Fire inspections are conducted at places of business on a random basis with specific types of occupancies requiring annual inspections. Annual inspections are conducted on the following types of occupancies:
- Day Care/Child Care Centers
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Group Homes
- Public Schools
Other occupancies are inspected randomly or as the occupancy changes from one type of business to another.
Inspections are also provided on request by contacting the Fire Inspector at 690-3968.
Restaurants and apartments are inspected and regulated by the state of Florida. We receive notices of inspections from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants for follow-up on observed fire code violations.
Complaints are investigated as received and in most cases the complaints are determined to be unfounded during the inspectors visit.
Note: The fire department has NO AUTHORITY for issues involving fire hazards in the private residential home. Issues involving overgrown lots, trash and possible hazards in a yard or activity at a home such as an unlicensed business should be sent to the City Code Enforcement Officer.
The fire department visits businesses in order to conduct “Fire Pre-Plans”, this allows our firefighters to examine the facility and see the existing hazards that they may encounter during emergencies at that location. During these visits observed fire code violations are brought to the attention of the facility staff. Serious code issues are forwarded to the fire inspector for follow-up.
Our philosophy in dealing with code violations is simple, small issues such as out of date fire extinguishers or in-operable emergency lighting we allow 30 day’s to repair. Serious issues such as blocked or locked exits, immediate repair at the time of our visit. In the case of code changes of significant cost we work with the facility/occupant to develop a plan of action to meet the code in a timely manner.
Examples:
Occupancy is now being required to have illuminated exit signs or emergency lighting; we will work with the occupant to have this completed within three to six months.
Or automatic fire sprinkler system or fire alarm system is now required, we will work with the occupant to have compliance in one to two years based on the situation.
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