FIRE PERMITTING FAQS
What is the current adopted edition for Florida Fire Prevention code?
As of January 1, 2024, the adopted FFPC is the 2023 8th edition.
Will I need to provide floor plans during a plan review?
Yes, Floor plans will be required so we can understand what will be demo and propose during the review.
Does the Engineer of record need to sign the master set of plans?
Yes, the engineer is the design professional and by his sign and seal stamp he is the responsible party to assure the plans meets all the current codes.
Does the fire alarm, and fire sprinkler systems need to be linked to a master permit?
If there is a master permit yes, so that the fire alarm or fire sprinkler plans fall under the code edition of that master permit. And the plans can sign and sealed by the engineer of record.
Do I need to apply for occupant load permit?
Yes, If the occupant is over 50 or more in an assembly occupancy, Plans shall show the square footage of the space, the calculation square footage per person being used and the required remote exits.
What do I need on the plans for a floor replacement?
You will need to provide that the threshold will not exceed the ½’’ in the entry door, If the flooring will affect the balcony guardrail requirement of 42’’, and the flame classification finish of the flooring.
What does State Statue 553.7932 Fire alarm and Fire sprinkler permit for less than 20 devices apply to?
This is a permit that allows existing fire alarm and fire sprinkler system add additional devices without submitting plans to the City of Miami Beach but will require a floor plan on site of the work that was done.
What is the current code edition of NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system?
The current NFPA 13 is the 2019 edition.
What is the current code edition of NFPA 72 fire alarm system?
The current NFPA 72 is the 2019 edition.
When do I need to provide a flow test (hydrant test) for a fire sprinkler system?
You will need a current hydrant flow test report (only good for 6 months) when your system exceeds 50 or more sprinkler heads, and a new fire pump installation.
When do I need to an escape window and what size is required?
Egress escape window will be required in every bedroom on building 3 stories and below, the opening shall meet the 5.7 sqft net, or 20” width or 24” height at a windowsill no higher than 44” to the finish floor.
How many Smoke detectors do I need in a house or condo unit?
NFPA 72 requires that you need a smoke detector in every bedroom and one in the common hallway, The smoke detector shall 36” away from any A/C vent or Fan blade and shall be interconnected throughout the home or unit.
Can I remove the Fire hose from a standpipe cabinet?
You can remove it if you meet the following two items, 1. That the building is fully sprinklered, 2. That the fire marshal has sign the letter requesting the removal of the fire hoses by the building association.
When should I check on my smoke detectors?
Smoke detectors should be checked every year.
Does my front door need a self- closure?
Yes, as per NFPA 101 it is required that the front door requires a self-closure to maintain the fire rated door protects the enclosed corridor from smoke migration.
How do I know what edition of the code book is current?
The Florida Fire prevention code book (current edition 2020 8th edition) will provide all the adopted editions of the other NFPA code books.
When do I need to recertify a fire alarm or fire sprinkler system?
Fire equipment require an annual recertification by a qualified licenses company.
Will I require a test and Balance report to a hood or smoke control test?
Yes, a signed and seal report must be provided showing the type of equipment being used, the air balance test (CFM), and the sequence of operation designed by the engineer of record or mechanical engineer.
How many fire extinguishers do I need?
Depending the size of the fire extinguisher (example a 2A 40BC will cover a 3000 sqft area), the rule of thumb is that a fire extinguisher should be more than 75 feet of travel distances and 150 feet between two fire extinguishers. The fire extinguisher shall be mounted between the height of 3 feet (being the heaviest) to 5 feet (being the lightest) measured by the top of the fire extinguisher. NFPA 10 fire extinguisher.
How far can the K-extinguisher be from the hood suppression system?
The K extinguisher maximum distance allowed is 30 feet.
When do you require to test a new fire pump system from the roof?
New fire pump systems are tested on the roof only on high-rise building to meet the require 100 psi residual pressure at 100% of the fire pump capacity and assuring that the suction is not less than 20 psi as per Miami Dade ordnances.
When am I required to upgrade my fire alarm system throughout the building to meet current code?
As per Miami Dade Ordinances 14-61 section J, once that the existing fire alarm system main fire panel cannot be maintained and requires to be replace with another fire alarm panel that is not like to like, the building will be required to meet the latest code edition of NFPA 72 minimum requirements throughout the building.
When do I require a Placard to my fire alarm system?
As of 2009 and on all fire alarm system are required to have a fire alarm company that is qualified and certified approved UL, FM, or ETL and can provide a central station company that can meets those qualification of that placard for the runner service agreement.
How many minutes and candles does an emergency light require?
A. Emergency lights are required to provide a 90-minute illumination upon loss of power or endless of time if connected to the emergency generator. The emergency light is required to illuminate 1ft candle to the path of the egress (public way) on a floor level.
What will fire require on plans during a demo and remodel of a building
Fire will require to that none of the egress, egress access, and egress discharge is obstructed or Impediments. That all life safety system is maintained operational during the construction (fire alarm, fire sprinkler, smoke control system and life safety generators). And that the construction is separate from the occupied space.
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