Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Installing fire alarm systems in Fort Lauderdale requires navigating both city permit requirements and Florida state contractor licensing. This guide covers everything low voltage contractors need to know about fire alarm permits in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, for commercial installations. The City of Fort Lauderdale requires permits for fire alarm system installations. The Fire Prevention Bureau reviews all commercial building plans and inspects fire alarm systems to ensure code compliance before issuing certificates of occupancy.

When Permits Are Required

• New commercial fire alarm systems - All new installations in commercial 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
• BDA systems - Bi-directional amplifier systems for first responder communications

When Permits May Not Be Required

• Battery-powered smoke detector replacement - Simple replacements in single-family homes
• Like-for-like device replacement - Replacing identical devices on existing systems (verify with fire marshal)

Important: Even when permits may not be required, contractors must hold valid Florida state licenses to perform fire alarm work.

Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm system installation in Florida requires specific contractor licensing through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Required License Types for Fire Alarm Work

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.

Broward County Registration

State of Florida licensed contractors must be registered with Broward County to pull permits in unincorporated Broward County and Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Submit the Florida Contractor License Verification form with supporting documentation.

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

Fort Lauderdale Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

• Completed permit application (Uniform Building Permit Application)
• Valid Florida EF or EC contractor license number
• Fire alarm system plans and specifications
• Equipment cut sheets and data sheets
• Battery and power supply calculations
• Voltage drop calculations for notification circuits

Step 2: Submit Plans for Review

Broward County provides a Fire Alarm System Checklist for Plan and Submittal Review to assist engineers and contractors in designing code-compliant systems.

All submittals requiring review are accepted electronically through ePermits OneStop.

Step 3: Fire Marshal Review

The Fire Prevention Bureau reviews all commercial building plans prior to permits being issued and works with Building Department plan reviewers to ensure compliance with:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes
• Florida Fire Prevention Code
• Florida Building Code
• City of Fort Lauderdale Municipal Code of Ordinances

Step 4: Installation and Testing

Once plans are approved, install the system per approved plans. Post-installation testing is required to confirm code compliance.

Step 5: Final Inspection

Fire inspectors test all fire protection, smoke evacuation, and fire alarm systems to ensure they are functional and code compliant. A certificate of occupancy (CO) or completion is only issued once fire and building inspections have passed.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost/Time
Fire Alarm Permit Fee	Based on project valuation
Plan Review Fee	Additional fees apply
Plan Review Time	Varies by project complexity
Inspection Scheduling	24-48 hours advance notice

Alarm Registration Requirements

In addition to installation permits, all fire alarm systems must be registered with the City of Fort Lauderdale:

• Registration required: All residential and commercial fire and interior alarms
• Initial registration fee: $50
• Annual renewal: Required (no fee if previously registered since January 16, 2004)
• Registration portal: Fort Lauderdale Alarm Program

Delinquent accounts (over 30 days) may result in liens against properties and referral to collections.

Code Requirements

Fort Lauderdale enforces the following codes for fire alarm installations:

• Florida Building Code - Current edition
• Florida Fire Prevention Code - Current edition
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code
• Broward County Local Amendments - Additional local requirements

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

• Single-family homes require hardwired smoke detectors with battery backup
• Monitored residential systems require alarm registration
• Multi-family buildings follow commercial requirements

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Always requires permits and fire marshal plan review
• Certificate of occupancy withheld until fire inspection passes
• Annual inspections required
• BDA systems may be required for larger buildings

Inspector Certifications

All Fort Lauderdale Fire Inspectors are:

• State of Florida Certified Firefighters
• State of Florida Certified Fire Inspectors
• Broward County Certified Fire Inspectors

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Use the checklist: Broward County's Fire Alarm System Checklist helps ensure code-compliant submissions
• Register with Broward: State license holders must register with Broward County to pull permits
• Register alarms promptly: $50 initial registration fee applies to all fire alarms
• Plan for CO holds: Certificate of occupancy is not issued until fire inspection passes
• Email for BDA questions: Contact BDA@FortLauderdale.gov for bi-directional amplifier system inquiries

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Fire Prevention Bureau	fortlauderdale.gov
BDA Systems	BDA@FortLauderdale.gov
Broward County Building	(954) 765-4400
Alarm Registration	cityalarmpermit.us
Florida DBPR (Licensing)	(850) 487-1395

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Miami Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Orlando Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Tampa Fire Alarm Permit Requirements