Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Broward County, Florida

Installing fire alarm systems in Broward County requires navigating county permit requirements, fire marshal plan review, and Florida state contractor licensing. This guide covers everything low voltage contractors need to know about fire alarm permits throughout Broward County and its municipalities.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, for all fire alarm installations. Broward County requires permits for fire alarm system installations, with a simplified process available for smaller projects under Florida Statute 553.7932.

When Permits Are Required

• New fire alarm systems - All new installations in commercial and residential buildings
• System additions or modifications - Adding devices or expanding coverage
• New construction projects - All fire alarm work in new buildings
• Tenant improvements - Commercial buildouts requiring fire protection
• Change of occupancy - When building use changes and triggers fire alarm requirements
• Fire communicator installation - Adding monitoring capabilities to existing panels

Simplified Permit Process

Per Florida Statute 553.7932, a simplified permitting process is available for smaller fire alarm projects:

Qualifying Projects

• Alterations of 20 or fewer initiating devices and notification devices
• Installation or replacement of a fire communicator connected to an existing fire alarm control panel
• Applies to existing commercial, residential, apartment, cooperative, or condominium buildings

Simplified Process Requirements

• Broward County Uniform Building Permit Application
• Signed and Notarized Addendum Form by Contractor
• Notice of Commencement (if job exceeds $5,000)
• Contractor must be registered with the local city

Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm system installation in Broward County requires specific contractor licensing through the Florida DBPR.

Required License Types

License Type	Code	Fire Alarm Scope
Alarm System Contractor I	EF	All alarm systems including fire (requires 40% fire experience)
Electrical Contractor	EC	Full electrical including fire alarm systems

Note: Alarm System Contractor II (EG) license holders cannot perform fire alarm work.

For complete licensing requirements, see our Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Broward County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Use the BCAD 102 Fire Alarm System Checklist to ensure your submittal is complete:

• Broward County Uniform Building Permit Application
• Fire alarm system plans designed per State Fire Marshal Rule codes
• Equipment specifications and cut sheets
• Battery calculations and voltage drop calculations
• Valid Florida EF or EC contractor license number

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit through Broward County Building Code Services or the specific municipality where the project is located.

Step 3: Plan Review

The Fire Prevention Bureau reviews all commercial building plans to ensure compliance with:

• Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC)
• Broward County Local Fire Code Amendments
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Florida Building Code fire protection provisions

Step 4: Inspections

Required inspection types include:

• Code 246: Fire Alarm Wiring Rough
• Code 801: Fire Marshal Final
• Code 850: Fire Alarm Final

Inspectors test all fire protection, smoke evacuation, and fire alarm systems to ensure functionality and code compliance.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Item	Details
Fire Alarm Permit Fee	Based on project valuation
Notice of Commencement	Required if job exceeds $5,000
Simplified Process Threshold	20 devices or fewer
Plan Review Time	Varies by project complexity

Code Requirements

Broward County enforces:

• Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC) - Per Florida Statute 633
• Broward County Local Fire Code Amendments - Additional local requirements
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code
• Florida Building Code - Fire protection provisions

Municipal Requirements

Broward County contains multiple municipalities with their own requirements:

• Unincorporated Broward: Use County permit process
• Fort Lauderdale: Additional alarm registration required
• Hollywood: Contact city for specific requirements
• Tamarac: Simplified permit process available
• Other cities: Contact specific municipality

If your project is in an incorporated city, check their specific requirements in addition to county permits.

Alarm Registration

Many Broward County municipalities require alarm registration separate from installation permits:

• Fort Lauderdale: Residential and commercial fire alarms must be registered
• Other cities: Check local ordinances for registration requirements

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Use the checklist: BCAD 102 form helps ensure code-compliant submissions
• Check for simplified process: Projects with 20 or fewer devices may qualify for faster processing
• Register with local city: Contractor registration may be required in addition to state license
• Notice of Commencement: Record before starting if project exceeds $5,000
• Know your municipality: Requirements vary between incorporated cities

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Broward County Building	(954) 765-4400
Building Code Services	building@broward.org
Address	2307 West Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Forms and Checklists	broward.org
Florida DBPR (Licensing)	(850) 487-1395

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Broward County before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Florida and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

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Related Permit Guides

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Fort Lauderdale Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Miami-Dade County Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Tampa Fire Alarm Permit Requirements