Fire Safety

Florida law establishes uniform fire and life safety requirements for certain types of buildings and occupancies, including transient public lodging establishments.

Section 633.206, Florida Statutes, requires uniform fire safety standards for transient public lodging establishments and requires local authorities to enforce those standards within their fire safety jurisdiction.

Florida law also specifically preserves the authority of local governments and local enforcement districts to inspect public lodging establishments for compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

Applicable requirements may also be found in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 69A-43 and the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

The purpose of JFRD’s inspection is to evaluate applicable fire and life safety conditions, identify hazards that may place occupants at risk, and assist property owners in achieving compliance.

Applicable legal references include:

• Florida Statutes § 633.206 – Uniform Fire safety Standards
• Florida Statutes Chapter 509 – Public Lodging Establishments
• Florida Administrative Code Chapter 69A-43 – Uniform Fire Safety Standards for Transient Public Lodging Establishments
• Florida Fire Prevention Code

Depending on the property and the applicable fire and life safety requirements, the inspection may include evaluation of:

• Smoke alarms and smoke detection
• Carbon monoxide alarms, where applicable
• Means of egress
• Emergency escape and rescue openings, where applicable
• Occupant load, where applicable
• Emergency lighting, where applicable
• Required evacuation or floor-plan information
• Portable fire extinguishers
• Address identification and visibility
• Electrical and fire hazards
• General fire and life safety conditions
• Other conditions required by applicable Florida law or the Florida Fire Prevention Code

Specific requirements may vary depending on the type, age, configuration, and use of the property.

See TPLE Checklist for more information

If deficiencies are identified during the inspection, the property owner or authorized representative will be informed of the conditions requiring correction.

Many deficiencies can be addressed through routine corrective action and follow-up. A reasonable timeframe for correction will generally be provided based upon the nature and severity of the condition. Conditions presenting an immediate or serious fire or life safety hazard may require more immediate corrective action.

JFRD’s goal is to help property owners understand applicable fire and life safety requirements and achieve compliance. Once required corrections have been completed, a re-inspection may be necessary to verify compliance.

Florida law uses the term “transient public lodging establishment.” Generally, this includes a unit, group of units, dwelling, building, or group of buildings within a single complex that is rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 consecutive days, or that is advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests for periods of less than 30 consecutive days. Certain exclusions established by Florida law may apply.

Reference: Florida Statutes § 509.013.

Not necessarily.

The advertising platform used does not, by itself, determine whether a property is subject to applicable fire and life safety requirements. Whether the requirements apply depends upon the property’s use, classification, and whether it meets the applicable definitions established by Florida law.

Yes. 

Florida law provides certain exclusions from the definition of a public lodging establishment. Property owners with questions regarding whether a statutory exclusion applies to their property should review Florida Statutes § 509.013 or contact the appropriate state agency

Public lodging establishments generally must obtain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), subject to applicable statutory exceptions. Questions concerning state licensing, license classifications, or exemptions should be directed to DBPR.

Reference: Florida Statutes §§ 509.241 and 509.242. Section 509.241 requires public lodging establishments to obtain a state license, subject to its exceptions.

Florida law subjects transient public lodging establishments to applicable uniform fire safety standards. Local fire authorities are responsible for enforcing applicable uniform fire safety standards within their fire safety establishments for compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

JFRD’s role is limited to applicable fire and life safety requirements.

Inspection frequency is determined by applicable Florida law, fire code requirements, and JFRD’s fire inspection program. Generally, an inspection is required on an annual basis as long as the property meets the definition of a transient public lodging establishment and continues the operation.

Property owners will be advised of any applicable follow-up or recurring inspection requirements associated with their property.

Complete the online inspection request form.

A representative from JFRD will contact you using the information provided to coordinate the inspection and provide any additional instructions.

Most inspections are expected to take approximately 30–45 minutes, although inspection time may vary depending on the size, configuration, and conditions of the property

The owner, property manager, or another authorized representative should be present and able to provide consent and access to the areas of the property necessary to conduct the inspection.

Yes.

An authorized representative may meet the inspector as long as that individual is able to provide access to the property and act on behalf of the owner or operator as necessary for the inspection.

Generally, no.

However, inspections are preferably scheduled when they will minimize inconvenience to guests and allow the inspector appropriate access to the property.

The owner or authorized representative will be advised of any deficiencies identified during the inspection and the required corrective action. The timeframe for correction may vary depending upon the nature and severity of the deficiency. Once corrections have been completed, a re-inspection may be required to verify compliance

Yes. 

Fire inspection and re-inspection fees are established by the City of Jacksonville’s approved fee schedule. The fee for an initial and routine Fire Safety Inspection (first inspection visit) as of October 1st, 2026, is $0.009 per square foot with a maximum cost of $5,000. 

If a property fails the initial or routine inspection, a re-inspection (second inspection visit) will be required. There is no charge for the first re-inspection. If a property fails the re-inspection, another re-inspection (third inspection visit) will be required. The fee for this and any other subsequent re-inspections will incur a charge of $0.009 per square foot with a maximum cost of $5,000. As an example, each 1,000 square feet of inspected space is $9.00.

Please note, fees should be verified through the City’s official fee schedule as they may be changed, updated or modified from time to time.

Link to City of Jacksonville Fees can be found on the Jacksonville City Fees Page