FL S1902

State Fire Marshal must adopt design criteria for minimum radio coverage for public safety emergency communications systems and standards for minimum interior radio coverage and signal strength in buildings.

Local authorities cannot require two-way radio communications enhancement systems in buildings unless a qualified third party certifies the jurisdiction's public safety emergency communications system meets or exceeds NFPA 1221 standards, with certification valid until the next triennial code adoption.

Local authorities with valid radio coverage certification may assess building interior radio coverage no more than once every 3 years for high-rise buildings or once every 5 years for other buildings, and cannot withhold certificates of occupancy based solely on professional engineer or architect judgment that enhancement systems are unnecessary.

Existing buildings other than apartment occupancies must comply with radio coverage standards by January 1, 2022, while apartment occupancies must comply by January 1, 2025; property owners must apply for permits by December 31, 2019 (for other buildings) or December 31, 2022 (for apartments).

Local authorities must provide 180 days' notice before requiring modifications to existing systems due to jurisdiction modifications, and must allow 1 year for building owners to complete retrofits after receiving code violation notices.