether technology must be integrated into existing building systems to enhance public safety communica+fons. Critical components of the statute, including definitions such as "high-rise building," are provided under F.S. 633.202(18) and the Florida Fire Prevention Code (Attachment A). As of January 1, 2025 compliance is required for all new and existing high-rise buildings. Where signal strength does not meet statutory minimums, buildings are required to install two-way radio communication enhancement systems, such as Bi-Directional Amplification (BDA) systems, to support reliable emergency communications. 468 of 1214 ANALYSIS Florida Statute 633.202 imposes responsibilities on the City to ensure compliance with public safety communication standards. The Fire department is tasked with reviewing BDA system plans, permitting installations, conducting on-site inspections during installation and commissioning, and performing periodic re-inspections to ensure ongoing system functionality. These activities represent a significant increase in workload for the Fire Prevention Division. To support these operational and administrative requirements, the proposed ordinance establishes a new permit category and fee structure specifically for BDA systems. The fee is intended to cover staff time for plan review and inspections, administrative processing, recordkeeping, and equipment and training needed to evaluate these systems (Attachment B). Without the fee, these costs would be absorbed by the City, and are expected to rise as more buildings pursue compliance. The City has evaluated comparable jurisdictions including Miami-Dade County, the City of Hialeah, and the City of Fort Lauderdale which have already implemented similar fees for BDA systems. The proposed fee is consistent with regional standards and similar to those of other municipalities. It is also structured to be assessed once every three years, minimizing the financial impact on building owners while supporting public safety compliance. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT The proposed fee structure will offset the costs associated with staff time dedicated to plan reviews and inspections, administrative processing and recordk�eping, as well as the equipment and training required to evaluate BDA systems. If the proposed fees are not adopted, the City would be responsible for these expenses, as more properties move toward compliance with the state statute. Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? No (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY) If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: 9J5/2025 See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.qov/city-hall/city-clerk/meetinq-notices/ FINANCIAL INFORMATION N/A CONCLUSION The adoption of these amendments to the Fire Prevention Fee Schedule is recommended to ensure effective processing of structure survey submissions and signal booster applications, offset costs related to site visit/inspection requests, and align the City of Miami Beach Fire Fees with fee structure approaches adopted by other nearby municipalities. Applicable Area 469 of 1214 Citywide Is this a "Residents Riqht to Know" item, Is this item related to a G.O. Bond pursuant to Citv Code Sectian 2-17? Proiect? Yes No Was this Aqenda Item initiallv requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal enqaqed in lobbyinq? No If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): Department Fire Sponsor(s) Mayor Steven Meiner Co-sponsor(s) Condensed Title 9:35 a.m. 2nd Rdg, Ch. 50, Fire Prevention/Radio Enhancement. (Meiner) FD Previous Action (For Citv Clerk Use Onlv) First Reading Public Hearing on 9/3/2025 - R5 N 470 of 1214 Select Year: 2024 � Go The 2024 Florida Statutes (including 2025 Special Session C) Title XXXVII Chapter 633 View Entire Chapter INSURANCE FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL 633.202 Florida Fire Prevention Code.— (1) The State Fire Marshal shall adopt, by rule pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, the Florida Fire Prevention Code which shatl contain or incorporate by reference all firesafety taws and rules that pertain to and govern the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, and demolition of public and private buildings, structures, and facilities and the enforcement of such firesafety laws and rules. The State Fire Marshal shatl adopt a new edition of the Florida Fire Prevention Code every third year. (2) The State Fire Marshat shall adopt the current edition of the Nationat Fire Protection Association's Standard 1, Fire Prevention Code but may not adopt a building, mechanical, accessibility, or plumbing code. The State Fire Marshal shall adopt the current edition of the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, current editions, by reference. The State Fire Marshal may modify the selected codes and standards as needed to accommodate the specific needs of the scate. Standards or criteria in the selected codes �hall be similarly incorporated by reference. The State Fire Marshal shall incorporate within sections of the Ftorida Fire Prevention Code provisions that address uniform firesafety standards as established in s. 633.206. The State Fire Marshal shall incorporate within sections of the Florida Fire Prevention Code provisions addressin� regional and local concerns and variations. (3) No later than 180 days before th� triennial adoption of the Ftorida Fire Prevention Code, the State Fire Marshal shall notify each municipal, county, and special district fire department of the triennial code adoption and steps necessary for local amendments to be inctuded within the code. No later than 120 days before the triennial adoption of the Ftarida Fire Prevention Code, each local jurisdiction shall provide the State Fire Marshal with copies of its local fire code amendments. The State Fire Marshal has the option to process local fire code amendments that are received less than 120 days before the adoption date of the Florida Fire Prevention Code. (a) The State Fire Marshal shalt review or cause the review of local amendments to determine: 1. If the local amendment should be adopted as a statewide provision; 2. That the tocal amendment does not provide a lesser de�ree of lifesafety than the code otherwise provides; and 3. That the local amendment does not reference a different edition of the national fire codes or other national standard than the edition provided or referenced in the uniform or minimum firesafety codes adopted by the State Fire Marshat or prescribed by statute. (b) Any local amendment to the Ftorida Fire Prevention Code adopted by a locat government shalt be effective only until the adoption of the new edition of the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which shatl be every third year. At such time, the State Fire Marshat shall adopt such amendment as part of the Florida Fire Prevention Code or rescind the amendment. The State Fire Marshat shalt immediately notify the respective local government of the rescission of the amendment and the reason for the rescission. After receiving such notice, the respective local government may readopt the rescinded amendment. incorporation of tocal amendments as regional and local concerns and variations shall be considered as adoption of an amendment pursuant to this section. (4) The State Fire Marshat shalt update, by rule adopted pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 12 4, the Florida Fire Prevention Code every 3 years. Once initially adopted and subsequently updated, the Florida Fire Prevention Code shall be adopted for use statewide without adoptions by local governments. When updating the Florida Fire Prevention Code, the State Fire Marshal shatl consider chan�es made by the national model fire codes incorporated 471 of 1214 into the Florida Fire Prevention Code, the State Fire Marshal's own interpretations, declaratory statements, appellate decisions, and approved statewide and local technical amendments. (5) Upon the conclusion of a trienniat update to the Florida Fire Prevention Code and notwithstandin� any other provisions of taw, the State Fire Marshal may address the issues identified in this subsection by amending the Florida Fire Prevention Code, subject only to the rule adoption procedures of chapter 120. Followin� the approval of any amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code by the State Fire Marshal and publication on the State Fire Marshal's website, authorities having jurisdiction to enforce the Florida Fire Prevention Code may enforce the amendments to the code. The State Fire Marshal may approve onty amendments that are needed to address: (a) Confticts wrthin the updated Florida Fire Prevention Code; (b) Confticts between the updated Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Florida Building Code adopted pursuant to chapter 553; (c) The omission of Florida-specific amendments that were previously adopted in the Florida Fire Prevention Code; or (d) Unintended results from the integration of Florida-specific amendments that were previously adopted with the modet code. (6) The Florida Fire Prevention Code does not apply to, and no code enforcement action shall be brought with respect to, zoning requirements or land use requirements. Additionally, a local code enforcement agency may not administer or enforce the Florida Fire Prevention Code to prevent the siting of any publicly owned facility, including, but not limited to, correctional facilities, juvenile justice facitities, or state universities, community colteges, or public education facilities. This section shall not be construed to prohibit local government from imposing buitt-in fire protecti�n systems or fire related infrastructure requirements needed to Froperly protect the intended facitity. (7) Any local amendment adopted by a locat government must strengthen the Fire Prevention Code requirements of the minimum firesafety code. (8) Within 30 days after a local �ov�rnmer�t adopts a local amendment, the lc�at g���ernment must transmit the amendment to the Florida Building Commission and the State Fire Marshal. (9) The State Fire Marshal shall make rutes that implement this section and ss. 633.104 and 08 for the purpose of accomplishing the objectives set forth in those sections. (10) Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, if a county or a municipatity within that county adopts an ordinance providing for a local amendment to the Florida Fire Prevention Code and that amendment provides a higher level of protection to the public than the level specified in the Florida Fire Prevention Code, the local amendment becomes effective without approval of the State Fire Marshal and is not rescinded pursuant to this section, provided that the ordinance meets one or more of the followin� criteria: (a) The local authority has adopted, by ordinance, a fire service facitities and operation plan that outlines goals and objectives for related equipment, personnel, and capital improvement needs of the local authority related to the specific amendment for the next 5 years; (b) The local authority has adopted, oy ordinance, a provision requiring proportionate reduction in, or rebate or waivers of, impact or other fees or assessments levied on buildings that are built or modified in compliance with the more stringent firesafety standards required by the local amendment; or (c) The local authority has adopted, by ordinance, a growth management plan that requires buildings and structures to be equipped with more stringent firesafety requirements required by the local amendment when these firesafety requirements are used as the basis for ptanning infrastructure devetopment, uses, or housing densities. Except as provided in s. 36 3.206, the locat appeals process shalt be the venue if there is a dispute between parties affected by the provisions of the more strin�ent local firesafety amendment adopted as part of the Florida Fire Prevention Code pursuant to the authority in this subsection. Local amendments adopted pursuant to this subsection shalt be deemed local or regional variations and pubtished as such in the Florida Fire Prevention Code. The act of publishing localty adopted firesafety amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code may not be 472 of 1214 construed to mean that the State Fire Marshal approves or denies the authenticity or appropriateness of the locally adopted firesafety provision, and the burden of protecting the local firesafety amendment remains solely with the adopting tocat governmental authority. (11) The design of interior stairways within dwelling units, including stair tread width and riser height, landings, handrails, and guards, must be consistent with chapter 10 of the Florida Building Code. (12)(a) The State Fire Marshal shatt issue an expedited declaratory statement relating to interpretations of the Florida Fire Prevention Code according to the followin� guidelines: 1. The declaratory statement shall be rendered in accordance with s. 120.565, except that a final decision must be issued by the State Fire Marshal within 45 days after the division's receipt of a petition seeking an expedited declaratory statement. The State Fire Marshal shall give notice of the petition and the expedited declaratory statement or the denial of the petition in the next available issue of the Florida Administrative Register after the petition is filed and after the statement or denial is rendered. 2. The petitioner must be the owner of the disputed project or the owner's representative. 3. The petition for an expedited dectaratory statement must be: a. Related to an active project that is under construction or must have been submitted for a permit. b. The subject of a written notice citing a specific provision of the Florida Fire Prevention Code which is in dispute. c. Limited to a single question that is capable of being answered with a "yes" or "no" response. (b) A petition for a declaratory statement which does not meet all of the requirements of this subsection must be denied without prejudice. This subsection does not affect the right of the petitioner as a substantialty affected person tc seek a declaratory statement ander s. .1 4(i�). (13) A condominium, cooperative, or multifamily residential buitding that is less than four stories in height and has an exterior corridor providing a means of egress is exempt from installing a manual fire alarm system as required in s. 9.6 of the most recent edition of the Life Safety Code adopted in the Florida Fire Prevention Code. (14) The Legislature finds that the electronic filing o� construction plans will increase gcvernmental efficiency, reduce costs, and increase timeliness of processing permits. If the fire code administrator or fire official provides for electronic filing, any construction plans, drawings, specifications, reports, finat documents, or documents prepared or issued by a licensee may be dated and etectronically signed and sealed by the licensee in accordance with part I of chapter 668, and may be transmitted electronically to the fire code administrator or fire official for approval. (15) For one-story or two-story structures that are less than 10,000 square feet, whose occupancy is defined in the Ftorida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code as business or mercantile, a fire official shall enforce the wall fire-rating provisions for occupancy separation as defined in the Florida Building Code. (16)(a) As used in this subsection, the term: 1. "A�ricultural pole barn" means a nonresidential farm building in which 70 percent or more of the perimeter watts are permanently open and allow free ingress and egress. 2. "Dr�ne port" has the same meaning as provi�ed in s. 41(2). 3. "Nonresidential farm building" has the same meaning as provided in s. 06 4.50. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law: 1. A nonresidential farm building in which the occupancy is limited by the property owner to no more than 35 persons is exempt from the Florida Fire Prevention Code, including the national codes and Life Safety Code incorporated by reference. 2. An agricultural pote barn is exempt from the Florida Fire Prevention Code, including the nationat codes and the Life Safety Code incorporated by reference. 3. Except for an agricuttural pole barn, a structure on a farm, as defined in s. 2 .14(3)(c1, which is used by an owner for agritourism activity, as defined in s. 570.86, for which the owner receives consideration must be classified in one of the following classes: a. Class 1: A nonresidential farm buitding that is used by the owner 12 or fewer times per year for agritourism activity with up to 100 persons occupying the structure at one time. A structure in this class is subject to annual 473 of 1214 inspection for classification by the locat authority having jurisdiction. This class is not subject to the Florida Fire Prevention Code but is subject to rules adopted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to this section. b. Class Z: A nonresidential farm building that is used by the owner for agritourism activity with up to 300 persons occupyin� the structure at one time. A structure in this class is subject to annual inspection for classification by the tocal authority having jurisdiction. This class is not subject to the Florida Fire Prevention Code but is subject to rules adopted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to this section. c. Class 3: A structure or facility that is used primarily for housing, sheltering, or otherwise accommodating members of the generat public. A structure or facility in this ctass is subject to annual inspection for classification by the locat authority having jurisdiction. This ctass is subject to the Florida Fire Prevention Code. 4. A drone port is exempt from provisions of the Ftorida Fire Prevention Code, including national codes and the Life Safety Code incorporated by reference, concerning fire protection systems as defined in s. 633•10Z. (c) The State Fire Marshat shall adopt rules to administer this section, including, but not limited to: 1. The use of alternative lifesafety and fire prevention standards for structures in Classes 1 and 2; 2. Notification and inspection requirements for structures in Classes 1 and 2; 3. The application of the Ftorida Fire Prevention Code for structures in Class 3; and 4. Any other standards or rules deemed necessary in order to facilitate the use of structures for agritourism activities. (17) A te�t up to 900 square feet is exempt from the Ftorida Fire Prevention Code, inctuding the national codes incorporated by reference. (18}�a) The local authority having jurisdiction shatl determine the minimum radio si�nal strength for fire department .:ommunications in all ne�N and existing bui:dings. Two-way radio commun,�ation enhancemEnt systems or equivalent systems may be used to comply with the minimum radio signal strength requirements. However, two- way radio communication enhancement systems or equivalent systems are not required in apartment buildings 75 feet or less in height that are constructed using wood framing, provided that the building has less than 150 dwelling units and that all dwelling units discharge to the exterior or to a corridor that leads directly to �n exit as defined by the Florida Building Code. Evidence of wood frame construction shall be shown by the owner providing building permit documentation which identifies the construction type as wood frame. Existing hi�h-rise buitdings as defined by the Florida Building Code are not required to comply with minimum radio strength for fire department communications and two-way radio communication enhancement systems as required by the Ftorida Fire Prevention Code until January 1, 2025. However, by January 1, 2024, an existing high-rise building that is not in comptiance with the requirements for minimum radio stren�th for fire department communications must apply for an appropriate permit for the required installation with the tocal government agency having jurisdiction and must demonstrate that the building will become compliant by January 1, 2025. Existing high-rise apartment buildings are not required to comply untit January 1, 2025. However, existing high-ri5e apartment buildings are required to apply for the appropriate permit for the required communications installation by January 1, 2024. (b) Except as provided in this subsection, all new and existing buildings must meet the minimum radio signal strength requirements for pubtic safety agency communi�ations as provided in the Florida Fire PrCvention Code. (c) The local authority having jurisdiction as defined in the Florida Fire Prevention Code may require: 1. The installation of a two-way radio communication enhancement system in a new or existing buildin� if the interior of the building does not meet the minimum radio signal strength as required rn the Florida Fire Prevention Code. 2. An assessment of a new or existing building's interior radio coverage and signal strength, for purposes of determining the need for a two-way radio communication enhancement system within the building, not more frequently than once every 3 years for an existing hi�h-rise building and an existing building having more than 12,000 total gross square feet and once every 5 years for all other existing buildings, unless: a. Such buildin� undergoes Levet �II buitding alteration or rehabilitation as defined in the Florida Building Code; b. Such buitding undergoes reconstruction as determined by the Florida Fire Prevention Code; c. A public safety agency reports to the local authority having jurisdiction that the agency's communication devices failed to function correctly inside a building due to poor signal coverage; or 474 of 1214 d. A building is determined to be an imminent life safety threat to first responders. (d) Any modification to an existing system or any instaltation of a new sy5tem must have the express consent of the frequency licenseholder of the frequencies for which the system is intended to amptify. The consent must be maintained in a recordable format that can be presented to a Federal Communications Commission representative or other retevant agency investigating radio interference. (e) If public safety agency communications signal strength or delivered audio quality, as defined in the Florida Fire Prevention Code, is determined by the local authority having jurisdiction to be inadequate at the exterior of the building, a two-way radio communication enhancement system or minimum radio strength assessment is not required. (f) if a local authority having jurisdiction modifies its public safety emergency communication system such that modifications to existing two-way radio communication enhancement system installations are required, the local authority having jurisdiction must give owners of the existin� two-way radio communication enhancement systems at least 180 days' notice before requiring any modification. (g) Notwithstanding paragraph (f), a local authority having jurisdiction that requires an existing building to retrofit its two-way radio communication enhancement system after the effective dates in paragraph (a) must give the building owner at least 1 year to complete the retrofit. The 1-year period begins when the local authority having jurisdiction cites the building owner with a notice of code violation in accordance with chapter 162. (h) The foltowing occupancies or buildings are not required to meet minimum radio signal strength requirements or have a radio signal strength assessment far public safety agency communications: 1. One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. 2. Buildings having ess than 12,000 total gross square feet with no underground areas. 3. Apartments and transient public lodging establishments that are less than three stories high and that have direct access from the apartment or guest area to an exterior means of egress. 4. Wood frame apartment buitdings that are not required to install two-way radio communication enhancement systems or equivatent systems pursuant to paragraph (a). (i) The provisions of s. 633•208 and this section which authorize local adoption of more stringent requirements than those specified in the Ftorida Fire Prevention Code and minimum firesafety codes do not apply to the requirements in this subsection. The local authority having jurisdiction may not enforce requirements that are more stringent than those specified in the Florida Fire Prevention Code and this subsection with respect to the requirement for, design of, or installation of a two-way radio communication enhancement system. (j) The State Fire Marshal shall incorporate this subsection into the Florida Fire Prevention Code and may adopt rutes to implement, interpret, and enforce this subsection. (19) Areas of refuge shall be provided if required by the Florida Building Code, Accessibility. Required portions of an area of refuge shall be accessible from the space they serve by an accessible means of e�ress. (20)(a) In apartment occupancies with enclosed corridors served by interior or exterior exit stairs, doorstep refuse and recycling collection containers, which stand upright on their own and do not (eak liquids when standing upright, must be allowed in exit access corridors when all cf the fo!!owing conditions exist: 1. The maximum doorstep refuse and recycling collection container size does not exceed 13 gallons. 2. Waste, which is in a doorstep refuse and recycling collection container, is not placed in the exit access corridors for single periods exceeding 5 hours. 3. Doorstep refuse and recycling collection containers do not occupy the exit access corridors for single periods exceeding 1� hours. 4. Doorstep refuse and recycling coltection containers do not reduce the means of egress width below that required under NFPA Life Safety Code 101:31, as adopted under the Florida Fire Prevention Code. 5. Management staff have written poticies and procedures in place and enforce them to ensure compliance with this paragraph, and, upon request, provide a copy of such poticies and procedures to the authority having jurisdiction. (b) In apartment occupancies with open-air corridors or balconies served by exterior exit stairs, doorstep refuse and recycling collection containers, which stand upright on their own and do not leak liquids when standing 475 of 1214 upright, must be allowed in exit access corridors when all of the following conditions exist: 1. The maximum doorstep refuse and recycling collection container size does not exceed 27 gallons. 2. Waste, which is in a doorstep refuse and recyclin� collection container, is not placed in the exit access corridors for single periods ex�eeding 5 hours. 3. Doorstep refuse and recycling coltection containers do not reduce the means of egress width below that required under NFPA Life Safety Code 101:31, as adopted under the Florida Fire Prevention Code. 4. Management staff have written policies and procedures in place and enforce them to ensure compliance with this paragraph, and, upon request, provide a copy of such policies and procedures to the authority having jurisdiction. (c) The authority having jurisdiction may approve atternative containers and storage arrangements that are demonstrated to provide an equivalent level of safety to that provided under paragraphs (a) and (b). History. s. 58, ch. 98-287; ss. 102, 103, ch. 2000•141; s. 43, ch. 2001-186; s. 123, ch. 2005-2; s. 23, ch. 2005-147; s. 7, ch. 2006-65; s. 4, ch. 2008-192; s. 6, ch. 2010-174; s. 47, ch. 2010-176; s. t, ch. 2011-196; s. 17, ch. 2012-13; s. 54, ch. 2013-14; s. 1, ch. 2013-134; s. 21, ch. 2013-183; s. 27, ch. 2014-154; s. t, ch. 2016-83; s. 27, ch. 20t6-129; s. 1, ch. 2018-152; s. 4, ch. 2021-7; s. 25, ch. Z021-113; s. 1, ch. Z021-130; s. 55, ch. 2022-4; s. 1, ch. 2022•210; s. 3, ch. 2023-137; s. 2, ch. 2023-296; s. 27, ch. 2024-140. Note. Former s. 633.0215. Copyright ��� 1995-2025 The Florida Legislature • Privacy Statement • Contact Us 476 of 1214 •5.001 to 1QOW squarc�ec� '49.00 •SO,OOS!O 1S,'l00 SqudfY}PN[ $17.00 •15,001 to 30,000 squarefeet 1.013_00 �30.001 to 7i,000 square feet t,536.00 •75,001 to 500,000 square fee! 2,029.00 •100.001 eo.50,000 squarP/eet 3,135 00 •150,001 to i00,000 sQuare fert 9.511.W •SfH7,001:0 1,000,000 square fert 11,599.W •Repair and repiace fire a�arm pane�o��y •Up tc 2,500 108.00 •2,501 to 3.OW IOR.OG •3,001 to 5,000 128.� •5,001 to;U,OW 148.c� •10,001 to 15,000 148.00 •15,001 to 30,�0 185.W •30,001 to 75,000 266.00 •75,IX11 ta t00,000 539.00 •100,001 to:50,000 629.00 •150,001 to 500,000 1,957.00 •Over 500,000 2,26a.D0 Instaliation ot new vngle statwn smoke detecmre •Under 5 devices,m�inimum 140.00 •UO�0 25 devices 620 00 •ver addmonal 25 devices beyond[hr inrtinl ZS nr franion Mxeof,above fee plus 615.00 Minor wo�k on earsUng fre alarm syztem(1-5 components) 57.00 M�nor work on ewsting fire alarm system(6-15 componentc) 270.00 :�r suppress�on system LocalirrA s�nPrPas�nn syztvm(«�king hood,pa�nt bonth,e[c�,pe�u��t or S�-��(A! sys;em.Multipie systems in same area(i e.,kitchen)will be cha�ged a[SO%of above(ee fo�each add�tiona!sys!em 328.00 56-10(ai Fire s�pOre:slon sys[em.Room suppresvon system(eomputer hood,elxtrical room�.Pt�7 ;er un�t o� 852.00 sys[em Mmo�work o�eustVng fire suOP�ess�on system(1-5 compo�entsl ?9.00 50-10(b) Hydrant tlow test 326.00 50-10(r1 Occupanccontent vgn 326.00 50 lUld) �yrotxhnic display permit 291.00 Src[�nn o/this Desurpuon �Y70:5 Fee (odr S(�10(e� fireworks permit 429-OD i0-10(t) Open ouming pe�mrt 291.00 50-t0(g) Bonfire permit 195 00 50 10(h) SOeoa�events'ees�.5ee su6serbon i0-3(p� SQ-10(i1 T�nAa.hows jfee fo!e�en:plans covenn�MBCC or similar faciliry hall area or p�rt thereof� 202 OG SO-1017j S�dewalk cafes-7ropane[ank hearers per establiehment 35.00 50 30(k) Speoal master cases 136.00 �ocumen;s.Request;for:opies of departme�t rpcords,�nspection reports.�ogs a ot�e�>�m���.ar Ao._��me�ts ma�n�a��etl by 50 1001 the department w�ll be charged a�ee consis!ent w�rh�ubsec!�on 14-61(tl) Destription saso�o/�i) FY 2025 Fee Chapter 50.Fire PrCvention and ProtEttlOn 51- � p I Y r i 1 in f f T P I r 5 N I i P 97�(1 i .7 ner hour 50_I(NaNl1 50 17(a�—it•) Res�de�^���;o<cupancies�. Apartment hu��ldings. 3—li dwelting�n�ts 30.(h'1 12-50 dwe�irng omt_ 105 00 Over 50 dwehmg�niss i09.00 477 of 1214