The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Rules
BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140
INTRODUCER: Banking and Insurance Committee; Regulated Industries Committee and Senator Perry
SUBJECT: Alarm Systems
DATE: February 8, 2022
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Kraemer Imhof RI Fav/CS
2. Arnold Knudson BI Fav/CS
3. Kraemer Phelps RC Favorable
Please see Section IX. for Additional Information:
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE - Substantial Changes
I. Summary:
CS/CS/SB 1140 reduces the initial training and continuing education requirements for fire alarm
system agents with certain specialized certifications or training relating to fire alarm systems.
Eligible agents need only meet a requirement for two hours of training in false alarms prevention
required by s. 489.5185(1)(b), F.S.
The bill amends the definition of a low-voltage alarm system project to include video cameras
and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems used to signal or detect a burglary, fire, robbery, or
medical emergency. Such systems use a closed circuit for the signal rather than the typical open
transmission used in broadcast television.
The bill establishes an expedited permitting process for fire alarm system alterations, requiring
the issuance, in person or electronically, of permits in specified circumstances.
The bill is effective July 1, 2022.
II. Present Situation:
Licensed Alarm System Contractors
Part II of ch. 489, F.S., dealing with electrical and alarm system contracting, sets forth
requirements for qualified persons to be licensed if they have sufficient technical expertise in the
REVISED: BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 2
applicable trade, and have been tested on technical and business matters.
1
The Electrical
Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB) within the Department of Business and Professional
Regulation (DBPR) is responsible for licensing and regulating electrical and alarm system
contractors in Florida under part II of ch. 489, F.S.
2
An electrical contractor is a person whose business includes the electrical trade field and who has
the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, repair, alter, add to, or design, in compliance with
law, electrical wiring, fixtures, and appliances, and any related part, which generates, transmits,
or uses electrical energy, in compliance with applicable plans, specifications, codes, laws, and
regulations.
3
The term “electrical contractor” also includes any person, firm, or corporation that
engages in the business of electrical contracting under an expressed or implied contract or that
undertakes, offers to undertake, or submits a bid to engage in the business of alarm contracting.
4
An alarm system is any electrical device, signaling device, or combination of electrical devices
used to signal or detect a burglary, fire, robbery, or medical emergency.
5
Licensure of electrical
and alarm systems contractors is required, and applicants must have sufficient technical
experience and be tested on technical and business matters.
An alarm system contractor is a person whose business includes the execution of contracts
requiring the ability, experience, science, knowledge, and skill to conduct all alarm services for
compensation, for all types of alarm systems for all purposes.
6
The term “alarm system
contractor” also includes any person, firm, or corporation that engages in the business of alarm
contracting under an expressed or implied contract, or that undertakes, offers to undertake, or
submits a bid to engage in the business of alarm contracting.
7
An alarm system contractor whose business includes all types of alarm systems for all purposes
is designated as an “alarm system contractor I, including fire alarm systems;” the practice area of
an “alarm system contractor II” is identical except that it does not include fire alarm systems.
8
The terms “registered alarm system contractor,” and “registered electrical contractor” mean those
contractors who have registered with the DBPR and met competency requirements for their trade
category in the particular jurisdiction for which the registration is issued. Registered contractors
may contract only in the jurisdiction for which the registration is issued.
9
The term “certification” means the act by a contractor obtaining or holding a geographically
unlimited certificate of competency from the DBPR.
10
When an alarm system contractor is
certified, the contractor possesses a certificate of competency, with some limitations as to the
1
See s. 489.501, F.S.
2
Section 489.507, F.S.
3
See s. 489.505(12), F.S.
4
Id.
5
Section 489.505(1), F.S.
6
See s. 489.505(2), F.S.
7
Id.
8
Id.
9
See ss. 489.505(16), (21), and (22), F.S.
10
See ss. 489.505(4), (5), and (6), F.S. BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 3
scope of work that may be undertaken, without any mandatory licensure requirement.
11
The term
“certified electrical contractor” means an electrical contractor who possesses a certificate of
competency. To be certified a person must be 18 years of age, pass the certification examination,
be of good moral character, and meet the eligibility requirements of s. 489.511(1)(b)3., F.S.
12
Unless an exemption applies, the term “contracting” means engaging in business as a contractor
or performing electrical or alarm work for compensation and includes, but is not limited to,
performance of the work that may be performed by electrical or alarm system contractors.
13
The
attempted sale of contracting services and the negotiation or bid for a contract on these services
also constitutes contracting. If the services offered require licensure or agent qualification, the
offering, negotiation for a bid, or attempted sale of these services requires the corresponding
licensure.
14
The term “specialty contractor” means a contractor whose scope of practice is limited to a
specific category of electrical or alarm system contracting, such as residential electrical
contracting, maintenance of electrical fixtures, and fabrication, erection, installation, and
maintenance of electrical advertising signs.
15
Section 489.514, F.S., authorizes the ECLB to grandfather certain applicants for registered
contract status, but only if application was made before November 1, 2021; under this provision,
which now appears obsolete, the ECLB is required to certify an electrical, electrical specialty, or
alarm system contractor to engage in the specified trade category throughout the state, upon:
Receipt of a completed application;
Payment of the appropriate fee;
16
and
Evidence that he or she qualifies for the certification in a trade category based on:
o Having a valid registered local license;
o Passing an approved written examination;
o Having a minimum of five years’ contracting experience in the applicable trade category
(with an active license and excluding probationary periods);
11
See s. 489.505(7), F.S., which describes the limitations on the scope of a certificate of competency as those circuits
originating in alarm control panels, equipment governed by the Articles 725, 760, 770, 800, and 810 of the National
Electrical Code, Current Edition, and National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, Current Edition, as well as the
installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition, or design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats,
apparatus, raceways, and conduit, or any part thereof not to exceed 98 volts (RMS), when those items are for the purpose of
transmitting data or proprietary video (satellite systems that are not part of a community antenna television or radio
distribution system) or providing central vacuum capability or electric locks. RMS is an acronym for “root mean square,”
a statistical term defined as the square root of mean square, or effective voltage. See
http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/RMS-voltage-and-current-
explained.php#:~:text=RMS%20Voltage%20and%20Current-
%20Explained.%20RMS,%20or%20root,power%20dissipation,%20in%20circuit,%20as%20this%20AC%20voltage.
(last visited January 27, 2022).
12
Section 489.511(1(b)3., F.S., provides experience requirements for certification.
13
See s. 489.505(9), F.S.; see also, ss. 489.505(2) and (12), F.S., for the various services that may be performed, and
ss. 489.503(1) through (24), F.S., for the persons and types of work that are exempted from the term “contracting.”
14
See s. 489.505(9), F.S.
15
See s. 489.505(19), F.S.
16
The ECLB has established a $196 fee for applications for registered contractor certification. See s. 489.109, F.S., and Fla.
Admin. Code R. ch. 61G6-8. BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 4
o Never having had a contractor’s license revoked, and during the last five years, not
having had a suspended license or been assessed a fine in excess of $500; and
o Meeting all required insurance and financial responsibility requirements.
17
Mandatory Disclosure of Contractor Registration or Certification Numbers
Under s. 489.521(7), F.S., each registered or certified contractor must state the appropriate
registration or certification number on each building permit application and each issued and
recorded building permit. All city and county building departments must require, as a condition
for building permit issuance, that the contractor applying for the permit verify his or her
registration or certification as an electrical or alarm system contractor in the state.
18
A contractor’s registration or certification number must also be stated in each offer of services,
business proposal, or advertisement, regardless of medium, used by that contractor; however, the
term “advertisement” does not include business stationery or promotional novelties such as
balloons, pencils, trinkets, or articles of clothing; this requirement does not apply to a newspaper,
magazine, flyer, billboard, phone book, Internet, or broadcast advertisement for alarm system
contracting as long as the contractor maintains a website that includes the number and the
advertisement directs consumers to the website.
19
The ECLB must assess a fine of not less than $100 or issue a citation to any contractor who fails
to include that contractor’s certification or registration number when submitting an
advertisement for publication, broadcast, or printing.
20
In addition, a person who claims in any
advertisement to be a certified or registered contractor, but who does not hold a valid state
certification or registration, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree.
21
Fire Alarm Systems Agents; Licensing; Continuing Education Requirements
Section 489.505(28), F.S., defines “fire alarm system agent” as a person:
Who is employed by a licensed fire alarm contractor or certified unlimited electrical
contractor;
Who is performing duties that are part of fire alarm system contracting requiring
certification; 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.
The provisions of s. 489.5185, F.S., include the requirements for fire alarm system agents, who
may not be employed unless the person is at least 18 years of age, provides proof of a minimum
of 14 hours of initial training, has not been convicted of a crime within the last three years
17
See s. 489.515(1)(b), F.S., which provides that an applicant must submit satisfactory evidence of workers’ compensation
insurance or an acceptable exemption issued by the DBPR, public liability and property damage insurance in amounts
determined by the ECLB, and evidence of financial responsibility, credit, and business reputation of either the contractor or
the business sought to be qualified for certification.
18
See s. 553.521(7)(a), F.S.
19
See s. 553.521(7)(b), F.S.
20
Id.
21
As to a misdemeanor of the second degree, s. 775.082, F.S., provides such offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment
not to exceed 60 days, and s. 775.083, F.S., provides such offense is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 5
(related to the business of fire alarms), has a background check, and has not been convicted of a
crime for controlled substances within the last three years.
The initial training for a fire alarm system agent 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 certified electrical contractor, a certified fire alarm system contractor, a registered fire alarm
system contractor, a journeyman electrician licensed by any local jurisdiction, or an alarm
technician licensed by a local jurisdiction that requires an examination and experience or training
as licensure qualifications, is not required to complete the training required for fire alarm system
agents, and a registered electrical contractor is not required to complete that training, provided he
or she is only doing electrical work up to the alarm panel.
22
Section 489.5185(2)(c), F.S., provides that a nonsupervising employee working as a helper or
apprentice under the direct, onsite, continuous supervision of a certified or registered electrical
contractor, a certified or registered fire alarm system contractor, a journeyman electrician
licensed by any local jurisdiction, an alarm technician licensed by a local jurisdiction that
requires an examination and experience or training as licensure qualifications, or a qualified fire
alarm system agent, is not required to complete any fire alarm system training and is not required
to be 18 years of age or older. Persons who perform only monitoring
23
are not required to
complete the training required for fire alarm system agents.
Each fire alarm system agent must receive six hours of continuing education on fire alarm
system installation and repair and false alarm prevention every two years, from a board-approved
sponsor of training and through a board-approved training course.
24
Failure to comply with any
of the provisions of s. 489.5185, F.S., is grounds for disciplinary action against the contractor as
set forth in s. 489.533, F.S.
25
Alarm system contractors may also hold certificates of competency from the DBPR, which are
geographically unlimited.
26
Holders of those certificates are certified alarm system contractors,
and the scope of certification is limited to specific alarm circuits and equipment.
27
There is no
mandatory licensure requirement created by the availability of certification.
28
22
See Section 489.5185(2), F.S.
23
See supra note 15.
24
See Section 489.5185(5), F.S.
25
See Section 489.5185(6), F.S.
26
Sections 489.505(4) and 489.505(5), F.S.,
27
Section 489.505(7), F.S., describes the limitations as those circuits originating in alarm control panels, equipment governed
by the Articles 725, 760, 770, 800, and 810 of the National Electrical Code, Current Edition, and National Fire Protection
Association Standard 72, Current Edition, as well as the installation, repair, fabrication, erection, alteration, addition, or
design of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, thermostats, apparatus, raceways, and conduit, or any part thereof not to
exceed 98 volts (RMS), when those items are for the purpose of transmitting data or proprietary video (satellite systems that
are not part of a community antenna television or radio distribution system) or providing central vacuum capability or electric
locks.
28
Id. BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 6
National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies
The National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), established in
1961, certifies engineering technicians and technologists, and more than 148,000 technicians and
technologists have received NICET certification since then.
29
Certification programs include
those for:
30
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.
Certification requirements exist for four levels of Fire Alarm System (FAS) certification
31
and
two levels of Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems (I&TFAS) certification.
32
For a Level II Fire Alarm System certification, a person must:
33
Pass Level I and Level II exams;
Meet all Levels I and II performance measures; and
Have at least two 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 suppression
systems.
For a Level II Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems certification, a person must:
34
Pass Level 1 and Level II exam; and
Meet all Levels I and II performance measures; and
Have at least 18 months of experience in the inspection and testing of fire alarm and
suppression systems.
Recertification is required every three years, by demonstrating continuing professional
development.
35
29
See NICET, About Us, https://www.nicet.org/about-us/ (last visited January 27, 2022).
30
See NICET, Certification Programs, at https://www.nicet.org/certification-programs/ (last visited January 27, 2022).
31
See NICET, Certification Programs, Fire Alarm Systems, at https://www.nicet.org/certification-programs/electrical-and-
mechanical-systems/fire-alarm-systems/ (last visited January 27, 2022).
32
See NICET, Certification Programs, FAS Exams and I&TFAS Exam Credits, at https://www.nicet.org/certification-
programs/electrical-and-mechanical-systems/inspection-and-testing-of-fire-alarm-systems/fas-exams-and-i-tfas-exam-credits/
(last visited January 27, 2022).
33
See NICET, Certification Requirements, https://www.nicet.org/certification-programs/electrical-and-mechanical-
systems/fire-alarm-systems/certification-requirements/ (last visited on January 27, 2022).
34
See NICET, Certification Requirements, https://www.nicet.org/certification-programs/electrical-and-mechanical-
systems/inspection-and-testing-of-fire-alarm-systems/certification-requirements/ (last visited January 27, 2022).
35
See NICET, Recertify, https://www.nicet.org/recertify/ (last visited January 27, 2022). BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 7
Electronic Security Association
The Electronic Security Association (ESA), established in 1948 to represent the electronic
security and life safety industry, asserts it is the largest trade association in the United States,
with more than 500,000 industry professionals employed by ESA member companies.
36
Certification programs include:
37
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.
For certification as a Fire Alarm Technician Level II Fire, a person must:
38
Be certified as an ESA Alarm Technician Level I or higher;
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 passed the associated
examination.
For certification as a Fire Alarm Designer Technician Level III, a person must:
39
Be certified as an ESA Fire Alarm Technician Level II;
Have 60 months of work history in the field of fire alarms installation, inspection, testing,
commissioning, project managing, plan preparation, or supervision;
Have a personal recommendation from a professional with the professionalism, ethical
standards, and technical abilities of the applicant (e.g., from licensed engineers, registered
land surveyors, certified fire engineers/designers); and
Have completed the Fire Alarm Designer course and passed the associated examination.
Recertification is required every two years, by completing 24 hours of continuing education
approved by the ESA and other continuing education that may qualify.
40
The Florida Building Code
The Florida Building Code (building code) is the unified building code applicable to the design,
construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of public or private
36
See ESA, About Us, https://esaweb.org/about/ (last visited January 27, 2022).
37
See ESA, ESA Certifications for Security, Sales and Fire, https://esaweb.org/training/certifications/certification-types/ (last
visited January 27, 2022).
38
ESA, ESA Certified Fire Alarm Technician Level 2 (CFAT), https://esaweb.org/training/certifications/cfat/ (last visited
January 27, 2022).
39
ESA, Certified Fire Alarm Designer (CFAD) Level III Fire Certification, https://esaweb.org/training/certifications/cfad/
(last visited January 27, 2022).
40
ESA, How to Renew Your ESA Certification, https://esaweb.org/training/certification-renewal/#qualifying (last visited
January 27, 2022). BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 8
buildings, structures, and facilities in the state.
41
The building code must be applied,
administered, and enforced uniformly and consistently throughout the state.
42
The building code
is adopted, updated, interpreted, and maintained by the Florida Building Commission
(commission), which is housed within the DBPR, but is enforced by authorized state and local
government agencies.
43
The commission adopts an updated building code every three years
through review of codes published by the International Code Council and the National Fire
Protection Association.
44
Violations of the building code are enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency or local
government pursuant to s. 553.79, F.S., relating to required permits, and s. 553.80, F.S., relating
to enforcement of the building code. Each local government and each legally constituted
enforcement district with statutory authority must regulate building construction and, if
authorized in legislation, each state agency, must enforce the building code by seeking injunctive
relief from any court to address noncompliance with the building code.
45
Fire Alarm Permit Applications to Local Enforcement Agencies
Under Section 553.7921, F.S., a uniform fire alarm permit application with specified supporting
documentation must be filed before installing or replacing a fire alarm, or repairing an existing
alarm system, if the local enforcement authority requires a plan review before conducting these
activities. The uniform fire alarm permit application must be accompanied by specified
supporting documentation, must be signed by the owner or an authorized representative, and the
contractor or the contractor’s agent, and may be filed electronically or by facsimile.
46
Low-voltage Alarm System Projects
Section 553.793, F.S., relating to streamlined low-voltage alarm system installation permitting,
provides that 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 that is
hardwired and operating at low voltage, or a new or existing low-voltage electric fence. The term
includes ancillary attached equipment, including but not limited to, home-automation equipment,
thermostats, closed-circuit television systems, access controls, battery recharging devices, and
video cameras. If the installation or replacement of a fire alarm requires a plan review by the
local building code enforcement agency, streamlined permitting may not be used.
47
41
See s. 553.72, F.S. Part IV of ch. 553, F.S., cited as the “Florida Building Codes Act.” See s. 553.70, F.S. The Florida
Building Code, 7th Edition, is available at https://www.floridabuilding.org/bc/bc_default.aspx (last visited January 27, 2022).
42
See s. 553.72(1), F.S.
43
See s. 553.72(3), F.S.
44
See s. 553.73(7), F.S., which requires review of the International Building Code, the International Fuel Gas Code, the
International Existing Building Code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Plumbing Code, and the
International Residential Code, all of which are copyrighted and published by the International Code Council, and the
National Electrical Code, which is copyrighted and published by the National Fire Protection Association.
45
See s. 553.83, F.S.
46
See s. 553.7921, F.S., which sets forth the Uniform Fire Alarm Permit Application.
47
See s. 553.793(4), F.S. BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 9
Under streamlined permitting, licensed electrical and alarm system contractors are authorized to
purchase uniform basic permit labels for low-voltage alarm system projects
48
from local
governments by submitting identification of the contractor and proof of the contractor’s
registration or certification as a licensed contractor, without any other project information about
a project.
49
Contractors may purchase labels in bulk for one or more unspecified current or future projects,
although the labels are valid only for one year and may be used only in the jurisdiction of the
local government issuing the labels.
50
Local governments may not charge more than $40 per
permit label per project per unit, and may not require any other charge associated with the
installation or replacement of a new or existing hardwired, low-voltage alarm system project.
Licensed electrical and alarm system contractors are not required to notify a local government
before working on a low-voltage alarm system project, but first must post an unused permit label
in a conspicuous place on the premises.
51
Within 14 days after completion of the project, the
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.
52
A local enforcement agency may coordinate directly with the property owner or customer for
inspection of a low-voltage alarm system project, and if a project fails an inspection, the
contractor must take corrective action in order to pass the inspection.
53
Another permit label is not required for any subsequent maintenance, inspection, or service of a
low-voltage alarm system project that was initially permitted using the streamlined permitting
process.
54
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
Section 1 of the bill amends s. 489.5185, F.S., relating to firm alarm system agents, to reduce the
number of required initial training hours and continuing education hours required for fire alarm
system agents holding certain certifications. The requirement of 14 hours of initial training hours
is reduced to two hours of board-approved training in the prevention of false alarms, if a person
holds a current:
National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II
certification or higher in Fire Alarm Systems or Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm
Systems;
Electronic Security Association (ESA) Certified Fire Alarm Technician certification; or
ESA Certified Fire Alarm Designer certification.
48
Section 553.793(2), F.S., provides that permits are not required to install, maintain, inspect, replace, or service a wire alarm
system or its components or attachments.
49
See s. 553.793(5), F.S.
50
See ss. 553.80 and 553.83, F.S.
51
See ss. 553.793(6) and (7), F.S.
52
See s. 553.793(7), F.S.
53
See s. 553.793(9), F.S.
54
See s. 553.791(11), F.S. BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 10
Under the bill, the requirement of six hours of board-approved continuing education every two
years on fire alarm system installation and repair and false alarm prevention is also reduced for
persons holding the above certifications, with such persons required to complete only two hours
of continuing education prevention of false alarms every two years.
Section 2 of the bill provides that a low-voltage alarm system project includes video cameras
and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems used to signal or detect a burglary, fire, robbery, or
medical emergency. A CCTV system (i.e., video surveillance) transmits a signal to another
location, but unlike broadcast television, the signal is sent via a closed circuit and not openly
transmitted.
55
Currently, the definition of low-voltage alarm system project in s. 553.793(1)(b),
F.S., includes video cameras and CCTV systems only as ancillary components or equipment
attached to a low-voltage alarm system project.
Section 3 of the bill creates s. 553.7932, F.S., to establish a simplified permitting process for
certain limited fire alarm system alterations. The bill provides:
The term “contractor” means a person qualified to engage in electrical or alarm system
contracting pursuant to a certificate or registration issued by the DBPR under part II of
ch. 489, F.S.
The term “fire alarm system project” means a fire alarm system alteration of a total of 20 or
fewer initiating devices and notification devices, or the installation or replacement of a fire
communicator connected to an existing fire alarm control panel in an existing commercial,
residential, apartment, cooperative, or cooperative building.
A local enforcement agency:
o May require a contractor to submit a completed application and payment, as a condition
of obtaining a permit for an eligible fire alarm system project;
o May not require a contractor to submit plans or specifications as a condition of obtaining
a permit for an eligible fire alarm system project;
o Must issue a permit for an eligible fire alarm system project in person or electronically;
o Must require at least one inspection of an eligible fire alarm system project to ensure
compliance with applicable codes and standards; if an eligible fire alarm system project
fails an inspection, the contractor must take corrective action as necessary to pass
inspection.
A contractor must keep a copy of the plans and specifications at a fire alarm system project
worksite and make them available to the inspector at each inspection.
The bill is effective July 1, 2022.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
55
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed-circuit_television (last visited January 27, 2022). The term “closed circuit
television” is not defined in Florida law. BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 11
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
According to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the
expenditures will be reduced for initial training and continuing education by applicants
and licensees (with the required certifications) who seek or renew a fire alarm system
agent license.
56
Further, the expedited permitting process for fire alarm system alterations
may reduce the time and cost involved for such permits.
57
C. Government Sector Impact:
According to the DBPR, local governments may experience increased expenditures to
administer the required expedited permitting process created by the bill, but the amount
cannot be determined at this time.
58
The DBPR also notes that the Florida Building Commission must initiate rulemaking for:
The regulation of closed circuit television systems used to signal or detect a burglary,
fire, robbery, or medical emergency as low-voltage alarm systems projects; and
The new expedited permitting process for eligible fire alarm system alarms.
59
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
56
See Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 2022 Agency Legislative Bill Analysis for HB 669 (identical to
SB 1144) at 4 (Nov. 29, 2021) (on file with the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries).
57
Id.
58
Id. at 3.
59
Id. at 6. BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 12
VII. Related Issues:
None.
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill substantially amends the following sections of the Florida Statutes: 489.5185 and
553.793.
This bill creates section 553.7932 of the Florida Statutes.
IX. Additional Information:
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Changes:
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.)
CS/CS by Banking and Insurance on February 2, 2022:
The committee substitute adds “video cameras” to the definition of “low-voltage alarm
system project” in s. 553.793, F.S.
CS by Regulated Industries on January 18, 2022:
The committee substitute:
Clarifies that the term “low-voltage alarm system project” includes ancillary
components or equipment attached to a low-voltage alarm system or low-voltage
electric fence.
Significantly revises the simplified permitting process for eligible fire alarm
system projects, to include:
o Expanding the fire alarm system projects eligible for simplified permitting
to include certain existing residential and cooperative buildings;
o Providing that a local enforcement agency:
1. May require a contractor to submit a completed application and
payment, as a condition of obtaining a permit for an eligible fire
alarm system project;
2. May not require a contractor to submit plans or specifications as a
condition of obtaining a permit for an eligible fire alarm system
project;
3. Must issue a permit for an eligible fire alarm system project in
person or electronically;
4. Must require at least one inspection of an eligible fire alarm system
project to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards;
Requires a contractor, if an eligible fire alarm system project fails an inspection,
to take corrective action as necessary to pass inspection; and
Requires a contractor to keep a copy of the plans and specifications at the project
worksite and make them available to the inspector at each inspection.
B. Amendments:
None. BILL: CS/CS/SB 1140 Page 13
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.