Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Orlando, Florida

Quick Answer: Fire alarm installations in Orlando require a fire permit from the City of Orlando Building Department. Commercial fire alarm systems must also be registered with the Orlando Fire Department ($10 fee). Florida's expedited permitting process allows projects of 20 or fewer devices to skip plan review. All contractors must hold a Florida EF (Certified Alarm System Contractor I) license from DBPR with at least 40% fire alarm experience.

Understanding Orlando Fire Alarm Permitting

Fire alarm permit requirements in the Orlando area depend on whether your project is within City of Orlando limits or in unincorporated Orange County. Both jurisdictions require permits, but the application processes differ.

City of Orlando Fire Alarm Permits

According to the City of Orlando Building Construction Fire Permits Guide, a fire permit from the building permit department is required for projects involving fire suppression, fire alarms, and fire sprinklers.

Application Process

1. Complete permit application using City of Orlando Fire Permit Forms
2. Submit plans for review via ProjectDox (digital plan review system)
3. Review the Fire Plan Review Checklist before submission
4. Pay applicable fees online through the permit portal
5. Receive permit approval and schedule inspections

Online Services

The City of Orlando offers comprehensive online permitting services:

• Apply for permits online
• Upload digital plans via ProjectDox
• Pay fees electronically
• View and schedule inspections
• Check plan review status

Access the City of Orlando Permit Lookup to manage your permits.

Commercial Fire Alarm Registration

In addition to permits, the City of Orlando requires commercial fire alarm systems to be registered with the Orlando Fire Department.

Why Register?

Registration helps prevent delays when the fire department responds to an alarm at your business. It provides first responders with essential information about your building and alarm system.

Registration Fee

Commercial Fire Alarm Registration: $10.00

Orange County Fire Permits

For projects in unincorporated Orange County, permits are processed through Orange County Permitting Services.

Contact Information

Orange County Office of the Fire Marshal

• Address: 7079 University Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792
• Handles: Fire permits only

Orange County Permitting Services

• Address: 201 Rosalind Avenue, 1st Floor, Orlando, FL 32801
• Phone: (407) 836-5550
• Email: PermittingServices@ocfl.net

Fees

Orange County fees are paid online through OC FastTrack. Fees are assessed according to the Orange County Fee Directory and are not refundable once plans are processed.

Florida Expedited Permitting

Florida law provides an expedited permitting process for smaller fire alarm projects, removing the requirement for plan review before starting work.

Qualifying Projects

Expedited permitting applies to:

• Fire alarm system alterations of 20 or fewer initiating devices and notification devices total
• Installation or replacement of a fire communicator connected to an existing fire alarm control panel
• Projects in existing commercial, residential, or apartment buildings

Local enforcement agencies cannot require submission of building plans or specifications for qualifying projects, but can still require a completed application and permit fee payment.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Florida requires specific licensing for fire alarm contractors through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

EF License (Certified Alarm System Contractor I)

The EF license is required for fire alarm work in Florida. Key requirements:

• Required experience must include at least 40% fire alarm work
• 4 years verifiable experience in full-time employment of a Fire Protection System Contractor I, II, or III
• Must pass both trade and business examinations
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Fire Protection System Contractor License

Under Section 633.318, Florida Statutes, anyone engaging in the business of laying out, fabricating, installing, inspecting, altering, repairing, or servicing a fire protection system (other than pre-engineered systems) must be certified as a Fire Protection System Contractor.

Continuing Education

Licensed contractors must complete continuing education requirements, including CEU courses through the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

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

Code Compliance

Orlando fire alarm installations must comply with:

• Florida Fire Prevention Code
• City of Orlando Fire Code, Chapter 24
• NFPA 1: Fire Code
• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
• NFPA 13: Sprinkler Systems (when applicable)

Inspection Requirements

Fire alarm systems require ongoing inspections per NFPA 72:

Inspection Types

• Initial inspection: After installation, before system activation
• Quarterly inspections: Visual inspections for physical damage and equipment condition
• Annual inspections: Comprehensive testing of all components

What Inspectors Check

• Fire alarm panel condition and recent expert checks
• Updated inspection tags
• Absence of warning lights indicating malfunctions
• Documentation of tests and any deficiencies found

Fees Summary

Item	Fee	Jurisdiction
Commercial Fire Alarm Registration	$10.00	City of Orlando
Fire Permit	Per fee schedule	City or County
Plan Review	Per fee schedule	City or County
Fire Hydrant Permit (up to 5)	$35.00	Orange County

Pro Tips for Orlando Fire Alarm Projects

1. Use the Fire Plan Review Checklist: Review the City of Orlando checklist before submitting plans to avoid delays.
2. Register commercial alarms early: The $10 registration prevents response delays and is quick to complete.
3. Leverage expedited permitting: For projects of 20 or fewer devices, Florida law allows you to skip plan review requirements.
4. Use online services: Both City of Orlando and Orange County offer online permit applications—save time by submitting digitally.
5. Keep inspection records: NFPA 72 requires documentation of all tests, deficiencies, and corrections—maintain organized records.
6. Verify jurisdiction: Confirm whether your project is in City of Orlando or unincorporated Orange County before applying.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Florida Permit Guides

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

Summary

Fire alarm installations in Orlando require a fire permit from the City Building Department or Orange County, depending on location. Commercial systems must be registered with the Orlando Fire Department ($10 fee). Florida's expedited permitting process allows projects of 20 or fewer devices to bypass plan review. All contractors must hold a Florida EF license with documented fire alarm experience.

Contact the City of Orlando Permitting Services or access the online permit portal for specific project guidance.