Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Orange County, Florida

Installing fire alarm systems in Orange 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 in Orange County and the Orlando metro area.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, for all fire alarm installations. Orange County requires permits for fire alarm system installations through the Office of the Fire Marshal. Fire alarm systems must have the ability to directly communicate with Orange County Fire Rescue Dispatch.

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
• Special events - Trade shows, conventions, and temporary installations
• System restorations - After shows or special events, systems must be restored to normal operation

Engineering Requirements

Critical: Fire Alarm Systems over $5,000 are required to be dated, signed, and stamped by a Florida Registered Professional Engineer per Florida Statute 553.79.

Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm system installation in Orange 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.

Orange County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Use the Fire Protection Systems Permit Application:

• Print or type all information - incomplete applications will be returned
• Certificate Holder must sign notarized portion for new permits, corrections, or revisions
• Fire alarm system plans and specifications
• Equipment cut sheets
• Valid Florida EF or EC contractor license number

Step 2: Engineering Seal (If Required)

For systems over $5,000, plans must be dated, signed, and stamped by a Florida Registered Professional Engineer.

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit through the Orange County Fast Track online permit system or in person at the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Step 4: Pay Fees

All fees shall be paid at time of submittal in accordance with Orange County Fee Schedule. Fees are not refundable once plans are processed. Payments can be made online through Fast Track.

Step 5: Inspections

Schedule inspections through the permit system. Inspectors verify code compliance and system functionality.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Item	Details
Permit Fees	Per Orange County Fee Schedule
Engineering Threshold	$5,000+ requires PE stamp
Online System	Fast Track at fasttrack.ocfl.net
Inspector Availability	24-hour on-call for emergencies

Code Requirements

Orange County enforces:

• Florida Fire Prevention Code - Current edition
• Orange County Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 - Fire Prevention and Protection
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code
• Florida Building Code - Fire protection provisions

City of Orlando vs. Orange County

If your project is within the City of Orlando specifically:

• City of Orlando: Requires separate fire alarm registration through the city
• Fire permit: Required from building permit department for fire suppression, alarms, and sprinklers
• Registration portal: orlando.gov fire alarm registration

For unincorporated Orange County, use the county permit process.

Fire Alarm System Requirements

• Systems must have the ability to directly communicate with Orange County Fire Rescue Dispatch
• Public assembly facilities must maintain a fire alarm log available for review
• After special events, systems must be restored to normal operating condition immediately
• Designated responsible person must remain until system is restored

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Complete applications: Incomplete applications will be returned - double-check before submitting
• Get PE stamp early: Systems over $5,000 require Florida PE seal - factor into timeline
• Use Fast Track: Online system allows permit submission and payment
• Notarize correctly: Certificate holder must sign notarized portion
• 24-hour availability: On-call inspector available for fire prevention code emergencies

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Office of the Fire Marshal	(407) 836-0004
Address	7079 University Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792
Permitting Services	(407) 836-5550
Email	PermittingServices@ocfl.net
Online Permits	fasttrack.ocfl.net
Florida DBPR (Licensing)	(850) 487-1395

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

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