This docum ent does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS
DATE: 1/10/2022
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: HB 669 Alarm Systems
SPONSOR(S): Maggard
TIED BILLS: IDEN./SIM. BILLS: SB 1140
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
1) Regulatory Reform Subcommittee Brackett Anstead
2) State Administration & Technology
Appropriations Subcommittee
3) Commerce Committee
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
Electrical contractors and alarm system contractors are certified by or registered with the Electrical
Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB) housed within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
An “alarm system” is defined as “any electrical device, signaling device, or combination of electrical devices
used to signal or detect a burglary, fire, robbery, or medical emergency.”
A fire alarm system agent is a person who is employed by a licensed fire alarm contractor or certified electrical
contractor, and performs duties that requires licensure as a fire alarm system contractor or certified electrical
contractor. A fire alarm system agent must have an identification card that must be renewed every two years.
A “low-voltage alarm system project” is a project related to work on a new or existing alarm system that is
hardwired and operating at low voltage or a new or existing low-voltage electric fence, and ancillary
components or equipment attached to such system or fence. Instead of needing a permit to work on a low-
voltage alarm system project, licensed electrical contractors and alarm system contractors need a permit label,
which does not require building plans and can be purchased in bulk.
The bill:
Reduces the training to become a fire alarm system agent and the training to renew a identification
card, if the person or agent has a certain fire alarm system certification from the National Institute of
Certification in Engineering Technologies or the Electronic Security Association.
Provides that permits for the alteration of a fire alarm system with 20 or fewer initiating and
notification devices and permits for the installation or repair of a fire communicator to certain
existing fire alarm control panels, must be issued over the counter or online:
o A person who receives a permit for such work must keep shop drawings or other required
documentation on site at the time of the inspection.
Clarifies that low-voltage alarm system project includes closed-circuit television systems used to
signal or detect a burglary, fire, robbery, or medical emergency.
The bill does not appear to have a fiscal impact on state and local governments.
The bill provides for an effective date of July 1, 2022. STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 2
DATE: 1/10/2022
FULL ANALYSIS
I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS
A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
Electrical and Alarm System Contractors – Current Situation
Contractors are regulated by ch. 489, F.S., which outlines the law pertaining to contractors in the state
of Florida. Part I of ch. 489, F.S., covers contracting regulated by the Construction Industry Licensing
Board (CILB) and pt. II of ch. 489, F.S., covers contracting regulated by the Electrical Contractors’
Licensing Board (ECLB). Both boards are housed in the Department of Business and Professional
Regulation (DBPR).
Electrical contractors, alarm system contractors, and electrical specialty contractors are certified by or
registered with the ECLB. Certified contractors can practice statewide and are licensed and regulated
by ECLB. Registered contractors are licensed and regulated by a local jurisdiction and may practice
within that locality.
1
Electrical contractors may work on electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, and
conduits which generate, transmit, transform, or utilize electrical energy in any form.
2
Alarm system contractors may lay out, fabricate, install, maintain, alter, repair, monitor, inspect,
replace, or service alarm systems. An “alarm system” is defined as “any electrical device, signaling
device, or combination of electrical devices used to signal or detect a burglary, fire, robbery, or medical
emergency.”
3
There are two types of alarm system contractors:
4
Alarm system contractor I:
o An alarm system contractor I is a contractor whose business includes all types of alarm
systems for all purposes, including fire alarms.
Alarm system contractor II:
o An alarm system contractor II is a contractor whose business includes all types of alarm
systems for all purposes, except fire alarms.
Electrical certified specialty contractors are contractors whose scope of work is limited to a particular
phase of electrical contracting, such as electrical signs. Certified electrical specialty contractors can
practice statewide. The ECLB creates electrical certified specialty contractor licenses through
rulemaking, and has created the following certified specialty contractor licenses:
5
Lighting maintenance specialty contractor;
Sign specialty electrical contractor;
Residential electrical contractor;
Limited energy systems specialty contractor; and
Utility line electrical contractor.
The scope of work for certified electrical contractors includes any work that an alarm system
contractor is able to perform.
6
1
See generally s. 489.505, F.S.
2
Ss. 489.505(12) & 489.537(7), F.S.
3
S. 489.505(1)-(2), F.S.
4
S. 489.505(2)(a) and (b), F.S.; Email from Conner Mann, Legislative Affairs Coordinator, Department of Business and
Professional Regulation, RE: Alarm System Contractors (Jan. 4, 2021).
5
S. 489.505(19), & 489.511(4), F.S; Rule 61G6-7.001, F.A.C.
6
S. 489.537(7), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 3
DATE: 1/10/2022
Registered electrical contractors may install raceways for alarm systems.
7
They may also bid on
electrical contracts, which include alarm systems as part of the contract, but they must subcontract the
work on such alarm systems to an alarm system contractor.
8
Fire Alarm System Agents
A “fire alarm system agent” is a person:
9
Who is employed by a licensed fire alarm contractor or certified electrical contractor;
Who is performing duties which are an element of an activity that constitutes fire alarm system
contracting requiring licensure as an alarm contractor or certified electrical contractor; and
Whose specific duties include any of the following: altering, installing, maintaining, moving,
repairing, replacing, servicing, selling, or monitoring a fire alarm system for compensation.
In order to be a fire alarm system agent, a person must:
10
Be at least 18 years of age or have evidence of a court-approved declaration of emancipation;
Have not been convicted within the last 3 years of a crime that directly relates to the business
for which employment is being sought.
o A certified electrical contractor or licensed fire alarm contractor must obtain a completed
fingerprint and criminal background check from the Department of Law Enforcement
(DLE) for each applicant for employment as a fire alarm system agent.
Have not been committed for controlled substance abuse or been found guilty of a crime related
to controlled substances within the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of application
for employment, unless the person establishes that he or she is not currently abusing any
controlled substance and has successfully completed a rehabilitation course.
Have completed a minimum of 14 hours of training from an ECLB approved provider.
o The training must include basic fire alarm system technology in addition to related
training in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards and access
control training, with at least 2 hours of training in the prevention of false alarms.
A person is not required to complete the required training to be a fire alarm system agent if they are:
A certified electrical contractor;
A registered electrical contractor who is doing electrical work up to the alarm panel;
A certified or registered fire alarm system contractor;
A journeyman electrician licensed by a local government;
An alarm technician licensed by a local government that requires an examination and
experience/training as a qualification for licensure;
A non-supervising employee working as a helper or apprentice under direct, onsite, supervision
by one of the above licensed individuals;
A burglar alarm system agent employed by a fire alarm system contractor or certified electrical
contractor; or
Only monitoring a fire alarm.
7
A “raceway” is an enclosed channel designed to hold wires, cables, or busbars. Mike Holt, Understanding Raceways,
EC&M (Feb. 13, 2018) https://www.ecmweb.com/national-electrical-code/code-basics/article/20903368/understanding-
raceways#:~:text=The%20NEC%20defines%20a%20raceway,permitted%20in%20this%20Code%20%5 BArt. (last visited
Jan. 4, 2021).
8
S. 489.537(2)(b), F.S.
9
S. 489.505(28), F.S.
10
S. 489.5185(1), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 4
DATE: 1/10/2022
A certified electrical contractor or licensed fire alarm contractor must furnish each of his or her fire
alarm system agents with an identification card. A fire alarm system agent must have their identification
card in their possession while engaged in fire alarm system agent duties.
11
The card shall must be in a format approved by the ECLB, and must include:
12
a picture of the agent;
the name of the agent;
the name and license number of the certified unlimited electrical contractor or licensed fire alarm
contractor;
name and address of the business organization; and
the signature of the contractor and the agent.
Each identification card is valid for 2 years after the date of issuance, and must be renewed every 2
years. In order to renew an identification card a fire alarm system agent must:
13
Have an updated criminal background check from DLE.
Complete 6 hours of continuing education on fire alarm system installation and repair and
false alarm prevention every 2 years from an ECLB approved sponsor and training course.
National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
NICET is an organization that was established in 1961 to create certification for engineering technicians
and technologists. According to NICET’s website, over 148,000 technicians and technologists have
received NICET certification.
14
Currently, NICET offers engineering technician certification in the following fire protections areas:
15
Fire alarm systems;
Inspection and testing of fire alarm systems;
Inspection and testing of water-based systems;
Special hazards systems; and
Water-based systems layout.
Currently, there are four levels of fire alarm system certification with Level I being the lowest and Level
IV being the highest, and there are two levels of inspection and testing of fire alarm systems with Level
I being the lowest and Level II being the highest.
In order to obtain a Level II fire alarm certification, a person must:
16
Pass an exam; and
Have at least 2 years of fire detection and signaling systems experience, which must include at
least 12 months of fire alarm systems experience, including alarm and detection, notification,
sprinkler monitoring, and interfaces and controls for agent releasing.
11
S. 489.5185(4), F.S.
12
S. 489.5185(4), F.S.; R. 61G6-12.003, F.A.C.
13
S. 489.5185(4) and (5), F.S.
14
NICET, About Us, https://www.nicet.org/about-us/ (last visited Dec. 30, 2021).
15
NICET, Certification Programs, https://www.nicet.org/certification-programs/ (last visited Dec. 30, 2021).
16
NICET, Certification Requirements, https://www.nicet.org/certification-programs/electrical-and-mechanical-systems/fire-
alarm-systems/certification-requirements/ (last visited on Dec. 30, 2021). STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 5
DATE: 1/10/2022
In order to obtain a Level II inspection and testing of fire alarm systems certification, a person must:
17
Pass an exam; and
Have at least 18 months of experience in the inspection and testing of fire alarm and
suppression systems.
NICET certifications must be recertified every three years. Recertification is completed by upgrading a
certification or completing at least two of the following:
18
Performing the associated technical tasks of the certification practice area as part of a person’s
main job;
Completing additional education;
Performing activities that advance the profession such as being a course instructor or serving
on a committee;
Working towards upgrading a certification or obtaining an additional NICET certification in a
related area; or
Passing a special recertification exam.
Electronic Security Association (ESA)
ESA is an organization that was established in 1948 to represent the electronic security and life safety
industry. According to ESA’s website, they are the largest trade association in the U.S., with more than
500,000 industry professionals employed by ESA member companies.
19
Currently, ESA offers certification in the following fire protection areas:
20
Certified Alarm Technician Level I;
Certified Fire Alarm Technician Level II Fire;
Certified Fire Alarm Designer Level III Fire; and
Certified Residential Fire Alarm Inspector.
In order to obtain certification as a Fire Alarm Technician Level II, a person must:
21
Be certified as an ESA Alarm Technician Level I;
Have 24 months of work history or have been certified as an ESA Alarm Technician Level I for
24 months or more; and
Have completed the following two courses within the previous five years:
o Fire Alarm Installation Methods course and pass the examination.
o Life Safety Code course or International Building Code course and pass examination.
In order to obtain certification as a Fire Alarm Designer Technician Level III, a person must:
22
Be certified as an ESA Fire Alarm Technician Level II;
Have 60 months of work history in the field of fire alarms;
Have a personal recommendation; and
Have completed the Fire Alarm Designer course and pass the examination.
17
NICET, Certification Requirements, https://www.nicet.org/certification-programs/electrical-and-mechanical-
systems/inspection-and-testing-of-fire-alarm-systems/certification-requirements/ (last visited Dec. 30, 2021).
18
NICET, Recertify, https://www.nicet.org/recertify/ (last visited Dec. 30, 2021).
19
ESA, About Us, https://esaweb.org/about/ (last visited Jan. 3, 2021).
20
ESA, ESA Certifications for Security, Sales and Fire, https://esaweb.org/training/certifications/certification-types/ (last
visited Jan. 3, 2022).
21
ESA, ESA Certified Fire Alarm Technician Level 2 (CFAT), https://esaweb.org/training/certifications/cfat/ (last visited
Jan. 3, 2022).
22
ESA, Certified Fire Alarm Designer (CFAD) Level III Fire Certification, https://esaweb.org/training/certifications/cfad/
(last visited Jan. 3, 2021). STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 6
DATE: 1/10/2022
ESA certifications must be renewed every two years. Renewal is completed by completing 24 ESA
approved continuing education hours.
23
Electrical and Alarm System Contractors – Effect of the Bill
The bill reduces the number of hours an applicant for employment as a fire alarm system agent is
required to complete to 2 hours of training in the prevention of false alarms, from 14 hours of training, if
the person holds a:
Current Level II or higher NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems or Inspection and Testing in
Fire Alarm Systems; or
Current ESA Fire Alarm Technician or Fire Alarm Designer certification.
The bill also reduces the number of hours a fire alarm system agent is required to complete, in order to
renew their identification card, to 2 hours of training in the prevention of false alarms from 6 hours of
training, if the agent holds one of the above certifications.
Alarm System Building Permits – Current Situation
State Fire Marshal
Florida’s fire prevention and control law, ch. 633, F.S., designates the state’s Chief Financial Officer as
the State Fire Marshal. The State Fire Marshal, through the Division of State Fire Marshal (Division)
located within the Department of Financial Services (DFS), is charged with enforcing the provisions of
ch. 633, F.S., and all other applicable laws relating to fire safety, and has the responsibility to minimize
the loss of life and property in this state due to fire.
24
Pursuant to this authority, the State Fire Marshal
regulates, trains, and certifies fire service personnel and fire safety inspectors; investigates the causes
of fires; enforces arson laws; regulates the installation of fire equipment; conducts fire safety
inspections of state property; and operates the Florida State Fire College.
The State Fire Marshal also adopts by rule the Florida Fire Prevention Code (Fire Prevention Code),
which contains all fire safety laws and rules that pertain to the design, construction, erection, alteration,
modification, repair, and demolition of public and private buildings, structures, and facilities, and the
enforcement of such fire safety laws and rules.
25
The State Fire Marshall adopts a new edition of the Fire Prevention Code every three years. When
adopting a new edition of the Fire Prevention Code, the State Fire Marshal must adopt the most recent
version of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1, Fire Prevention Code, and the
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.
26
23
ESA, How to Renew Your ESA Certification, https://esaweb.org/training/certification-renewal/#qualifying (last visited
Dec. 31, 2021).
24
S. 633.104, F.S.
25
S. 633.202(1) and (2), F.S.
26
Id. The NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. Founded in 1896, the NFPA delivers information and
knowledge through no more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and
advocacy. NFPA, About NFPA, https://www.nfpa.org/about-nfpa (last visited Jan. 4, 2022). STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 7
DATE: 1/10/2022
State law requires all municipalities, counties, and special districts with fire safety responsibilities to
enforce the Fire Prevention Code as the minimum fire prevention code to operate uniformly among
local governments and in conjunction with the Florida Building Code.
27
Each county, municipality, and
special district with fire safety enforcement responsibilities must employ or contract with a fire safety
inspector (certified by the State Fire Marshal) to conduct all fire safety inspections required by law.
The Florida Building Code
In 1974, Florida adopted legislation requiring all local governments to adopt and enforce a minimum
building code that would ensure that Florida’s minimum standards were met. Local governments could
choose from four separate model codes. The state’s role was limited to adopting all or relevant parts of
new editions of the four model codes. Local governments could amend and enforce their local codes,
as they desired.
28
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew demonstrated that Florida’s system of local codes did not work. Hurricane
Andrew easily destroyed those structures that were allegedly built according to the strongest code. The
Governor eventually appointed a study commission to review the system of local codes and make
recommendations for modernizing the system. The 1998 Legislature adopted the study commission’s
recommendations for a single state building code and enhanced the oversight role of the state over
local code enforcement. The 2000 Legislature authorized implementation of the Florida Building Code
(Building Code), and that first edition replaced all local codes on March 1, 2002.
29
The current edition of
the Building Code is the seventh edition, which is referred to as the 2020 Florida Building Code.
30
Chapter 553, part IV, F.S., is known as the “Florida Building Codes Act” (Act). The purpose and intent
of the Act is to provide a mechanism for the uniform adoption, updating, interpretation, and
enforcement of a single, unified state building code. The Building Code must be applied, administered,
and enforced uniformly and consistently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
31
The Florida Building Commission (Commission) was statutorily created to implement the Building
Code. The Commission, which is housed within DBPR, is a 19-member technical body made up of
design professionals, contractors, and government experts in various disciplines covered by the
Building Code. The Commission reviews several International Codes published by the International
Code Council,
32
the National Electric Code, and other nationally adopted model codes to determine if
the Building Code needs to be updated and adopts an updated Building Code every three years.
33
Enforcement of the Florida Building Code
It is the intent of the Legislature that local governments have the power to inspect all buildings,
structures, and facilities within their jurisdiction in protection of the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
34
Every local government must enforce the Building Code and issue building permits.
35
It is unlawful for a person, firm, or corporation to construct, erect, alter, repair, secure, or demolish any
building without first obtaining a building permit from the local government or from such persons as
27
The Florida Building Code is the statewide building code for all construction in the state. Every local government must
enforce the Florida Building Code and issue building permits. See generally ch. 553, F.S.
28
The Florida Building Commission Report to the 2006 Legislature, Florida Department of Community Affairs, p. 4,
http://www.floridabuilding.org/fbc/publications/2006_Legislature_Rpt_rev2.pdf (last visited Jan. 4, 2022).
29
Id.
30
Florida Building Commission Homepage, https://floridabuilding.org/c/default.aspx (last visited Jan. 4, 2022).
31
See s. 553.72(1), F.S.
32
The International Code Council (ICC) is an association that develops model codes and standards used in the design,
building, and compliance process to “construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.” International Code
Council, About the ICC, https://www.iccsafe.org/about/who-we-are/ (last visited Jan. 4, 2022).
33
Ss. 553.73, and 553.74, F.S.
34
S. 553.72, F.S.
35
Ss. 125.01(1)(bb), 125.56(1), and 553.80(1), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 8
DATE: 1/10/2022
may, by resolution or regulation, be directed to issue such permit, upon the payment of reasonable fees
as set forth in a schedule of fees adopted by the enforcing agency.
36
To obtain a building permit an applicant must complete an application for the proposed work on the
form furnished by the government entity.
37
A local government that issues building permits must post
each type of building permit application on its website.
38
A building permit is an official document or certificate issued by the local building official that authorizes
performance of a specific activity.
39
A building official is a local government employee or a person
contracted by a government entity who supervises building code activities, including plans review,
enforcement, and inspection.
40
Any construction work that requires a building permit also requires building plans and inspections by
the building official to ensure the work complies with the Building Code.
41
Generally speaking, a
permitted project that passes the required inspections is considered completed or closed.
42
Uniform Fire Alarm Permit
Fire protection systems, including fire alarms, must be installed, repaired, operated, and maintained in
accordance with the Fire Prevention Code and the Building Code.
43
An electrical or alarm system contractor must file a uniform fire alarm permit application with a local
government in order to obtain a fire alarm permit.
44
The Uniform Fire Alarm Permit Application must include the following information:
45
The name and address of the owner of the property;
The name, address, and license number of the contractor;
A description sufficient to identify the property to be improved, including the property’s address
and legal description;
A description of the work being performed; and
The owner and the contractor’s signature.
An electrical or alarm system contractor cannot install or replace a fire alarm until they obtain a fire
alarm permit. However, an electrical or alarm system contractor may make repairs on a fire alarm
without a fire alarm permit, as long as they have applied for the permit.
46
Time-Period to Review Building Permit Applications
Current law requires local governments to review the following building permit applications within a
specific time-period of receiving the applications:
47
36
See ss. 125.56(4)(a) and 553.79(1), F.S.
37
S. 713.135(5) and (6), F.S.
38
Ss. 125.56(4)(b) and 553.79(1), F.S.
39
S. 468.603(2), F.S; Section 202 of the Seventh edition of the Florida Building Code (Building).
40
S. 468.603(2), F.S.; Section 202 of the Seventh edition of the Florida Building Code (Building).
41
Sections 107, 110.1, and 110.3 of the Seventh edition of the Florida Building (Building).
42
Doug Wise, Closing Inactive & Excluded Building Permits, Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building
Department, Building Division, http://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/building/BuildingCodes/PBO-
126%20%E2%80%93%20Closing%20Inactive%20and%20Excluded%20Building%20Permits .pdf (last visited Jan. 4,
2022).
43
Sections 202 and 901.2 of the Seventh edition of the Florida Building Code (Building).
44
S. 553.7921(1); Ch. 19-140, Laws of Fla.
45
S. 553.7921(3), F.S.
46
S. 553.7921(1) and (2), F.S.
47
S. 553.792(2), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 9
DATE: 1/10/2022
accessory structure;
alarm permit;
nonresidential buildings less than 25,000 square feet;
electric;
irrigation permit;
landscaping;
mechanical;
plumbing;
residential units other than a single family unit;
multifamily residential not exceeding 50 units;
roofing;
signs;
site-plan approvals and subdivision plats not requiring public hearings or public notice; and
lot grading and site alteration associated with a permit application.
When a local government receives an application for one of the above building permits, it must:
48
Inform the applicant within 10 days of receiving the application, what information, if any, is
needed to complete the application.
o If the local government fails to provide written notice to the applicant within the 10-day
window, the application is deemed to be properly completed.
Notify the applicant within 45 days of the application being deemed complete, if additional
information is necessary to determine the sufficiency of the application;
o If additional information is needed the local government must specify what additional
information is necessary.
o The applicant may submit the additional information to the local government or request
that the local government act on the application without the additional information.
Approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application within 120 days following receipt of
the completed application.
o This period is tolled during the time an applicant is responding to a request for additional
information and may be extended by mutual consent of the parties.
Over-the-Counter Permits
Generally, over-the-counter permits are building permits that need minimal or no plans reviewed by the
local building official. However, an applicant must still fill out an application, and inspections are still
required to close or complete the permit. Local government officials typically determine what types of
permits qualify as over-the-counter permits for their jurisdictions. Over-the-counter permits can issued
in person or online depending on the jurisdiction.
49
Typically, an application for a permit must include building plans. A local enforcing agency may not
issue a permit until the building official or plans examiner has reviewed the building plans and
determined that they comply with the Building Code, unless the project is not required to have plans
reviewed by the local building official.
50
48
S. 553.792(1), F.S.
49
City of Boca Raton, Building Permits and Inspections, https://www.myboca.us/157/Building-Permits-and-Inspections
(last visited Jan. 4, 2022); Charlotte County, Permits, https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/community-
development/building-construction/permits/ (last visited Jan. 4, 2022); Nassau County, Over the Counter Building Permit
Application, https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/DocumentCenter/View/13935/Over-the-Counter-Permit (last visited Jan. 4
2022); City of Sarasota, Building and Permitting Online Services,
https://ftgportal.sarasotafl.gov/Permits/Home.aspx?microapp=c (last visited on Jan. 4, 2022).
50
S. 553.79(2), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 10
DATE: 1/10/2022
Permits for the following projects are not required to have plans reviewed by the local building official:
51
Replacing existing equipment such as mechanical units, water heaters, etc.
Reroofs.
Minor electrical, plumbing and mechanical repairs.
Annual maintenance permits.
Prototype plans:
o Except for local site adaptions, siding, foundations and/or modifications, and structures
that require a waiver.
Manufactured buildings plan except for foundations and modifications of buildings on site.
Alarm System Building Permits – Effect of the Bill
The bill provides that all permits for the following work must be issued over-the-counter or online:
A fire alarm system alteration of a total of 20 or fewer initiating devices and notification devices.
The installation or replacement of a fire communicator
52
connected to an existing fire alarm
control panel
53
in an existing commercial building, apartment, or condominium.
A person who receives an electrical or fire permit for must keep shop drawings or other required
documentation on site at the time of the inspection.
Low-Voltage Alarm Systems – Current Situation
A “low-voltage alarm system project” is a project related to the installation, maintenance, inspection,
replacement, or service of a new or existing alarm system, and attached ancillary components, that is
hardwired and operating at low voltage, or a new or existing low-voltage electric fence, and ancillary
components or equipment attached to such a system or fence, including, but not limited to, home-
automation equipment, thermostats, closed-circuit television systems, access controls, battery
recharging devices, and video cameras.
54
Current law streamlines the permitting process for the installation of low-voltage alarm system
projects that require a building permit. Instead of being required to obtain a building permit, licensed
electrical and alarm system contractors may purchase uniform basic permit labels from local
governments without providing detailed information about a project.
55
A contractor may purchase labels in bulk for one or more unspecified current or future projects. Permit
labels are valid for one year and may only be used in the jurisdiction of the local government that
issued the permit label.
56
Local governments may not charge more than $40 per permit label per project, and may not request
any information in order to obtain permit labels except a contractor’s identification information and proof
of licensure. A local government may not require any other charge associated with the installation or
replacement of a new or existing hardwired, low-voltage alarm system project.
57
51
S. 107.3.5 of the Seventh edition of the Florida Building Code (Building).
52
A “fire alarm communicator” is a device that automatically contacts first responders, if a fire is detected. Norris Inc.,
https://norrisinc.com/2016/08/12/alarm-system-communicators/ (last visited Jan. 5, 2022).
53
A “fire alarm control unit” serves as the brain of the fire alarm system. It is a component of a fire alarm system that
receives signals from initiating devices or other fire alarm control units, and processes these signals to determine part or
all of the required fire alarm system output. National Fire Protection Association, A Guide to Fire Alarm Basics,
https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-
Posts/2021/03/03/A-Guide-to-Fire-Alarm-Basics (last visited Jan. 3, 2022).
54
S. 553.793(1), F.S.
55
S. 553.793(5), F.S.
56
Id.
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Id. STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 11
DATE: 1/10/2022
Licensed electrical and alarm system contractors do not have to notify a local government about a low-
voltage alarm system project prior to commencing work on the project. However, a contractor must post
an unused permit label in a conspicuous place on the premises before commencing work on the
project.
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After completion of a low-voltage alarm system project, a contractor must submit a Uniform Notice of a
Low Voltage Alarm System Project to the local government. A local enforcement government may take
disciplinary action against a contractor who fails to timely submit the required notice.
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A local enforcement agency may coordinate directly with the property owner or customer for inspection
of a low-voltage alarm system project. If a project fails an inspection, the contractor must take
corrective action in order to pass the inspection.
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A permit label is not required for any subsequent maintenance, inspection, or service of a low-voltage
alarm system project that has a permit label.
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Low-Voltage Alarm Systems – Effect of the Bill
The bill clarifies that a low-voltage alarm system project includes closed-circuit television systems used
to signal or detect a burglary, fire, robbery, or medical emergency.
B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
Section 1. Amends s. 489.5185, F.S., relating to fire alarm system agents.
Section 2. Amends s. 553.793, F.S., relating to streamlined low-voltage alarm system installation
permitting.
Section 3. Creates s. 553.7932, F.S., relating to simplified permitting process for fire alarm system
alterations.
Section 4. Providing an effective date of July 1, 2022.
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
58
S. 553.793(6) & (7), F.S.
59
Id.
60
S. 553.793(9), F.S.
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S. 553.793(11), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h0669.RRS PAGE: 12
DATE: 1/10/2022
C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
The bill may have a positive economic impact on persons applying to be employed as a fire alarm
agents, and fire alarm agents, who have a current Level II or higher NICET certification in Fire Alarm
Systems or Inspection and Testing in Fire Alarm Systems or a current ESA Fire Alarm Technician or
Fire Alarm Designer certification. Such persons or fire alarm agents will not have to pay for more than 2
training hours in order to be employed as a fire alarm agent or to renew a fire alarm agent identification
card.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
None.
III. COMMENTS
A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:
1. Applicability of Municipality/County Mandates Provision:
Not applicable. This bill does not appear to require counties or municipalities to spend funds or take
action requiring the expenditures of funds; reduce the authority that counties or municipalities have
to raise revenues in the aggregate; or reduce the percentage of state tax shared with counties or
municipalities.
2. Other:
None.
B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
None.
C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
“Over the counter” is not used or defined in the Florida Building Codes Act. It is recommended that in
order to prevent confusion, the bill be amended to clarify the meaning of “over the counter.”
IV. AMENDMENTS/COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES