Recent Changes to Florida Fire Prevention Code Affect Condominiums over 75 Feet Tall
It is essential for condo associations to ensure that their buildings are in compliance with the requirements of the Florida Fire Prevention Code. For the safety of all residents, associations must certify they stay up to date with the latest in fire safety provisions. One of these essential safety features is a requirement that systems be built into new and existing buildings to ensure that first responders’ radios will work throughout buildings in an emergency situation.
Pursuant to Section 11.10.1 of the Fire Code, “in all new and existing buildings, minimum radio signal strength for fire department communications shall be maintained at a level determined by the AJH [the authority having jurisdiction]. Additionally, Section 11.10.2 provides that where required by the authority having jurisdiction, two-way radio communication enhancement systems must comply with the requirements of the Fire Code. This means that if your condominium is over 75 feet tall, you must ensure that these systems are in place to comply with the Fire Code[1].
Existing high-rise buildings as defined by the Florida Building Code are not required to comply with minimum radio strength for fire department communications and two-way radio communication enhancement systems as required by the Florida Fire Prevention Code until January 1, 2025. However, by January 1, 2024, an existing high-rise building that is not in compliance with the requirements for minimum radio strength for fire department communications must apply for an appropriate permit for the required installation with the local government agency having jurisdiction and must demonstrate that the building will become compliant by January 1, 2025. Existing high-rise apartment buildings are not required to comply until January 1, 2025. However, existing high-rise apartment buildings are required to apply for the appropriate permit for the required communications installation by January 1, 2024. [2].
Condominium associations must comply with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
Section 11.10.1 of the Fire Code requires minimum radio signal strength for fire department communications to be maintained at a level determined by the authority having jurisdiction.
Section 11.10.2 provides that two-way radio communication enhancement systems must comply with the requirements of the Fire Code.
Condominiums over 75 feet tall must ensure these systems are in place to comply with the Fire Code.
As a condominium association, it is critical that you stay up to date on the latest fire safety provisions and ensure that your building complies with the Florida Fire Prevention Code. By complying with the Fire Code, associations can help ensure the safety of all residents in emergency situations.
Sources:
https://www.miamidade.gov/fire/library/code-requirements.pdf
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699%2F0633%2FSections%2F0633.202.html