Fire Prevention Business

Fire Inspection Checklists have been developed to help you meet fire code requirements and avoid receiving a notice of violation. All violations listed are based on the Florida Fire Prevention Code or the Florida Uniform Fire Safety Standards. The lists do not address all code requirements, but instead focus on the most commonly found violations, and on those that are easily correctable. Space limitations prohibit the listing of all exceptions or exemptions that may apply.

If you have specific questions you may request a fire safety inspection of your facility, and the inspector will address any issues at that time. (Note: If deficiencies are found you will be given a notice of violation and a reasonable period of time to correct the deficiencies before enforcement action is taken.) You may also review the entire fire code at our office during normal business hours. (3657 Gaines Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084)

Visit the State Fire Marshall’s Office Website to view the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

Fire Inspection Checklists have been developed to help you meet fire code requirements and avoid receiving a notice of violation. All violations listed are based on the Florida Fire Prevention Code or the Florida Uniform Fire Safety Standards. The lists do not address all code requirements, but instead focus on the most commonly found violations, and on those that are easily correctable. Space limitations prohibit the listing of all exceptions or exemptions that may apply.

If you have specific questions you may request a fire safety inspection of your facility, and the inspector will address any issues at that time. (Note: If deficiencies are found you will be given a notice of violation and a reasonable period of time to correct the deficiencies before enforcement action is taken.) You may also review the entire fire code at our office during normal business hours. (3657 Gaines Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084)

Visit the State Fire Marshall’s Office Website to view the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

In almost all cases owners and managers are able to correct fire code violations within the time given in the “notice of violation” issued by the fire inspector. In some cases, there are unusual circumstances that prevent timely compliance, and we are often able to work with those owner / managers who are making a good faith effort to comply. For example, if you are required to have extensive work done on a fire alarm system, we may be able to extend the time if the contractor is unable to complete the work right away provided you show us a signed contract indicating that the work will be done. If you need extended time to comply, please contact your inspector as soon as possible to discuss your request.

For those instances in which the owner / manager does not comply, enforcement action will be taken as described below:

• The local enforcement procedures and penalties for failure to comply with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, or the Uniform Fire safety Standards, are found in St. Johns County Ordinance #93-6.
• Both the owner and managers of a business may be held responsible for violating the fire codes.
• The ordinance states that violators of the fire code may be prosecuted in the same manner as misdemeanors, and upon conviction they may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County Jail not to exceed 60 days, or both.
• The ordinance also states that fire inspectors may issue civil citations to violators. A separate citation may be given for each violation, and each day that a violation continues is a separate offense. If the citation is not contested the penalty is $50.00, plus court costs of $8.00. If a violator chooses to contest the citation and is convicted, the judge may impose a penalty up to $500.00 plus court costs for each violation.
• The County also has other enforcement options, including but not limited to seeking a mandatory injunction from a court.