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CS/HB 1575 — Public Safety Emergency Communications Systems
by Commerce Committee and Rep. Brackett and others (CS/SB 1614 by Banking and Insurance Committee and Senator Rodriguez)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Community Affairs Committee (CA)
Local fire authorities set standards for radio signal strength in buildings within their jurisdiction to ensure consistent fire and rescue communication capabilities. Two-way radio communication enhancement systems (enhancement systems) are post-construction systems that accept and amplify first responders’ radio signals so that the radio signal strength at ground level is equal to the radio signal strength in all locations throughout the building.
The bill limits when a local authority can require signal strength assessment and installation of an enhancement system, as follows:
- An enhancement system may not be required if the radio signal strength at the exterior of the building is inadequate.
- Unless the building undergoes significant renovation or poses a safety threat, a signal strength assessment may be required no more often than every five years, or every three years for high-rise buildings or buildings exceeding 12,000 square feet.
- If an enhancement system is required after assessment of a new building, a contractor must submit a design for the system to the local authority, who must require installation of the system within 12 months after the issuance of temporary certificate of occupancy. If an existing building requires an enhancement system, the building owner must be granted at least one year to do so.
- Certain structures are not required to meet radio signal strength requirements at any time, including one- and two-family dwellings, buildings smaller than 12,000 square feet with no underground areas, and certain apartments and public lodging establishments.
- Local fire authorities may not enforce more stringent requirements than the Florida Fire Prevention Code provides regarding radio signal strength.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2023.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 115-0