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CS/CS/SB 1140 — Alarm Systems
by Banking and Insurance Committee; Regulated Industries Committee; and Senator Perry
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Regulated Industries Committee (RI)
The bill reduces the initial training and continuing education requirements for fire alarm system agents with certain specialized certifications or training relating to fire alarm systems. Eligible agents need only meet a requirement for two hours of training in false alarms prevention required by s. 489.5185(1)(b), F.S.
The bill amends the definition of a low-voltage alarm system project to include video cameras and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems used to signal or detect a burglary, fire, robbery, or medical emergency. Such systems use a closed circuit for the signal rather than the typical open transmission used in broadcast television.
The bill establishes an expedited permitting process for fire alarm system alterations of a total of 20 or fewer initiating devices and notification devices, or the installation or replacement of a fire communicator connected to an existing fire alarm control panel in an existing commercial, residential, apartment, cooperative, or cooperative building.
A local enforcement agency:
- May require a contractor to submit a completed application and payment, as a condition of obtaining a permit for an eligible fire alarm system project;
- May not require a contractor to submit plans or specifications as a condition of obtaining a permit for an eligible fire alarm system project;
- Must issue a permit for an eligible fire alarm system project in person or electronically;
- Must require at least one inspection of an eligible fire alarm system project to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards; if an eligible fire alarm system project fails an inspection, the contractor must take corrective action as necessary to pass inspection.
A contractor must keep a copy of the plans and specifications at a fire alarm system project worksite and make them available to the inspector at each inspection.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2022.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 111-0