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CS/SB 286 — Fire Sprinklers
by Regulated Industries Committee and Senator Perry
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Regulated Industries Committee (RI)
The bill revises the scope of fire protection system work for persons certified as a contractor by the Division of State Fire Marshal (Division) within the Department of Financial Services.
Under the bill, a Contractor I or a Contractor II as defined in ch. 633, F.S., relating to Fire Prevention and Control, is authorized to design new fire protection systems of 49 or fewer sprinklers. A Contractor I and II would also be allowed to design the alteration of an existing system regardless of the size of the system, if the alteration relocates or deletes 249 or fewer sprinklers. Such authorization is conditioned on the occupancy and water demand, as defined in applicable codes, being unchanged, and the occupancy hazard classification must be reduced or unchanged. The bill eliminates the authorization for a Contractor IV to similarly design or alter such fire protection systems.
The bill clarifies that a Contractor I, Contractor II, or Contractor IV is authorized to design a new fire protection system, or design the alteration of an existing fire sprinkler system, when the system meets a specified standard for installation in a one-family or two-family dwelling or manufactured home.
The bill revises the work authorized to be undertaken by a person certified as a Contractor V. Under the bill, a Contractor V would be authorized to inspect underground piping for a water-based fire protection system only under the direction of a Contractor I or Contractor II. A Contractor V may continue to fabricate, install, alter, repair, and service the underground piping for a water-based fire protection system.
The bill clarifies that fire protection systems include tanks providing water supply or pump fuel, and piping for such tanks.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2021.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 115-0