HB 693

1
A bill to be entitled
2An act relating to fire prevention and control; amending
3ss. 218.23 and 447.203, F.S.; revising cross-references;
4amending s. 553.895, F.S.; revising outdated publication
5references; amending s. 633.02, F.S.; providing the
6correct name for the State Fire Marshal; amending s.
7633.021, F.S.; revising definitions; amending s. 633.025,
8F.S.; providing requirements for firesafety plans and
9inspections for manufactured buildings; amending s.
10633.026, F.S.; providing legislative intent; revising
11requirements for interpretations of the Florida Fire
12Prevention Code; providing for nonbinding and binding
13interpretations; requiring the Division of State Fire
14Marshal to establish a Fire Code Interpretation Committee;
15providing requirements for committee membership; providing
16procedures and requirements for code interpretations by
17the committee; providing for code interpretations by the
18department; providing requirements and procedures for
19petitions for interpretations; providing requirements for
20committee proceedings; exempting certain local decisions
21not subject to review under the section; amending s.
22633.03, F.S.; expanding application of authority of the
23State Fire Marshal to investigate fires to include
24explosions; amending s. 633.061, F.S.; revising the type
25of fire suppression equipment in which a person must be
26licensed in order to engage in the business of servicing,
27inspecting, recharging, hydrotesting, or installing;
28revising the requirements for the renewal of a license to
29engage in the business of servicing, inspecting,
30recharging, hydrotesting, or installing fire suppression
31equipment; amending s. 633.071, F.S.; authorizing the
32State Fire Marshal to adopt standards for the attachment
33and placement of fire protection system inspection tags;
34amending s. 633.081, F.S.; authorizing the State Fire
35Marshal to inspect buildings or structures for certain
36violations; abolishing special state firesafety inspector
37classifications; providing for certification as a
38firesafety inspector; providing application and
39examination requirements; authorizing the State Fire
40Marshal to develop a certain advanced training and
41certification program for firesafety inspectors;
42authorizing the Division of State Fire Marshal to enter
43into a reciprocity agreement with the Florida Building
44Code Administrators and Inspectors Board for certain
45continuing education recertification purposes; amending s.
46633.082, F.S.; providing requirements for servicing,
47testing, repair, and inspection of alarm systems, certain
48fire hydrants, and certain fire protection systems and
49associated private fire hydrants; providing for
50replacement of certain fire sprinklers under certain
51circumstances; amending s. 633.085, F.S.; revising
52requirements for the State Fire Marshal to inspect state
53buildings; amending s. 633.101, F.S.; revising and
54expanding the authority and powers of the State Fire
55Marshal to administer oaths, compel attendance of
56witnesses, and collect evidence; providing certain forms
57of immunity from liability for certain actions and persons
58under certain circumstances; exempting certain information
59from discovery under certain circumstances; exempting
60agents of the State Fire Marshal from subpoena under
61certain circumstances; specifying limitations on treatment
62of physical evidence; authorizing persons and agents of
63the State Fire Marshal to submit certain crime-related
64reports or information to the State Fire Marshal;
65authorizing agents of the State Fire Marshal to make
66arrests as state law enforcement officers under certain
67circumstances; providing that it is unlawful to resist
68arrest; amending s. 633.121, F.S.; expanding the list of
69eligible persons authorized to enforce laws and rules of
70the State Fire Marshal; amending s. 633.13, F.S.; revising
71a provision relating to the authority of agents of the
72State Fire Marshal; amending s. 633.14, F.S.; revising and
73expanding powers regarding arrests, searches, and the
74carrying of firearms by State Fire Marshal agents and
75investigators; amending s. 633.161, F.S.; expanding the
76list of violations for which the State Fire Marshal may
77issue certain enforcement orders; providing criminal
78penalties for failure to comply with such orders; amending
79s. 633.171, F.S.; conforming a provision; amending s.
80633.175, F.S.; specifying additional powers granted to the
81State Fire Marshal; amending s. 633.18, F.S.; revising a
82provision relating to conduct of inquiries or
83investigations by agents of the State Fire Marshal;
84amending s. 633.30, F.S.; revising and providing
85definitions; amending s. 633.34, F.S.; revising
86requirements for qualification for employment as a
87firefighter; amending s. 633.35, F.S.; revising
88requirements for firefighter training and certification;
89amending s. 633.351, F.S.; revising provisions for
90disciplinary actions for firefighters; revising standards
91for revocation of firefighter certifications; amending s.
92633.352, F.S.; revising requirements for retention of
93firefighter certification; amending s. 633.382, F.S.;
94revising provisions relating to required supplemental
95compensation for firefighters; amending s. 633.521, F.S.;
96revising examination applicant prerequisites; deleting an
97obsolete provision; revising certain fire system
98inspection certification training and education criteria;
99amending s. 633.524, F.S.; authorizing the State Fire
100Marshal to contract to provide certain examinations;
101amending s. 633.537, F.S.; revising certain fire system
102inspection certification training and education criteria;
103deleting obsolete provisions; amending s. 633.541, F.S.;
104expanding an exclusion from application of a prohibition
105against contracting without certification for certain
106homeowners; amending s. 633.72, F.S.; revising the
107membership terms of the Fire Code Advisory Council;
108amending s. 633.811, F.S.; expanding authority of the
109division to enforce provisions of law and rules applicable
110to employers; authorizing assessment of administrative
111fines; amending s. 633.821, F.S.; deleting certain
112obsolete provisions requiring counties, municipalities,
113and special districts to implement certain provisions of
114federal law; providing an effective date.
115
116Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
117
118     Section 1.  Paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of section
119218.23, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
120     218.23  Revenue sharing with units of local government.--
121     (1)  To be eligible to participate in revenue sharing
122beyond the minimum entitlement in any fiscal year, a unit of
123local government is required to have:
124     (e)  Certified that persons in its employ as firefighters,
125as defined in s. 633.30(1), meet the qualification for
126employment as established by the Division of State Fire Marshal
127pursuant to the provisions of ss. 633.34 and 633.35 and that the
128provisions of s. 633.382 have been met.
129
130Additionally, to receive its share of revenue sharing funds, a
131unit of local government shall certify to the Department of
132Revenue that the requirements of s. 200.065, if applicable, were
133met. The certification shall be made annually within 30 days of
134adoption of an ordinance or resolution establishing a final
135property tax levy or, if no property tax is levied, not later
136than November 1. The portion of revenue sharing funds which,
137pursuant to this part, would otherwise be distributed to a unit
138of local government which has not certified compliance or has
139otherwise failed to meet the requirements of s. 200.065 shall be
140deposited in the General Revenue Fund for the 12 months
141following a determination of noncompliance by the department.
142     Section 2.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (4) of section
143447.203, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
144     447.203  Definitions.--As used in this part:
145     (4)  "Managerial employees" are those employees who:
146     (b)  Serve as police chiefs, fire chiefs, or directors of
147public safety of any police, fire, or public safety department.
148Other police officers, as defined in s. 943.10(1), and
149firefighters, as defined in s. 633.30(1), may be determined by
150the commission to be managerial employees of such departments.
151In making such determinations, the commission shall consider, in
152addition to the criteria established in paragraph (a), the
153paramilitary organizational structure of the department
154involved.
155
156However, in determining whether an individual is a managerial
157employee pursuant to either paragraph (a) or paragraph (b),
158above, the commission may consider historic relationships of the
159employee to the public employer and to coemployees.
160     Section 3.  Subsection (1) of section 553.895, Florida
161Statutes, is amended to read:
162     553.895  Firesafety.--
163     (1)  Any transient public lodging establishment, as defined
164in chapter 509 and used primarily for transient occupancy as
165defined in s. 83.43(10), or any timeshare unit of a timeshare
166plan as defined in chapters 718 and 721, which is of three
167stories or more and for which the construction contract has been
168let after September 30, 1983, with interior corridors which do
169not have direct access from the guest area to exterior means of
170egress and on buildings over 75 feet in height that have direct
171access from the guest area to exterior means of egress and for
172which the construction contract has been let after September 30,
1731983, shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system
174installed in compliance with the current edition of the
175applicable fire sprinkler standards adopted by the State Fire
176Marshal. the provisions prescribed in the National Fire
177Protection Association publication NFPA No. 13 (1985),
178"Standards for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems." Each
179guest room and each timeshare unit shall be equipped with an
180approved listed single-station smoke detector meeting the
181minimum requirements of NFPA 72, "National Fire Alarm Code," the
182current edition adopted by the State Fire Marshal, 74 (1984)
183"Standards for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of
184Household Fire Warning Equipment," powered from the building
185electrical service, notwithstanding the number of stories in the
186structure, if the contract for construction is let after
187September 30, 1983. Single-station smoke detectors shall not be
188required when guest rooms or timeshare units contain smoke
189detectors connected to a central alarm system which also alarms
190locally.
191     Section 4.  Section 633.02, Florida Statutes, is amended to
192read:
193     633.02  Agents; powers and duties; compensation.--The State
194Fire Marshal shall appoint such agents as may be necessary to
195carry out effectively the provisions of this chapter, who shall
196be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in s. 112.061, in
197addition to their salary, when traveling or making
198investigations in the performance of their duties. Such agents
199shall be at all times under the direction and control of the
200State Fire Marshal, who shall fix their compensation, and all
201orders shall be issued in the State Fire Marshal's name and by
202her or his authority.
203     Section 5.  Paragraph (d) of subsection (5) and subsection
204(9) of section 633.021, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
205     633.021  Definitions.--As used in this chapter:
206     (5)
207     (d)  "Contractor IV" means a contractor whose business is
208limited to the execution of contracts requiring the ability to
209lay out, fabricate, install, inspect, alter, repair, and service
210automatic fire sprinkler systems for occupancies protected
211within the scope of NFPA 13D, the "Standard for the Installation
212of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and
213Manufactured Homes," detached one-family dwellings, detached
214two-family dwellings, and mobile homes, excluding preengineered
215systems and excluding single-family homes in cluster units, such
216as apartments, condominiums, and assisted living facilities or
217any building that is connected to other dwellings.
218
219The definitions in this subsection must not be construed to
220include fire protection engineers or architects and do not limit
221or prohibit a licensed fire protection engineer or architect
222from designing any type of fire protection system. A distinction
223is made between system design concepts prepared by the design
224professional and system layout as defined in this section and
225typically prepared by the contractor. However, persons certified
226as a Contractor I, Contractor II, or Contractor IV under this
227chapter may design fire protection systems of 49 or fewer
228sprinklers, and may design the alteration of an existing fire
229sprinkler system if the alteration consists of the relocation,
230addition, or deletion of not more than 49 sprinklers,
231notwithstanding the size of the existing fire sprinkler system.
232A Contractor I, Contractor II, or Contractor IV may design a
233fire protection system the scope of which complies with NFPA
23413D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One-
235and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, as adopted by
236the State Fire Marshal, notwithstanding the number of fire
237sprinklers. Contractor-developed plans may not be required by
238any local permitting authority to be sealed by a registered
239professional engineer.
240     (9)  A "fire protection system" is a system individually
241designed to protect the interior or exterior of a specific
242building or buildings, structure, or other special hazard from
243fire. Such systems include, but are not limited to, water
244sprinkler systems, water spray systems, foam-water sprinkler
245systems, foam-water spray systems, CO2 systems, foam
246extinguishing systems, dry chemical systems, and Halon and other
247chemical systems used for fire protection use. Such systems also
248include any overhead and underground fire mains, fire hydrants
249and hydrant mains, standpipes and hoses connected to sprinkler
250systems, sprinkler tank heaters, air lines, thermal systems used
251in connection with fire sprinkler systems, and tanks and pumps
252connected to fire sprinkler systems.
253     Section 6.  Subsection (11) is added to section 633.025,
254Florida Statutes, to read:
255     633.025  Minimum firesafety standards.--
256     (11)(a)  The plans for, and inspections of, manufactured
257buildings may be completed at the point of manufacture as long
258as the following requirements are met:
259     1.  The person reviewing the plans and inspecting the
260manufactured or prototype building must be currently certified
261as a firesafety inspector under s. 633.081(2); and
262     2.  The manufacturer's modular data plate, stating that the
263building is in compliance with chapter 633 and the rules of the
264department, has been affixed to the building.
265     (b)  The local fire official shall recognize and approve
266such manufactured building, subject to local fire code
267amendments, acceptable performance testing of life safety
268systems, and site conditions. The cost of any additional work
269necessary to meet these requirements, if any, shall be borne by
270the manufacturer. The department may adopt rules to administer
271this subsection.
272     Section 7.  Section 633.026, Florida Statutes, is amended
273to read:
274     633.026  Informal Interpretations of the Florida Fire
275Prevention Code.--
276     (1)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the Florida
277Fire Prevention Code be interpreted by fire officials and local
278enforcement agencies in a manner that protects the public
279safety, health, and welfare by ensuring uniform interpretations
280of the Florida Fire Prevention Code throughout the state and by
281providing processes for resolving disputes regarding those
282interpretations that are just and expeditious. It is the intent
283of the Legislature that the process provide for the expeditious
284resolution of the issues presented and publication of the
285resulting interpretation on the website of the Division of State
286Fire Marshal. It is the intent of the Legislature that this
287program be similar to the program established by the Florida
288Building Commission in s. 553.775(3)(h).
289     (2)(a)  The Division of State Fire Marshal shall by rule
290establish a an informal process of rendering nonbinding
291interpretations and binding interpretations of the Florida Fire
292Prevention Code. The Division of State Fire Marshal may contract
293with and refer interpretive issues to a nonprofit organization
294that has experience in interpreting and enforcing the Florida
295Fire Prevention Code. The Division of State Fire Marshal shall
296immediately implement the process prior to the completion of
297formal rulemaking. It is the intent of the Legislature that the
298Division of State Fire Marshal establish create a Fire Code
299Interpretation Committee composed of seven persons and seven
300alternates equally representing each area of the state process
301to refer questions to a small group of individuals certified
302under s. 633.081(2), to which a party can pose questions
303regarding the interpretation of code provisions of the Florida
304Fire Prevention Code.
305     (b)  Each of the designated seven members and seven
306alternates of the Fire Code Interpretation Committee must be
307certified as a fire safety inspector pursuant to the provisions
308of s. 633.081(2), and must have a minimum of 5 years' experience
309interpreting and enforcing provisions of the Florida Fire
310Prevention Code and Life Safety Codes. Each member must be
311accepted by the Division of State Fire Marshal as meeting these
312requirements at least 30 days before participating in a review
313of a nonbinding or binding interpretation.
314     (c)  Each nonbinding interpretation of code must be
315provided within 10 business days after receipt of a petition for
316interpretation, and each binding interpretation of code must be
317provided within 21 days after receipt of a petition for
318interpretation. The time periods set forth in this paragraph may
319be waived only upon the written consent of both parties. It is
320the intent of the Legislature that the process provide for the
321expeditious resolution of the issues presented and publication
322of the resulting interpretation on the website of the Division
323of State Fire Marshal. It is the intent of the Legislature that
324this program be similar to the program established by the
325Florida Building Commission in s. 553.775(3)(g).
326     (d)1.  Nonbinding Such interpretations are shall be
327advisory only and not binding nonbinding on the parties or the
328State Fire Marshal.
329     2.  Binding interpretations are binding on the local fire
330official and the owner or contractor named in the petition being
331interpreted unless such interpretation is superseded by a
332declaratory statement issued by the State Fire Marshal.
333     (3)  In order to administer this section, the department
334shall charge may adopt by rule and impose a fee of $150 for
335nonbinding interpretations and a fee of $250 for binding
336interpretations. The department may permit the fees to be paid
337directly to the nonprofit organization selected in accordance
338with subsection (2), with payment made directly to the third
339party. The fee may not exceed $150 for each request for a review
340or interpretation.
341     (4)  Any party to the interpretation who is in disagreement
342with the nonbinding interpretation or the binding interpretation
343issued in accordance with this section may apply for a formal
344interpretation from the department as provided in s. 633.01(6).
345     (5)  Upon written application by an owner, contractor, or
346fire official, the department shall issue or cause to be issued
347a nonbinding interpretation or a binding interpretation of the
348Florida Fire Prevention Code as prescribed in this subsection.
349     (a)  The department shall adopt a form for the petition,
350which shall be published on the State Fire Marshal's web site.
351The form shall require, at a minimum:
352     1.  The name and address of the local fire official,
353including the agency address of the county, municipality, or
354special district.
355     2.  The name and address of the owner, the name and agency
356address of the contractor, and the name and address of any
357representative of the owner or contractor.
358     3.  A statement of the specific sections of the Florida
359Fire Prevention Code which are being interpreted by the local
360fire official.
361     4.  An explanation of how the petitioner's substantial
362interests are being affected by the local interpretation of the
363Florida Fire Prevention Code.
364     5.  A statement of the interpretation given to the specific
365sections of the Florida Fire Prevention Code by the local fire
366official.
367     6.  A statement of the interpretation the petitioner
368contends should be given to the specific sections of the Florida
369Fire Prevention Code and a statement supporting the petitioner's
370interpretation.
371     7.  A statement from the local fire official with an
372explanation of the disputed provisions included in the petition.
373     (b)  The petitioner shall submit the petition to the local
374fire official, who shall place the date of receipt on the
375petition. The local fire official shall respond to the petition
376in accordance with the form and shall return the petition
377together with his or her response to the petitioner within 5
378business days. The petitioner may file the petition with the
379department at any time after the local fire official provides a
380response. If no response is provided by the local fire official,
381the petitioner may file the petition with the department 10 days
382after submission of the petition to the local fire official and
383shall note that the local fire official did not respond.
384     (6)  Upon receipt of a petition that meets the requirements
385of paragraph (5)(a), the department shall immediately provide
386copies of the petition to the Fire Code Interpretation Committee
387and publish the petition and any response submitted by the local
388fire official on the State Fire Marshal's web site.
389     (7)  The Fire Code Interpretation Committee shall conduct
390proceedings as necessary to resolve the issues and shall give
391due regard to the petition, the facts of the matter, specific
392code sections cited, and any statutory implications affecting
393the Florida Fire Prevention Code. The committee shall issue an
394interpretation regarding the provisions of the Florida Fire
395Prevention Code within 10 days after the filing of a petition
396for a nonbinding interpretation and within 21 days after the
397filing of a petition for a binding interpretation. The committee
398shall render a determination based upon the Florida Fire
399Prevention Code or, if the code is ambiguous, the intent of the
400code. The committee's interpretation shall be provided to the
401owner, contractor, and fire official and the interpretation
402shall include a notice that if the owner, contractor, or fire
403official disagrees with the interpretation, the owner,
404contractor, or fire official may file for a formal
405interpretation by the department under s. 633.01(6). The
406committee's interpretation shall be provided to the department,
407which shall publish the interpretation on the State Fire
408Marshal's web site and in the Florida Administrative Weekly.
409     (8)  Local decisions declaring structures to be unsafe and
410subject to repair or demolition are not subject to review under
411this section and may not be appealed to the department if the
412local governing body finds that there is an immediate danger to
413the health and safety of the public.
414     Section 8.  Section 633.03, Florida Statutes, is amended to
415read:
416     633.03  Investigation of fires and explosions fire;
417reports.--The State Fire Marshal shall investigate the cause,
418origin, and circumstances of every fire or explosion occurring
419in this state wherein the State Fire Marshal deems an
420investigation is necessary and property has been damaged or
421destroyed where there is probable cause to believe that the fire
422or explosion was the result of carelessness or design. Report of
423all such investigations shall be made on approved forms to be
424furnished by the State Fire Marshal.
425     Section 9.  Subsections (1) and (2) and paragraph (a) of
426subsection (3) of section 633.061, Florida Statutes, are amended
427to read:
428     633.061  Fire suppression equipment; license to install or
429maintain.--
430     (1)  It is unlawful for any organization or individual to
431engage in the business of servicing, repairing, recharging,
432testing, marking, inspecting, installing, or hydrotesting any
433fire extinguisher or preengineered system in this state except
434in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. Each
435organization or individual that engages in such activity must
436possess a valid and subsisting license issued by the State Fire
437Marshal. All fire extinguishers and preengineered systems
438required by statute or by rule must be serviced by an
439organization or individual licensed under the provisions of this
440chapter. A licensee who receives appropriate training shall not
441be prohibited by a manufacturer from servicing any particular
442brand of fire extinguisher or preengineered system. The licensee
443is legally qualified to act for the business organization in all
444matters connected with its business, and the licensee must
445supervise all activities undertaken by such business
446organization. Each licensee shall maintain a specific business
447location. A further requirement, in the case of multiple
448locations where such servicing or recharging is taking place, is
449that each licensee who maintains more than one place of business
450where actual work is carried on must possess an additional
451license, as set forth in this section, for each location, except
452that a licensed individual may not qualify for more than five
453locations. A licensee is limited to a specific type of work
454performed depending upon the class of license held. Licenses and
455license fees are required for the following:
456     (a)  Class A....$250
457To service, recharge, repair, install, or inspect all types of
458fire extinguishers and to conduct hydrostatic tests on all types
459of fire extinguishers.
460     (b)  Class B....$150
461To service, recharge, repair, install, or inspect all types of
462fire extinguishers, including recharging carbon dioxide units
463and conducting hydrostatic tests on all types of fire
464extinguishers, except carbon dioxide units.
465     (c)  Class C....$150
466To service, recharge, repair, install, or inspect all types of
467fire extinguishers, except recharging carbon dioxide units, and
468to conduct hydrostatic tests on all types of fire extinguishers,
469except carbon dioxide units.
470     (d)  Class D....$200
471To service, repair, recharge, hydrotest, install, or inspect all
472types of preengineered fire extinguishing systems.
473     (e)  Licenses issued as duplicates or to reflect a change
474of address....$10
475
476Any fire equipment dealer licensed pursuant to this subsection
477who does not want to engage in the business of servicing,
478inspecting, recharging, repairing, hydrotesting, or installing
479clean agent halon equipment must file an affidavit on a form
480provided by the division so stating. Licenses will be issued by
481the division to reflect the work authorized thereunder. It is
482unlawful, unlicensed activity for any person or firm to falsely
483hold himself or herself or a business organization out to
484perform any service, inspection, recharge, repair, hydrotest, or
485installation except as specifically described in the license.
486     (2)  Each individual actually performing the work of
487servicing, recharging, repairing, hydrotesting, installing,
488testing, or inspecting fire extinguishers or preengineered
489systems must possess a valid and subsisting permit issued by the
490State Fire Marshal. Permittees are limited as to specific type
491of work performed to allow work no more extensive than the class
492of license held by the licensee under whom the permittee is
493working. Permits will be issued by the division and the fees
494required are as follows:
495     (a)  Portable permit....$90
496"Portable permittee" means a person who is limited to performing
497work no more extensive than the employing licensee in the
498servicing, recharging, repairing, installing, or inspecting all
499types of portable fire extinguishers.
500     (b)  Preengineered permit....$120
501"Preengineered permittee" means a person who is limited to the
502servicing, recharging, repairing, installing, or inspecting of
503all types of preengineered fire extinguishing systems.
504     (c)  Permits issued as duplicates or to reflect a change of
505address....$10
506
507Any fire equipment permittee licensed pursuant to this
508subsection who does not want to engage in servicing, inspecting,
509recharging, repairing, hydrotesting, or installing clean agent
510halon equipment must file an affidavit on a form provided by the
511division so stating. Permits will be issued by the division to
512reflect the work authorized thereunder. It is unlawful,
513unlicensed activity for any person or firm to falsely hold
514himself or herself out to perform any service, inspection,
515recharge, repair, hydrotest, or installation except as
516specifically described in the permit.
517     (3)(a)  Such licenses and permits shall be issued by the
518State Fire Marshal for 2 years beginning January 1, 2000, and
519each 2-year period thereafter and expiring December 31 of the
520second year. All licenses or permits issued will expire on
521December 31 of each odd-numbered year. The failure to renew a
522license or permit by December 31 of the second year will cause
523the license or permit to become inoperative. The holder of an
524inoperative license or permit shall not engage in any activities
525for which a license or permit is required by this section. A
526license or permit which is inoperative because of the failure to
527renew it shall be restored upon payment of the applicable fee
528plus a penalty equal to the applicable fee, if the application
529for renewal is filed no later than the following March 31. If
530the application for restoration is not made before the March
53131st deadline, the fee for restoration shall be equal to the
532original application fee and the penalty provided for herein,
533and, in addition, the State Fire Marshal shall require
534reexamination of the applicant. The fee for a license or permit
535issued for 1 year or less shall be prorated at 50 percent of the
536applicable fee for a biennial license or permit. Following the
537initial licensure, each licensee or permittee shall successfully
538complete a course or courses of continuing education for fire
539equipment technicians of at least 16 32 hours. A license or
540permit may not be renewed unless the licensee or permittee
541produces documentation of the completion of at least 16 hours of
542continuing education for fire equipment technicians during the
543biennial licensure period within 4 years of initial issuance of
544a license or permit and within each 4-year period thereafter or
545no such license or permit shall be renewed. A person who is both
546a licensee and a permittee shall be required to complete a total
547of 16 32 hours of continuing education during each renewal per
5484-year period. Each licensee shall ensure that all permittees in
549his or her employment meet their continuing education
550requirements. The State Fire Marshal shall adopt rules
551describing the continuing education requirements and shall have
552the authority upon reasonable belief, to audit a fire equipment
553dealer to determine compliance with continuing education
554requirements.
555     Section 10.  Subsection (3) of section 633.071, Florida
556Statutes, is amended to read:
557     633.071  Standard service tag required on all fire
558extinguishers and preengineered systems; serial number required
559on all portable fire extinguishers; standard inspection tags
560required on all fire protection systems.--
561     (3)  The State Fire Marshal shall adopt by rule
562specifications as to the size, shape, color, information, and
563data contained thereon of inspection tags to be attached to all
564types of fire protection systems and information required on an
565inspection report of such an inspection. The State Fire Marshal
566may adopt by rule standards for the attachment and placement of
567fire protection system inspection tags.
568     Section 11.  Section 633.081, Florida Statutes, is amended
569to read:
570     633.081  Inspection of buildings and equipment; orders;
571firesafety inspection training requirements; certification;
572disciplinary action.--The State Fire Marshal and her or his
573agents may shall, at any reasonable hour, when the department
574has reasonable cause to believe that a violation of this chapter
575or s. 509.215, or a rule promulgated thereunder, or a minimum
576firesafety code adopted by the State Fire Marshal or a local
577authority, may exist, inspect any and all buildings and
578structures which are subject to the requirements of this chapter
579or s. 509.215 and rules promulgated thereunder. The authority to
580inspect shall extend to all equipment, vehicles, and chemicals
581which are located on or within the premises of any such building
582or structure.
583     (1)  Each county, municipality, and special district that
584has firesafety enforcement responsibilities shall employ or
585contract with a firesafety inspector. The firesafety inspector
586must conduct all firesafety inspections that are required by
587law, except as provided by s. 633.082(2)(b). The governing body
588of a county, municipality, or special district that has
589firesafety enforcement responsibilities may provide a schedule
590of fees to pay only the costs of inspections conducted pursuant
591to this subsection and related administrative expenses. Two or
592more counties, municipalities, or special districts that have
593firesafety enforcement responsibilities may jointly employ or
594contract with a firesafety inspector.
595     (2)  Except as provided by s. 633.082(2)(b), every
596firesafety inspection conducted pursuant to state or local
597firesafety requirements shall be by a person certified as having
598met the inspection training requirements set by the State Fire
599Marshal. Such person shall:
600     (a)  Be a high school graduate or the equivalent as
601determined by the department;
602     (b)  Not have been found guilty of, or having pleaded
603guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or a crime punishable by
604imprisonment of 1 year or more under the law of the United
605States, or of any state thereof, which involves moral turpitude,
606without regard to whether a judgment of conviction has been
607entered by the court having jurisdiction of such cases;
608     (c)  Have her or his fingerprints on file with the
609department or with an agency designated by the department;
610     (d)  Have good moral character as determined by the
611department;
612     (e)  Be at least 18 years of age;
613     (f)  Have satisfactorily completed the firesafety inspector
614certification examination as prescribed by the department; and
615     (g)1.  Have satisfactorily completed, as determined by the
616department, a firesafety inspector training program of not less
617than 200 hours established by the department and administered by
618agencies and institutions approved by the department for the
619purpose of providing basic certification training for firesafety
620inspectors; or
621     2.  Have received in another state training which is
622determined by the department to be at least equivalent to that
623required by the department for approved firesafety inspector
624education and training programs in this state.
625     (3)(a)1.  Effective July 1, 2011, the classification of
626special state firesafety inspector is abolished and all special
627state firesafety inspector certifications expire at midnight
628June 30, 2011.
629     2.  Any person who is a special state firesafety inspector
630on June 30, 2011, and who has failed to comply with paragraph
631(b) or paragraph (c) is not permitted to perform any firesafety
632inspection required by law.
633     3.  A special state firesafety inspector certification may
634not be awarded after June 30, 2009.
635     (b)1.  Any person who is a special state firesafety
636inspector on July 1, 2009, and who has at least 5 years of
637experience as a special state firesafety inspector as of July 1,
6382009, may take the same firesafety inspection examination as
639provided in paragraph (2)(f) for firesafety inspectors before
640July 1, 2011, to be certified as a firesafety inspector
641described in subsection (2).
642     2.  Upon passing the examination, the person shall be
643certified as a firesafety inspector as provided in subsection
644(2).
645     3.  Failure to obtain certification requires compliance
646with paragraph (c) to be certified as a firesafety inspector as
647provided in subsection (2).
648     (c)1.  To be certified as a firesafety inspector as
649provided in subsection (2), any person who:
650     a.  Is a special state firesafety inspector on July 1,
6512009, and who does not have 5 years of experience as a special
652state firesafety inspector as of July 1, 2009; or
653     b.  Has 5 years of experience as a special state firesafety
654inspector but has failed the examination taken pursuant to
655paragraph (b),
656
657must take an additional 80 hours of the courses described in
658paragraph (2)(g).
659     2.  After successfully completing the courses described in
660this paragraph, such person is permitted to take the firesafety
661inspection examination described in paragraph (2)(f), if such
662examination is taken before July 1, 2011.
663     3.  Upon passing the examination, the person is certified
664as a firesafety inspector as provided in subsection (2).
665     4.  A person who fails the course of study or the
666examination described in this paragraph may not perform any
667firesafety inspection required by law on or after July 1, 2011
668Each special state firesafety inspection which is required by
669law and is conducted by or on behalf of an agency of the state
670must be performed by an individual who has met the provision of
671subsection (2), except that the duration of the training program
672shall not exceed 120 hours of specific training for the type of
673property that such special state firesafety inspectors are
674assigned to inspect.
675     (4)  A firefighter certified pursuant to s. 633.35 may
676conduct firesafety inspections, under the supervision of a
677certified firesafety inspector, while on duty as a member of a
678fire department company conducting inservice firesafety
679inspections without being certified as a firesafety inspector,
680if such firefighter has satisfactorily completed an inservice
681fire department company inspector training program of at least
68224 hours' duration as provided by rule of the department.
683     (5)  Every firesafety inspector or special state firesafety
684inspector certificate is valid for a period of 3 years from the
685date of issuance. Renewal of certification shall be subject to
686the affected person's completing proper application for renewal
687and meeting all of the requirements for renewal as established
688under this chapter or by rule adopted promulgated thereunder,
689which shall include completion of at least 40 hours during the
690preceding 3-year period of continuing education as required by
691the rule of the department or, in lieu thereof, successful
692passage of an examination as established by the department.
693     (6)  The State Fire Marshal may deny, refuse to renew,
694suspend, or revoke the certificate of a firesafety inspector or
695special state firesafety inspector if it finds that any of the
696following grounds exist:
697     (a)  Any cause for which issuance of a certificate could
698have been refused had it then existed and been known to the
699State Fire Marshal.
700     (b)  Violation of this chapter or any rule or order of the
701State Fire Marshal.
702     (c)  Falsification of records relating to the certificate.
703     (d)  Having been found guilty of or having pleaded guilty
704or nolo contendere to a felony, whether or not a judgment of
705conviction has been entered.
706     (e)  Failure to meet any of the renewal requirements.
707     (f)  Having been convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction
708which directly relates to the practice of fire code inspection,
709plan review, or administration.
710     (g)  Making or filing a report or record that the
711certificateholder knows to be false, or knowingly inducing
712another to file a false report or record, or knowingly failing
713to file a report or record required by state or local law, or
714knowingly impeding or obstructing such filing, or knowingly
715inducing another person to impede or obstruct such filing.
716     (h)  Failing to properly enforce applicable fire codes or
717permit requirements within this state which the
718certificateholder knows are applicable by committing willful
719misconduct, gross negligence, gross misconduct, repeated
720negligence, or negligence resulting in a significant danger to
721life or property.
722     (i)  Accepting labor, services, or materials at no charge
723or at a noncompetitive rate from any person who performs work
724that is under the enforcement authority of the certificateholder
725and who is not an immediate family member of the
726certificateholder. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term
727"immediate family member" means a spouse, child, parent,
728sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or first cousin of the person
729or the person's spouse or any person who resides in the primary
730residence of the certificateholder.
731     (7)  The department shall provide by rule for the
732certification of firesafety inspectors.
733     (8)  The State Fire Marshal may develop by rule an advanced
734training and certification program for firesafety inspectors
735with fire code management responsibility. This program shall be
736consistent with national standards. The program shall establish
737minimum training, education, and experience levels for fire
738safety inspectors with fire code management responsibilities.
739     (9)  The Division of State Fire Marshal may enter into a
740reciprocity agreement with the Florida Building Code
741Administrators and Inspectors Board, established pursuant to s.
742468.605, to facilitate joint recognition of continuing education
743recertification hours for certificateholders licensed in
744accordance with s. 468.609 and firesafety inspectors certified
745in accordance with subsection (2).
746     Section 12.  Subsection (2) of section 633.082, Florida
747Statutes, is amended, and subsection (6) is added to that
748section, to read:
749     633.082  Inspection of fire control systems, fire hydrants,
750and fire protection systems.--
751     (2)  Fire hydrants and fire protection systems installed in
752public and private properties, except one-family or two-family
753dwellings, in this state shall be inspected following procedures
754established in the nationally recognized inspection, testing,
755and maintenance standards NFPA-24 and NFPA-25 as set forth in
756the edition adopted by the State Fire Marshal.
757     (a)  All alarm systems shall be serviced, tested, repaired,
758inspected, and improved in compliance with the provisions of the
759applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association
760adopted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to authority
761specified in ss. 633.071 and 633.701.
762     (b)  Fire hydrants owned by public governmental entities
763shall be inspected following procedures established in the
764nationally recognized inspection, testing, and maintenance
765standards NFPA-24 and NFPA-25 as set forth in the edition
766adopted by the State Fire Marshal. County, municipal, and
767special district utilities may comply with this section with
768designated employees notwithstanding the requirements of s.
769633.081. However, private contractors must be licensed pursuant
770to this chapter.
771     (c)  Fire protection systems installed in public and
772private properties, and private hydrants that are attached to
773and an integral part of the fire protection system, shall be
774inspected following procedures established in the nationally
775recognized inspection, testing, and maintenance standards
776adopted by the State Fire Marshal. Quarterly, annual, 3-year,
777and 5-year inspections consistent with the contractual
778provisions with the owner shall be conducted by the
779certificateholder or permittees employed by the
780certificateholder pursuant to s. 633.521.
781     (6)  Fire sprinklers that have been listed by the
782manufacturer or a government entity as recalled or to be
783replaced must be replaced. It is the obligation of the owner to
784determine replacement cost recovery from the manufacturer.
785     Section 13.  Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and
786subsections (2), (3), and (4) of section 633.085, Florida
787Statutes, are amended to read:
788     633.085  Inspections of state buildings and premises; tests
789of firesafety equipment; building plans to be approved.--
790     (1)(a)  It is the duty of the State Fire Marshal and her or
791his agents to inspect, or cause to be inspected, each state-
792owned building and each building located on land owned by the
793state and used primarily for state purposes as determined by the
794State Fire Marshal, such buildings to be referred to in this
795section as a state-owned building or state-owned buildings, on a
796recurring basis established by rule, and to ensure that high-
797hazard occupancies are inspected at least annually, for the
798purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any
799conditions liable to cause fire or endanger life from fire and
800any violation of the firesafety standards for state-owned
801buildings, the provisions of this chapter, or the rules or
802regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant hereto. The State
803Fire Marshal shall, within 7 days following an inspection,
804submit a report of such inspection to the head of the department
805of state government responsible for the building.
806     (2)  The State Fire Marshal and her or his agents may shall
807conduct performance tests on any electronic fire warning and
808smoke detection system, and any pressurized air-handling unit,
809in any state-owned building or state-leased space on a recurring
810basis as provided in subsection (1). The State Fire Marshal and
811her or his agents shall also ensure that fire drills are
812conducted in all high-hazard state-owned buildings or high-
813hazard state-leased high-hazard occupancies at least annually.
814     (3)  All construction of any new, or renovation,
815alteration, or change of occupancy of any existing, state-owned
816building or state-leased space shall comply with the uniform
817firesafety standards of the State Fire Marshal.
818     (a)  For all new construction or renovation, alteration, or
819change of occupancy of state-leased space, compliance with the
820uniform firesafety standards shall be determined by reviewing
821the plans for the proposed construction or occupancy submitted
822by the lessor to the Division of State Fire Marshal for review
823and approval prior to commencement of construction or occupancy,
824which review shall be completed within 10 working days after
825receipt of the plans by the Division of State Fire Marshal.
826     (b)  The plans for all construction of any new, or
827renovation or alteration of any existing, state-owned building
828are subject to the review and approval of the Division of State
829Fire Marshal for compliance with the uniform firesafety
830standards prior to commencement of construction or change of
831occupancy, which review shall be completed within 30 calendar
832days of receipt of the plans by the Division of State Fire
833Marshal.
834     (4)  The Division of State Fire Marshal may inspect state-
835owned buildings and space and state-leased space as necessary
836prior to occupancy or during construction, renovation, or
837alteration to ascertain compliance with the uniform firesafety
838standards. Whenever the Division of State Fire Marshal
839determines by virtue of such inspection or by review of plans
840that construction, renovation, or alteration of state-owned
841buildings and state-leased space is not in compliance with the
842uniform firesafety standards, the Division of State Fire Marshal
843shall issue an order to cease construction, renovation, or
844alteration, or to preclude occupancy, of a building until
845compliance is obtained, except for those activities required to
846achieve such compliance.
847     Section 14.  Section 633.101, Florida Statutes, is amended
848to read:
849     633.101  Hearings; investigations; investigatory powers of
850State Fire Marshal; costs of service and witness fees.--
851     (1)  The State Fire Marshal may in his or her discretion
852take or cause to be taken the testimony on oath of all persons
853whom he or she believes to be cognizant of any facts in relation
854to matters under investigation. The State Fire Marshal may
855administer oaths and affirmations, compel the attendance of
856witnesses or proffering of matter, and collect evidence.
857     (2)  If the State Fire Marshal seeks to obtain by request
858any matter that, or the testimony of any person who, is located
859outside the state, the person requested shall provide the
860testimony to the State Fire Marshal or make the matter available
861to the State Fire Marshal to examine at the place where the
862matter is located. The State Fire Marshal may designate
863representatives, including officials of the state in which the
864matter is located, to inspect the matter on behalf of the State
865Fire Marshal, and the State Fire Marshal may respond to similar
866requests from officials of other states. If the State Fire
867Marshal shall be of the opinion that there is sufficient
868evidence to charge any person with an offense, he or she shall
869cause the arrest of such person and shall furnish to the
870prosecuting officer of any court having jurisdiction of said
871offense all information obtained by him or her, including a copy
872of all pertinent and material testimony taken, together with the
873names and addresses of all witnesses. In the conduct of such
874investigations, the fire marshal may request such assistance as
875may reasonably be given by such prosecuting officers and other
876local officials.
877     (3)(a)  The State Fire Marshal may request that an
878individual who refuses to comply with any request made under
879subsection (2) be ordered by the circuit court to provide the
880testimony or matter. The court may not order such compliance
881unless the State Fire Marshal has demonstrated to the
882satisfaction of the court that the testimony of the witness or
883the matter under request has a direct bearing on matter under
884the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal, constitutes a felony
885or misdemeanor under the laws of this state, or is pertinent and
886necessary to further such investigation.
887     (b)  Except in a prosecution for perjury, an individual who
888complies with a court order to provide testimony or matter after
889asserting a privilege against self-incrimination to which the
890individual is entitled by law may not be subjected to a criminal
891proceeding or to a civil penalty with respect to the act
892concerning that which the individual is required to testify or
893produce relevant matter.
894     (c)  In the absence of fraud or bad faith, a person is not
895subject to civil liability for libel, slander, or any other
896relevant tort by virtue of filing reports, without malice, or
897furnishing other information, without malice, required by this
898chapter or required by the State Fire Marshal under the
899authority granted in this chapter, and no civil cause of action
900of any nature shall arise against such person for:
901     1.  Any information relating to a matter under the
902jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal, suspected violations of
903the laws of this state, or persons suspected of engaging in such
904acts furnished to or received from law enforcement officials or
905their agents or employees;
906     2.  Any information relating to any matter under the
907jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal, suspected violations of
908the laws of this state, or persons suspected of engaging in such
909acts furnished to or received from other persons subject to the
910provisions of this chapter;
911     3.  Any information furnished in reports to the State Fire
912Marshal or any local, state, or federal enforcement officials or
913their agents or employees; or
914     4.  Other actions taken in cooperation with any of the
915agencies or individuals specified in this paragraph in the
916lawful investigation of violations under the jurisdiction of the
917State Fire Marshal or suspected violations of the laws of this
918state.
919     (d)  In addition to the immunity granted in paragraph (c),
920persons identified as employees of or consultants to insurers
921whose responsibilities include the investigation and disposition
922of violations under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal
923or the laws of this state and claims relating to suspected
924fraudulent insurance acts may share information relating to
925persons suspected of such acts with other employees or
926consultants employed by the same or other insurers whose
927responsibilities include such acts. Unless the employees of or
928consultants to the insurer act in bad faith or in reckless
929disregard for the rights of any insured, the insurer or its
930designated employees are not civilly liable for libel, slander,
931or any other relevant tort, and a civil action does not arise
932against the insurer or its designated employees for:
933     1.  Any information related to any matter under the
934jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal or suspected violations
935of the laws of this state; or
936     2.  Any information relating to any matter under the
937jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal or violations of the laws
938of this state provided to the National Insurance Crime Bureau or
939the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
940
941However, the qualified immunity against civil liability
942conferred on any insurer or its employees and consultants shall
943be forfeited with respect to the exchange or publication of any
944defamatory information with third persons not expressly
945authorized by this paragraph to share in such information.
946     (e)  This section does not abrogate or modify in any way
947any common-law or statutory privilege or immunity otherwise
948enjoyed by any person.
949     (f)  For the purpose of this section, the term "consultant"
950means any individual or entity, or employee of the individual or
951entity, retained by an insurer to assist in the investigation of
952a fire, explosion, or suspected fraudulent insurance act.
953     (3)  The fire marshal may summon and compel the attendance
954of witnesses before him or her to testify in relation to any
955manner which is, by the provisions of this chapter, a subject of
956inquiry and investigation, and he or she may require the
957production of any book, paper or document deemed pertinent
958thereto by him or her, and may seize furniture and other
959personal property to be held for evidence.
960     (4)  Papers, documents, reports, or evidence relative to
961the subject of an investigation under this section are not
962subject to discovery until the investigation is completed or
963ceases to be active. Agents of the State Fire Marshal are not
964subject to subpoena in civil actions by any court of this state
965to testify concerning any matter of which they have knowledge
966pursuant to a pending investigation by the State Fire Marshal.
967All persons so summoned and so testifying shall be entitled to
968the same witness fees and mileage as provided for witnesses
969testifying in the circuit courts of this state, and officers
970serving subpoenas or orders of the fire marshal shall be paid in
971like manner for like services in such courts, from the funds
972herein provided.
973     (5)  Any person, other than an insurer, agent, or other
974person licensed under the Florida Insurance Code, or an employee
975of such licensee, having knowledge or a belief that a crime
976involving arson, a destructive device, an illegal possession of
977explosives, a fraudulent insurance act, or any other act or
978practice which, upon conviction, constitutes a felony or a
979misdemeanor under the laws of this state is being or has been
980committed may submit to the State Fire Marshal a report or
981information pertinent to such knowledge or belief and such
982additional information relative to such knowledge or belief as
983the State Fire Marshal may request. Any insurer, agent, or other
984person licensed under the Florida Insurance Code, or an employee
985of such licensee, having knowledge or a belief that a crime
986involving arson, a destructive device, an illegal possession of
987explosives, or any other act or practice which, upon conviction,
988constitutes a felony or a misdemeanor under this chapter or s.
989817.233, is being or has been committed, shall notify the State
990Fire Marshal and shall furnish the State Fire Marshal with all
991material acquired by the company during the course of its
992investigation. The State Fire Marshal may adopt rules
993implementing this subsection. The State Fire Marshal shall
994review such information or reports and select such information
995or reports as, in his or her judgment, may require further
996investigation. The State Fire Marshal shall then cause an
997independent examination of the facts surrounding such
998information or report to be made to determine the extent, if
999any, to which a crime involving arson, a destructive device,
1000illegal possession of explosives, or a fraudulent insurance act,
1001or any other act or practice that, upon conviction, constitutes
1002a felony or a misdemeanor under the laws of this state is being
1003or has been committed. The State Fire Marshal shall report any
1004alleged violations of law which his or her investigations reveal
1005to the appropriate licensing agency and state attorney or other
1006prosecuting agency having jurisdiction with respect to any such
1007violation.
1008     (6)  It is unlawful for any person to resist an arrest by
1009an agent of the State Fire Marshal authorized by this section or
1010in any manner to interfere, by abetting or assisting such
1011resistance or otherwise interfering, with any Division of State
1012Fire Marshal investigator in the duties imposed upon such agent
1013or investigator by law or department rule.
1014     Section 15.  Section 633.121, Florida Statutes, is amended
1015to read:
1016     633.121  Persons authorized to enforce laws and rules of
1017State Fire Marshal.--The chiefs of county, municipal, and
1018special-district fire departments; other fire department
1019personnel designated by their respective chiefs; and personnel
1020designated by local governments having no organized fire
1021departments; and all law enforcement officers in the state duly
1022certified under chapter 943 and acting upon the request of the
1023State Fire Marshal or a chief of a county, municipal, or special
1024district fire department may are authorized to enforce this
1025chapter law and all rules adopted prescribed by the State Fire
1026Marshal within their respective jurisdictions. Such personnel
1027acting under the authority of this section shall be deemed to be
1028agents of their respective jurisdictions, not agents of the
1029State Fire Marshal.
1030     Section 16.  Section 633.13, Florida Statutes, is amended
1031to read:
1032     633.13  State Fire Marshal; authority of agents.--The
1033authority given the State Fire Marshal under this chapter or any
1034rule or order adopted by the State Fire Marshal law may be
1035exercised by his or her agents, either individually or in
1036conjunction with any other state or local official charged with
1037similar responsibilities.
1038     Section 17.  Section 633.14, Florida Statutes, is amended
1039to read:
1040     633.14  Agents; powers to make arrests, conduct searches
1041and seizures, serve summonses, and carry firearms.--Agents or
1042investigators of the State Fire Marshal have the power to make
1043arrests for criminal violations established as a result of
1044investigations. Such agents or investigators shall also be
1045considered state law enforcement officers for all purposes and
1046shall have the power to execute arrest warrants and search
1047warrants; to serve subpoenas issued for the examination,
1048investigation, and trial of all offenses; and to arrest upon
1049probable cause, without warrant, any person violating any
1050provision of the laws of this state. Agents or investigators
1051empowered to make arrests under this section may bear arms in
1052the performance of their duties. In such a situation, the
1053investigator must be certified in compliance with the provisions
1054of s. 943.1395 or must meet the temporary employment or
1055appointment exemption requirements of s. 943.131 until certified
1056shall have the same authority to serve summonses, make arrests,
1057carry firearms, and make searches and seizures, as the sheriff
1058or her or his deputies, in the respective counties where such
1059investigations, hearings, or inspections may be held; and
1060affidavits necessary to authorize any such arrests, searches, or
1061seizures may be made before any trial court judge having
1062authority under the law to issue appropriate processes.
1063     Section 18.  Subsections (1) and (3) of section 633.161,
1064Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1065     633.161  Violations; orders to cease and desist, correct
1066hazardous conditions, preclude occupancy, or vacate;
1067enforcement; penalties.--
1068     (1)  If it is determined by the department that a violation
1069specified in this subsection exists, the State Fire Marshal or
1070her or his agent deputy may issue and deliver to the person
1071committing the violation an order to cease and desist from such
1072violation, to correct any hazardous condition, to preclude
1073occupancy of the affected building or structure, or to vacate
1074the premises of the affected building or structure. Such
1075violations consist of are:
1076     (a)  Except as set forth in paragraph (b), a violation of
1077any provision of this chapter, of any rule adopted pursuant
1078thereto, of any applicable uniform firesafety standard adopted
1079pursuant to s. 633.022 which is not adequately addressed by any
1080alternative requirements adopted on a local level, or of any
1081minimum firesafety standard adopted pursuant to s. 394.879.
1082     (b)  A substantial violation of an applicable minimum
1083firesafety standard adopted pursuant to s. 633.025 which is not
1084reasonably addressed by any alternative requirement imposed at
1085the local level, or an unreasonable interpretation of an
1086applicable minimum firesafety standard, and which violation or
1087interpretation clearly constitutes a danger to lifesafety.
1088     (c)  A building or structure which is in a dilapidated
1089condition and as a result thereof creates a danger to life,
1090safety, or property.
1091     (d)  A building or structure which contains explosive
1092matter or flammable liquids or gases constituting a danger to
1093life, safety, or property.
1094     (e)  A fire department that is not designated by a
1095political subdivision as defined in s. 1.01.
1096     (3)  Any person who violates or fails to comply with any
1097order under subsection (1) or subsection (2) commits is guilty
1098of a misdemeanor, punishable as provided in s. 633.171.
1099     Section 19.  Subsection (1) of section 633.171, Florida
1100Statutes, is amended to read:
1101     633.171  Penalty for violation of law, rule, or order to
1102cease and desist or for failure to comply with corrective
1103order.--
1104     (1)  Any person who violates any provision of this chapter
1105law, any order or rule of the State Fire Marshal, or any order
1106to cease and desist or to correct conditions issued under this
1107chapter commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable
1108as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
1109     Section 20.  Subsection (1) of section 633.175, Florida
1110Statutes, is amended to read:
1111     633.175  Investigation of arson, fraudulent insurance
1112claims, and crimes; immunity of insurance companies supplying
1113information.--
1114     (1)  In addition to the other powers granted by this
1115chapter, the State Fire Marshal or an agent appointed pursuant
1116to s. 633.02, any law enforcement officer as defined in s.
1117111.065, any law enforcement officer of a federal agency, or any
1118fire department official who is engaged in the investigation of
1119a fire loss or loss from an explosion may request any insurance
1120company or its agent, adjuster, employee, or attorney,
1121investigating a claim under an insurance policy or contract with
1122respect to a fire to release any information whatsoever in the
1123possession of the insurance company or its agent, adjuster,
1124employee, or attorney relative to a loss from that fire. The
1125insurance company shall release the available information to and
1126cooperate with any official authorized to request such
1127information pursuant to this section. The information shall
1128include, but shall not be limited to:
1129     (a)  Any insurance policy relevant to a loss under
1130investigation and any application for such a policy.
1131     (b)  Any policy premium payment records.
1132     (c)  The records, reports, and all material pertaining to
1133any previous claims made by the insured with the reporting
1134company.
1135     (d)  Material relating to the investigation of the loss,
1136including statements of any person, proof of loss, and other
1137relevant evidence.
1138     (e)  Memoranda, notes, and correspondence relating to the
1139investigation of the loss in the possession of the insurance
1140company or its agents, adjusters, employees, or attorneys.
1141     Section 21.  Section 633.18, Florida Statutes, is amended
1142to read:
1143     633.18  State Fire Marshal; hearings and investigations;
1144subpoena of witnesses; orders of circuit court.--Any agent
1145designated by the State Fire Marshal for such purposes, may hold
1146hearings, sign and issue subpoenas, administer oaths, examine
1147witnesses, receive evidence, and require by subpoena the
1148attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of such
1149accounts, records, memoranda or other evidence, as may be
1150material for the determination of any complaint or conducting
1151any inquiry or investigation under this chapter or any rule or
1152order of the State Fire Marshal law. In case of disobedience to
1153a subpoena, the State Fire Marshal or his or her agent may
1154invoke the aid of any court of competent jurisdiction in
1155requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the
1156production of accounts, records, memoranda or other evidence and
1157any such court may in case of contumacy or refusal to obey a
1158subpoena issued to any person, issue an order requiring the
1159person to appear before the State Fire Marshal's agent or
1160produce accounts, records, memoranda or other evidence, as so
1161ordered, or to give evidence touching any matter pertinent to
1162any complaint or the subject of any inquiry or investigation,
1163and any failure to obey such order of the court shall be
1164punished by the court as a contempt thereof.
1165     Section 22.  Section 633.30, Florida Statutes, is amended
1166to read:
1167     633.30  Standards for firefighting; definitions.--As used
1168in this chapter, the term:
1169     (1)  "Career firefighter" means a person who is compensated
1170at an hourly or salaried rate and whose work hours are scheduled
1171in advance to maintain a schedule of coverage at a station,
1172facility, or area to function as described in subsection (8)
1173"Firefighter" means any person initially employed as a full-time
1174professional firefighter by any employing agency, as defined
1175herein, whose primary responsibility is the prevention and
1176extinguishment of fires, the protection and saving of life and
1177property, and the enforcement of municipal, county, and state
1178fire prevention codes, as well as of any law pertaining to the
1179prevention and control of fires.
1180     (2)  "Council" means the Firefighters Employment,
1181Standards, and Training Council "Employing agency" means any
1182municipality or county, the state, or any political subdivision
1183of the state, including authorities and special districts,
1184employing firefighters as defined in subsection (1).
1185     (3)  "Department" means the Department of Financial
1186Services.
1187     (4)  "Division" means the Division of State Fire Marshal of
1188the Department of Financial Services "Council" means the
1189Firefighters Employment, Standards, and Training Council.
1190     (5)  "Employing agency" means any municipality or county,
1191the state, or any political subdivision of the state, including
1192authorities, special districts, or any private entity under
1193contract with such entities "Division" means the Division of
1194State Fire Marshal of the Department of Financial Services.
1195     (6)  "Fire department" means an organization designated by
1196a state political subdivision, such as a county, municipality,
1197or special fire control district, to provide emergency response
1198for the protection of life and property within a specified
1199geographical area.
1200     (7)  "Fire service apprentice" means any high school
1201student who completes a high school course of instruction and
1202examination approved by the department that includes specified
1203components of firefighter I and II certification in accordance
1204with the division's rules. Before the age of 18, a fire service
1205apprentice may function as a fireground resource technician with
1206a recognized fire department. Upon age of 18 and graduation from
1207high school, the fire service apprentice may complete the
1208outstanding components of firefighter I and II certification
1209training and become certified at level II in accordance with the
1210division's rules.
1211     (8)  "Firefighter" means any person whose responsibility is
1212the emergency response to fires and other emergencies, the
1213prevention and extinguishment of fires, the protection and
1214saving of life and property, and the enforcement of municipal,
1215county, and state fire prevention codes, as well as of any law
1216pertaining to the prevention and control of fires.
1217     (9)  "Firefighter I" means a person who has successfully
1218completed the firefighter I training program and is certified at
1219level I in accordance with the division's rules. Firefighter I
1220is the minimum level of certification to function as a volunteer
1221firefighter.
1222     (10)  "Firefighter II" means a person who has successfully
1223completed the firefighter II training program and is certified
1224at level II in accordance with the division's rules. Firefighter
1225II is the minimum level of certification to function as a career
1226firefighter as set forth in subsection (1). For purposes of this
1227chapter, a certificate of compliance at level II replaces the
1228previous certificate of compliance required to be a career
1229firefighter. Firefighters currently certified with a certificate
1230of compliance are deemed to be in compliance with the
1231requirements of this chapter and need not become certified as a
1232firefighter II.
1233     (11)  "Fireground resource technician" means a volunteer
1234exterior firefighter or support person who is not qualified by
1235certification to be an interior firefighter but who has
1236completed a course of instruction in accordance with the
1237division's rules. Fireground resource technician is the minimum
1238level of certification to function on the fireground in
1239accordance with division rules.
1240     Section 23.  Section 633.34, Florida Statutes, is amended
1241to read:
1242     633.34  Firefighters; qualifications for employment.--
1243     (1)  Any person applying to an employing agency to function
1244for employment as a firefighter must:
1245     (a)(1)  Be a high school graduate or the equivalent, as the
1246term may be determined by the division, and at least 18 years of
1247age.
1248     (b)(2)  Never have been adjudicated guilty of, or pled
1249guilty or nolo contendere to, any:
1250     1.  Felony. If an applicant has been convicted of a felony,
1251the applicant is not eligible for certification until the
1252applicant complies with s. 112.011(2)(b); or
1253     2.  Misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or misleading or
1254false statements relating to certification or employment as a
1255firefighter.
1256
1257If an applicant has been sentenced for any conviction of a
1258felony or a misdemeanor, the applicant is not eligible for
1259certification until 4 years after the expiration of any
1260sentence. If a sentence is suspended or adjudication is withheld
1261and a period of probation is imposed, the applicant must have
1262been released from probation Neither have been convicted of a
1263felony or of a misdemeanor directly related to the position of
1264employment sought, nor have pled nolo contendere to any charge
1265of a felony. If an applicant has been convicted of a felony,
1266such applicant must be in compliance with s. 112.011(2)(b). If
1267an applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor directly
1268related to the position of employment sought, such applicant
1269shall be excluded from employment for a period of 4 years after
1270expiration of sentence. If the sentence is suspended or
1271adjudication is withheld in a felony charge or in a misdemeanor
1272directly related to the position or employment sought and a
1273period of probation is imposed, the applicant must have been
1274released from probation.
1275     (c)(3)  Pay for and submit fingerprints as directed by the
1276division Submit a fingerprint card to the division with a
1277current processing fee. The fingerprints shall fingerprint card
1278will be forwarded to the Department of Law Enforcement or and/or
1279the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or both, as directed by
1280division rule.
1281     (4)  Have a good moral character as determined by
1282investigation under procedure established by the division.
1283     (d)(5)  Be in good physical condition as determined by a
1284medical examination given by a physician, surgeon, or physician
1285assistant licensed to practice in the state pursuant to chapter
1286458; an osteopathic physician, surgeon, or physician assistant
1287licensed to practice in the state pursuant to chapter 459; or an
1288advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed to practice in
1289the state pursuant to chapter 464, who are aware of and familiar
1290with the medical requirements for training and certification as
1291stated in department rule. Such examination may include, but
1292need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire
1293Protection Association Standard 1582. Results of this A medical
1294examination evidencing good physical condition shall be
1295submitted to the division, on a form as provided by rule, before
1296an individual is eligible for admission into a firefighter
1297training program as defined in s. 633.35.
1298     (e)(6)  Be a nonuser of tobacco or tobacco products for at
1299least 1 year immediately preceding application, as evidenced by
1300the sworn affidavit of the applicant.
1301     (2)  A person who does not hold a fire service apprentice,
1302fireground resource technician, firefighter I, or firefighter II
1303certificate may not respond or engage in hazardous operations,
1304including, but not limited to, interior structural firefighting,
1305hazardous-materials-incident mitigation, and incident command,
1306requiring the knowledge and skills taught in the training
1307programs established in s. 633.35, regardless of volunteer or
1308employment status.
1309     Section 24.  Section 633.35, Florida Statutes, is amended
1310to read:
1311     633.35  Firefighter training and certification.--
1312     (1)  The division shall establish by rule a firefighter
1313training programs for certification as a fireground resource
1314technician, a fire service apprentice, a firefighter I, and a
1315firefighter II, to be program of not less than 360 hours,
1316administered by such agencies and institutions as approved by
1317the division in accordance with division rules it approves for
1318the purpose of providing basic employment training for
1319firefighters. Nothing herein shall require a public employer to
1320pay the cost of such training.
1321     (2)  The division shall issue certificates a certificate of
1322compliance for certification as a fireground resource
1323technician, a fire service apprentice, a firefighter I, and a
1324firefighter II to any person who has satisfactorily completed
1325complying with the training programs program established in
1326subsection (1), who has successfully passed an examination as
1327prescribed by the division, and who possesses the qualifications
1328specified for employment in s. 633.34, except s. 633.34(5). A No
1329person may not be employed as a career regular or permanent
1330firefighter by an employing agency, or by a private entity under
1331contract with the state or any political subdivision of the
1332state, including authorities and special districts, unless
1333certified as a firefighter II, except for an individual hired to
1334be trained and become certified as a firefighter II. An
1335individual hired to be trained and become certified as a
1336firefighter II has a maximum of for a period of time in excess
1337of 1 year from the date of initial employment to obtain the
1338firefighter II until he or she has obtained such certificate of
1339compliance. A person who does not hold a firefighter II
1340certificate of compliance and is employed under this section may
1341not directly engage in hazardous operations, such as interior
1342structural firefighting and hazardous-materials-incident
1343mitigation, requiring the knowledge and skills taught in a
1344training program established in subsection (1). However, a
1345person who is certified and has been employed by served as a
1346volunteer firefighter with the state or any political
1347subdivision of the state, including authorities and special
1348districts, who is then employed as a career regular or permanent
1349firefighter may function, during this period, in the same
1350capacity in which he or she acted prior to being employed as a
1351career firefighter as a volunteer firefighter, provided that he
1352or she has completed all training required by the volunteer
1353organization.
1354     (3)  The division may issue a certificate of compliance at
1355the firefighter I or firefighter II level to any person who has
1356received basic employment training for firefighters in another
1357state when the division has determined that such training was at
1358least equivalent to that required by the division for approved
1359firefighter education and training programs in this state and
1360when such person has satisfactorily complied with all other
1361requirements of this section. The division may also issue a
1362special certificate to a person who is otherwise qualified under
1363this section and who is employed as the administrative and
1364command head of a fire/rescue/emergency services organization,
1365based on the acknowledgment that such person is less likely to
1366need physical dexterity and more likely to need advanced
1367knowledge of firefighting and supervisory skills. The
1368certificate is valid only while the person is serving in a
1369position as an administrative and command head of a
1370fire/rescue/emergency services organization and must be obtained
1371prior to employment in such capacity.
1372     (4)  A person who fails an examination given under this
1373section may retake the examination once within 6 months after
1374the original examination date. An applicant who does not pass
1375retake the examination within such time must repeat or take the
1376applicable training program Minimum Standards Course, pursuant
1377to subsection (1), before being reexamined. The division may
1378establish reasonable preregistration deadlines for such
1379reexaminations.
1380     (5)  Pursuant to s. 590.02(1)(e), the division shall
1381establish a structural fire training program of not less than 40
1382hours. The division shall issue to any person satisfactorily
1383complying with this training program and who has successfully
1384passed an examination as prescribed by the division and who has
1385met the requirements of s. 590.02(1)(e) a Certificate of
1386Forestry Firefighter.
1387     (6)  A certified forestry firefighter is entitled to the
1388same rights, privileges, and benefits provided for by law as a
1389career certified firefighter. For the purposes of this statute,
1390forestry compliance certification is equivalent to firefighter
1391II.
1392     Section 25.  Section 633.351, Florida Statutes, is amended
1393to read:
1394     633.351  Disciplinary action; firefighters; standards for
1395revocation of certification.--
1396     (1)  The certification of a firefighter shall be revoked by
1397the division if evidence is found that the certification was
1398improperly issued by the division or if evidence is found that
1399the certification was issued on the basis of false, incorrect,
1400incomplete, or misleading information.
1401     (2)  The certification of a firefighter who has been
1402adjudicated guilty of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, any
1403felony, or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or
1404misleading or false statements relating to the certification or
1405employment as a firefighter, shall be revoked by the division.
1406In the case of a felony, the certification may not be reinstated
1407is convicted of a felony, or who is convicted of a misdemeanor
1408relating to misleading or false statements, or who pleads nolo
1409contendere to any charge of a felony shall be revoked until the
1410firefighter complies with s. 112.011(2)(b). However, if sentence
1411upon such felony or such misdemeanor charge is suspended or
1412adjudication is withheld, the firefighter's revocation of
1413certification shall continue for a period of 4 years after
1414expiration of completion of any probation before the applicant
1415is eligible for recertification be revoked until she or he
1416completes any probation.
1417     (3)  It is a violation of certification for any career
1418firefighter as defined in this chapter, whose initial employment
1419date is on or after July 1, 2009, to use tobacco products. An
1420investigation by the local firefighter employer which determines
1421such use, confirmed by legal means such as nicotine or cotinine
1422testing, shall result in the suspension of the firefighter's
1423state certification, requiring suspension or termination of
1424employment. The division shall adopt rules setting forth the
1425criteria for testing, investigation, and notification of the
1426division by the local firefighter employer of violations,
1427actions to be taken by the division, reinstatement of
1428certification with appropriate medical approval and
1429surveillance, and the number of violations allowed before
1430permanent revocation of firefighter certification.
1431     Section 26.  Section 633.352, Florida Statutes, is amended
1432to read:
1433     633.352  Retention of firefighter certification.--
1434     (1)  Any certified firefighter who has not been active as a
1435firefighter, or as a volunteer firefighter with an organized
1436fire department, for a period of 3 years shall be required to
1437retake and pass the written and practical portions portion of
1438the minimum standards state examination specified in division
1439rules rule 4A-37.056(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, in
1440order to maintain her or his certification as a firefighter.;
1441however,
1442     (2)  This requirement does not apply to state-certified
1443firefighters who are certified and employed as full-time fire
1444safety inspectors by a fire department employing agency or to
1445instructors regardless of their employment status instructors,
1446as determined by the division.
1447     (3)  The 3-year period begins on the date the firefighter I
1448or firefighter II certificate of compliance is issued, or upon
1449termination of service with an organized fire department, or
1450upon expiration of instructor certification.
1451     Section 27.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) and paragraph
1452(a) of subsection (2) of section 633.382, Florida Statutes, are
1453amended to read:
1454     633.382  Firefighters; supplemental compensation.--
1455     (1)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section, the term:
1456     (b)  "Firefighter" means any person who meets the
1457definition of the term "firefighter" in s. 633.30(1) and (10) s.
1458633.30(1) who is certified in compliance with s. 633.35 and who
1459is employed solely within the fire department of the employing
1460agency or is employed by the division.
1461     (2)  QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUPPLEMENTAL COMPENSATION.--
1462     (a)  In addition to the compensation now paid by an
1463employing agency to a any firefighter II, every career
1464firefighter shall be paid supplemental compensation by the
1465employing agency when such firefighter has complied with one of
1466the following criteria:
1467     1.  Any firefighter II who receives an associate degree
1468from an accredited a college, which degree is applicable to fire
1469department duties, as outlined in policy guidelines of the
1470division, shall be additionally compensated as outlined in
1471paragraph (3)(a).
1472     2.  Any firefighter II, regardless of whether or not she or
1473he earned an associate degree earlier, who receives from an
1474accredited college or university a bachelor's degree, which
1475bachelor's degree is applicable to fire department duties, as
1476outlined in policy guidelines of the division, shall receive
1477compensation as outlined in paragraph (3)(b).
1478     Section 28.  Subsections (3), (10), and (11) of section
1479633.521, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1480     633.521  Certificate application and issuance; permit
1481issuance; examination and investigation of applicant.--
1482     (3)(a)  As a prerequisite to taking the examination for
1483certification as a Contractor I, Contractor II, or Contractor
1484III, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age, be of good
1485moral character, and have at least shall possess 4 years' proven
1486experience in the employment of a fire protection system
1487Contractor I, Contractor II, or Contractor III or a combination
1488of equivalent education and experience in both water-based and
1489chemical fire suppression systems.
1490     (b)  As a prerequisite to taking the examination for
1491certification as a Contractor II, the applicant must be at least
149218 years of age, be of good moral character, and have at least 4
1493years' proven experience in the employment of a fire protection
1494system Contractor I or Contractor II or a combination of
1495equivalent education and experience in water-based fire
1496suppression systems.
1497     (c)  As a prerequisite to taking the examination for
1498certification as a Contractor III, the applicant must be at
1499least 18 years of age, be of good moral character, and have at
1500least 4 years' proven experience in the employment of a fire
1501protection system Contractor I or Contractor III or a
1502combination of equivalent education and experience in chemical
1503fire suppression systems.
1504     (d)  As a prerequisite to taking the examination for
1505certification as a Contractor IV, the applicant must shall be at
1506least 18 years old, be of good moral character, and have at
1507least 2 years' proven experience in the employment of a fire
1508protection system Contractor I, Contractor II, Contractor III,
1509or Contractor IV or combination of equivalent education and
1510experience which combination need not include experience in the
1511employment of a fire protection system contractor. A certified
1512plumber contractor meets equivalent education and experience
1513requirements upon successful completion of a training program
1514acceptable to the State Fire Marshal of not less than 40
1515contract hours on NFPA 13D, the applicable installation standard
1516used by a Contractor IV. The State Fire Marshal may adopt rules
1517to develop acceptable standards and approval processes for this
1518subsection.
1519     (e)  The required education and experience for
1520certification as a Contractor I, Contractor II, Contractor III,
1521or Contractor IV includes training and experience in both
1522installation and system layout as defined in s. 633.021.
1523     (f)  As a prerequisite to taking the examination for
1524certification as a Contractor V, the applicant must shall be at
1525least 18 years old, be of good moral character, and have been
1526licensed as a certified underground utility and excavation
1527contractor or plumbing contractor pursuant to chapter 489, have
1528verification by an individual who is licensed as a certified
1529utility contractor or plumbing contractor pursuant to chapter
1530489 that the applicant has at least 4 years' proven experience
1531in the employ of a certified underground utility and excavation
1532contractor or plumbing contractor, or have a combination of
1533education and experience equivalent to at least 4 years' proven
1534experience in the employ of a certified underground utility and
1535excavation contractor or plumbing contractor.
1536     (g)  Within 30 days after the date of the examination, the
1537State Fire Marshal shall inform the applicant in writing whether
1538she or he has qualified or not and, if the applicant has
1539qualified, that she or he is ready to issue a certificate of
1540competency, subject to compliance with the requirements of
1541subsection (4).
1542     (10)  Effective July 1, 2008, the State Fire Marshal shall
1543require the National Institute of Certification in Engineering
1544Technologies (NICET), Sub-field of Inspection and Testing of
1545Fire Protection Systems Level II or equivalent training and
1546education as determined by the division as proof that the
1547permitholders are knowledgeable about nationally accepted
1548standards for the inspection of fire protection systems. It is
1549the intent of this act, from July 1, 2005, until July 1, 2008,
1550to accept continuing education of all certificateholders'
1551employees who perform inspection functions which specifically
1552prepares the permitholder to qualify for NICET II certification.
1553     (11)  It is intended that a certificateholder, or a
1554permitholder who is employed by a certificateholder, conduct
1555inspections required by this chapter. It is understood that
1556after July 1, 2008, employee turnover may result in a depletion
1557of personnel who are certified under the NICET Sub-field of
1558Inspection and Testing of Fire Protection Systems Level II, or
1559an equivalent training and education as determined by the
1560division, which is required for permitholders. The extensive
1561training and experience necessary to achieve NICET Level II
1562certification is recognized. A certificateholder may therefore
1563obtain a provisional permit with an endorsement for inspection,
1564testing, and maintenance of water-based fire extinguishing
1565systems for an employee if the employee has initiated procedures
1566for obtaining Level II certification from the National Institute
1567for Certification in Engineering Technologies Sub-field of
1568Inspection and Testing of Fire Protection Systems and achieved
1569Level I certification or an equivalent level as determined by
1570the State Fire Marshal through verification of experience,
1571training, and examination. The State Fire Marshal may establish
1572rules to implement this subsection. After 2 years of provisional
1573certification, the employee must have achieved NICET Level II
1574certification, or an equivalent training and education as
1575determined by the division, or cease performing inspections
1576requiring Level II certification. The provisional permit is
1577valid only for the 2 calendar years after the date of issuance,
1578may not be extended, and is not renewable. After the initial 2-
1579year provisional permit expires, the certificateholder must wait
15802 additional years before a new provisional permit may be
1581issued. The intent is to prohibit the certificateholder from
1582using employees who never reach NICET Level II status, or
1583equivalent training and education as determined by the division,
1584by continuously obtaining provisional permits.
1585     Section 29.  Subsection (3) is added to section 633.524,
1586Florida Statutes, to read:
1587     633.524  Certificate and permit fees; use and deposit of
1588collected funds.--
1589     (3)  The State Fire Marshal may enter into a contract with
1590any qualified public entity or private company in accordance
1591with chapter 287 to provide examinations for any applicant for
1592any examination administered under the jurisdiction of the State
1593Fire Marshal under this chapter or any other chapter under the
1594jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal. The State Fire Marshal
1595may have payments from each applicant for each examination made
1596directly to such public entity or private company.
1597     Section 30.  Subsection (4) of section 633.537, Florida
1598Statutes, is amended to read:
1599     633.537  Certificate; expiration; renewal; inactive
1600certificate; continuing education.--
1601     (4)  The renewal period for the permit class is the same as
1602that for the employing certificateholder. The continuing
1603education requirements for permitholders are what is required to
1604maintain NICET Sub-field of Inspection and Testing of Fire
1605Protection Systems Level II certification, or equivalent
1606training and education as determined by the division, or higher
1607certification plus 8 contact hours of continuing education
1608acceptable to the State Fire Marshal during each biennial
1609renewal period thereafter. The continuing education curriculum
1610from July 1, 2005, until July 1, 2008, shall be the preparatory
1611curriculum for NICET II certification; after July 1, 2008, the
1612technical curriculum is at the discretion of the State Fire
1613Marshal and may be used to meet the maintenance of NICET Level
1614II certification and 8 contact hours of continuing education
1615requirements. It is the responsibility of the permitholder to
1616maintain NICET II certification, or equivalent training and
1617education as determined by the division, as a condition of
1618permit renewal after July 1, 2008.
1619     Section 31.  Subsections (1) and (4) of section 633.541,
1620Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1621     633.541  Contracting without certificate prohibited;
1622violations; penalty.--
1623     (1)  It is unlawful for any organization or individual to
1624engage in the business of, the layout, fabrication,
1625installation, inspection, alteration, repair, or service of a
1626fire protection system, other than a preengineered system, act
1627in the capacity of a fire protection contractor, or advertise
1628itself as being a fire protection contractor without having been
1629duly certified and holding a valid and existing certificate,
1630except as hereinafter provided. The holder of a certificate used
1631to qualify an organization must be a full-time employee of the
1632qualified organization or business. A certificateholder who is
1633employed by more than one fire protection contractor during the
1634same period of time is deemed not to be a full-time employee of
1635either contractor. The State Fire Marshal shall revoke, for a
1636period of time determined by the State Fire Marshal, the
1637certificate of a certificateholder who allows the use of the
1638certificate to qualify a company of which the certificateholder
1639is not a full-time employee. A contractor who maintains more
1640than one place of business must employ a certificateholder at
1641each location. Nothing in This subsection does not prohibit
1642prohibits an employee acting on behalf of governmental entities
1643from inspecting and enforcing firesafety codes, provided such
1644employee is certified under s. 633.081, or an owner of a one- or
1645two-family dwelling from inspecting or maintaining the fire
1646protection system for his or her own house.
1647     (4)  In addition to the penalties provided in subsection
1648(3), a fire protection contractor certified under this chapter
1649who violates any provision of this chapter section or who
1650commits any act constituting cause for disciplinary action is
1651subject to suspension or revocation of the certificate and
1652administrative fines pursuant to s. 633.547.
1653     Section 32.  Subsection (4) of section 633.72, Florida
1654Statutes, is amended to read:
1655     633.72  Florida Fire Code Advisory Council.--
1656     (4)  Each appointee shall serve a 4-year term. No member
1657shall serve more than two consecutive terms one term. No member
1658of the council shall be paid a salary as such member, but each
1659shall receive travel and expense reimbursement as provided in s.
1660112.061.
1661     Section 33.  Section 633.811, Florida Statutes, is amended
1662to read:
1663     633.811  Firefighter employer penalties.--If any
1664firefighter employer violates or fails or refuses to comply with
1665ss. 633.801-633.821, or with any rule adopted by the division
1666under such sections in accordance with chapter 120 for the
1667prevention of injuries, accidents, or occupational diseases or
1668with any lawful order of the division in connection with ss.
1669633.801-633.821, or fails or refuses to furnish or adopt any
1670safety device, safeguard, or other means of protection
1671prescribed by division rule under ss. 633.801-633.821 for the
1672prevention of accidents or occupational diseases, the division
1673may issue an administrative cease and desist order, enforceable
1674in the circuit court in the jurisdiction where the violation is
1675occurring or has occurred, and assess an administrative fine
1676against a firefighter employer of not less than $100 nor more
1677than $1,000 for each violation and each day of each violation.
1678The administrative penalty assessment shall be subject to the
1679provisions of chapter 120. The division may also assess against
1680the firefighter employer a civil penalty of not less than $100
1681nor more than $5,000 for each day the violation, omission,
1682failure, or refusal continues after the firefighter employer has
1683been given written notice of such violation, omission, failure,
1684or refusal. The total penalty for each violation shall not
1685exceed $50,000. The division shall adopt rules requiring
1686penalties commensurate with the frequency or severity of safety
1687violations. A hearing shall be held in the county in which the
1688violation, omission, failure, or refusal is alleged to have
1689occurred, unless otherwise agreed to by the firefighter employer
1690and authorized by the division. All penalties assessed and
1691collected under this section shall be deposited in the Insurance
1692Regulatory Trust Fund.
1693     Section 34.  Subsection (3) of section 633.821, Florida
1694Statutes, is amended to read:
1695     633.821  Workplace safety.--
1696     (3)  With respect to 29 C.F.R. s. 1910.134(g)(4), the two
1697individuals located outside the immediately dangerous to life
1698and health atmosphere may be assigned to an additional role,
1699such as incident commander, pumper operator, engineer, or
1700driver, so long as such individual is able to immediately
1701perform assistance or rescue activities without jeopardizing the
1702safety or health of any firefighter working at an incident. Also
1703with respect to 29 C.F.R. s. 1910.134(g)(4):
1704     (a)  Each county, municipality, and special district shall
1705implement such provision by April 1, 2002, except as provided in
1706paragraphs (b) and (c).
1707     (b)  If any county, municipality, or special district is
1708unable to implement such provision by April 1, 2002, without
1709adding additional personnel to its firefighting staff or
1710expending significant additional funds, such county,
1711municipality, or special district shall have an additional 6
1712months within which to implement such provision. Such county,
1713municipality, or special district shall notify the division that
1714the 6-month extension to implement such provision is in effect
1715in such county, municipality, or special district within 30 days
1716after its decision to extend the time for the additional 6
1717months. The decision to extend the time for implementation shall
1718be made prior to April 1, 2002.
1719     (c)  If, after the extension granted in paragraph (b), the
1720county, municipality, or special district, after having worked
1721with and cooperated fully with the division and the Firefighters
1722Employment, Standards, and Training Council, is still unable to
1723implement such provisions without adding additional personnel to
1724its firefighting staff or expending significant additional
1725funds, such municipality, county, or special district shall be
1726exempt from the requirements of 29 C.F.R. s. 1910.134(g)(4).
1727However, each year thereafter the division shall review each
1728such county, municipality, or special district to determine if
1729such county, municipality, or special district has the ability
1730to implement such provision without adding additional personnel
1731to its firefighting staff or expending significant additional
1732funds. If the division determines that any county, municipality,
1733or special district has the ability to implement such provision
1734without adding additional personnel to its firefighting staff or
1735expending significant additional funds, the division shall
1736require such county, municipality, or special district to
1737implement such provision. Such requirement by the division under
1738this paragraph constitutes final agency action subject to
1739chapter 120.
1740     Section 35.  This act shall take effect July 1, 2009.


CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.