Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Duval County, Florida

Quick Answer: Yes, Duval County (Jacksonville) requires permits for fire alarm system installations. Fire permits must be submitted online through JAXEPICS before building permit issuance. Contractors must hold a valid Florida EF (Certified Alarm System Contractor I) license. Additionally, all monitored alarm systems must be registered with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required?

In Duval County/Jacksonville, fire alarm permits are required for:

• New fire alarm system installations in commercial buildings
• Fire alarm installations in new construction
• Fire detection and alarm systems costing more than $5,000
• Modifications or upgrades to existing fire alarm systems
• Panel replacements or system expansions
• Integration with fire suppression systems

The Fire Prevention Division reviews building plans and issues fire permits based on the current Florida Fire Prevention Code (2023, 8th Edition).

Exemptions

Limited exemptions may apply to:

• Battery-operated standalone smoke detectors in residences
• Direct replacement of identical devices (same-for-same)
• Minor repairs not affecting system configuration

Contact the Building Inspection Division at (904) 255-8541 with questions about specific exemptions.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

All fire alarm installation work in Duval County must be performed by properly licensed contractors. Florida requires the EF - Certified Alarm System Contractor I license for fire alarm system work.

Florida EF License Requirements

• Experience: Six (6) years of comprehensive training, technical education, or supervisory experience within the last 12 years
• Fire Alarm Requirement: At least 40% of qualifying experience must be in fire alarm systems
• Examinations: Pass both the Alarm System Contractor I exam (100 questions, 5 hours) and Business exam (50 questions, 2.5 hours)
• Fees: $316.25 to DBPR for application, plus $78.75 to testing vendor
• Continuing Education: 7 hours required for renewal

Local Registration Required

Contractors must be registered and complete in the permit process at the Ed Ball Building, 2nd Floor, Room 281 at 214 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 PRIOR to beginning any work.

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

How to Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit

Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation

Before submitting, gather these materials:

• Fire alarm system plans and specifications
• Point-to-point wiring diagrams
• Equipment cut sheets and listings
• Battery and voltage drop calculations
• Copy of contractor license

For fire detection and alarm systems costing more than $5,000, engineering documentation is required.

Step 2: Submit Fire Permit Online

Critical: Prior to the issuance of a building permit, any work requiring a Fire Permit MUST have the permit completed online at JAXEPICS.coj.net and a TEMPORARY or WAITING status permit number issued BEFORE turning plans in for review.

Paper copies of permit applications are not accepted.

Step 3: Submit Plans for Review

Plans are submitted by the architect, engineer, or owner to the Building Inspection Division. The Building Inspection Division makes their review and forwards plans to the Fire Department for life safety review.

Step 4: Fire Department Review

The initial review by the Fire Department consists of a life safety review based on the Florida Fire Prevention Code, including:

• Means of egress and related issues
• Paths of travel
• General building layout
• Fire walls and separation
• Fire department access
• Location of fire hydrants
• Required fire systems

Step 5: Pay Fees and Receive Permit

Once approved, pay required fees through JAXEPICS to receive your permit.

Step 6: Schedule Inspections

After installation, schedule your fire alarm inspection to obtain final approval.

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Building Inspection Division	(904) 255-8541
Online Permits (JAXEPICS)	jaxepics.coj.net
Fire Prevention Division	630-CITY (2489)
Zoning Questions	(904) 255-8300
Address	214 N. Hogan St., 2nd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Alarm Registration Requirement

Separate from installation permits, Jacksonville requires all monitored alarm systems to be registered with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO).

Registration Details

• New permit fee: $10
• Renewal fee: $0
• Register online: jaxsheriff.org/alarm-registration
• Deadline: Register immediately after installation

Each alarm site receives a unique Alarm Permit Number from JSO. This number must be provided to the Alarm Contractor to facilitate law enforcement dispatch.

False Alarm Policy

Jacksonville allows 2 free false alarm dispatches per year. After that, fees apply. JSO will not respond to alarm sites with permit numbers expired more than 30 days (except Panic/Distress Alarms).

Permit Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost
Fire Alarm Permit	Based on project value
Alarm Registration (JSO)	$10 new / $0 renewal
Reinstatement (expired 30+ days)	Set by JSO

Timeline Expectations

Stage	Typical Duration
Fire Permit Processing	Obtain WAITING status before plan review
Plan Review (Fire Dept)	After building permit review
Inspection Scheduling	2-5 business days

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

• Single-family homes typically require interconnected smoke detectors per Florida Building Code
• Monitored fire alarm systems require permits and licensed installation
• All monitored systems must be registered with JSO ($10 fee)
• Free smoke detectors available through Mayor's Home Fire Safety Program—call 630-CITY (2489)

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• All commercial fire alarm installations require fire permits through JAXEPICS
• Systems over $5,000 require engineering documentation
• Plans reviewed by Fire Prevention Division for life safety compliance
• Contractor must be registered at Ed Ball Building before work begins
• NICET Level 3 or license holder required for code interpretation meetings

Code Inquiries and Interpretations

For code inquiry, interpretations, or general questions, only the following are permitted to meet with fire officials:

• Property owner
• Architects
• Engineer of Record (EOR)
• Fire protection system contractor license holder
• Minimum NICET Level 3 certification holder

Pro Tips for Duval County Fire Alarm Permits

Based on contractor experience in Jacksonville:

• Get fire permit FIRST: You must have TEMPORARY or WAITING status in JAXEPICS before submitting building plans—this is mandatory
• Register with Ed Ball Building: Complete contractor registration at Room 281 before starting any work
• Online only: Paper permit applications are not accepted—use JAXEPICS exclusively
• Budget for engineering: Systems over $5,000 require engineering documentation
• Register alarms with JSO: Don't forget the separate alarm registration requirement with the Sheriff's Office
• Know the code contacts: Only license holders or NICET Level 3+ can discuss code interpretations with fire officials

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Related Resources

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• More Permit Guides