The mission of the Fire Marshal's Office is to provide a high level of life safety and property protection for the community and fist responders through inspection, investigation, education, engineering, and enforcement.

General Information

Fire Prevention is the inspection, education, engineering, and enforcement division of Highlands County Fire Rescue, providing life safety services through code enforcement and inspections during the new business development process, general fire inspections, operating and special use permitting, and complaint investigation.

Fire Prevention is the key to saving lives and property. Fire Prevention education is the first step in the Fire Rescue's commitment to protecting the lives and property of our citizens, guests, and neighboring communities. 

The Fire Marshal's Office is committed to providing you the most comprehensive information and assistance possible. This site will guide you to timely safety information, permit applications, inspections, forms, and publications.

Fire Marshal and Fire Inspectors

The Fire Marshal and Fire Inspectors have jurisdiction in these matters for all of Highlands County.  The primary task of the Fire Marshal's Office is enforcing these "Rules and Regulations for the State Minimum Fire Safety Standards" as adopted by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

These rules and regulations are adopted under Florida Statutes, Florida Fire Administrative Codes, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. 

Highlands County Fire Rescue adopts these local enforcement purposes by reference in Highlands County - Code of Ordinances Chapter 12 – Land Development Regulations – Article 17 Fire Code.  

The Fire Marshal's Office has the responsibility to conduct fire and life safety inspections of existing buildings and structures, review plans and specifications for proposed buildings and structures, maintain records, and respond to customer questions and concerns relating to fire hazards.

Highlands County Fire Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office requires that plan reviewers review plans and specifications before the approval of building or installation permits. This ensures public safety by establishing compliance with local ordinances, including the local fire code. 

Applicable Codes within Highlands County

  • Current adopted Florida Statutes
  • Current adopted Florida Administrative Codes
  • Current adopted NFPA 1
  • Current adopted NFPA 101
  • All the current adopted NFPA codes listed in Florida Administrative Codes
  • For Highlands County Fire Rescue Prevention Codes, see Highlands County, Florida - Code of Ordinances Chapter 12 – Land Development Regulations – Article 17 Fire Code.   
  • For all other fire code standards, see Florida Fire Marshal’s – Bureau of Fire Prevention

Inspections

The Fire Marshal's Office conducts inspections on new construction, existing construction, tenant finishes, and new or modified fire protection and life safety systems. The office also handles complaints from citizens and provides assistance to responding fire crews when the crew comes across a technical code issue, they are unable to address.

During the construction or renovation process, Fire Rescue requires inspections to ensure the approved plans are in compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. A fire inspector conducts an on-site inspection at least twice: at the 80% stage and then at 100% completion of the project. When applicable, an inspector will require additional inspections as dictated by the project.

Normally, we will perform an inspection the day following the request. If a project fails an inspection, the applicant will schedule a re-inspection. Once a project passes the final inspection, a certificate of occupancy is issued to the applicant. The Certificate of Occupancy must be prominently posted near the main entrance to the building.

Inspections must be scheduled at least 24 hours before the inspection and are only scheduled for a particular day. If a more specific time is desired, please include appropriate notes with the request and on-site contact.

Inspections are conducted in the following areas: 

  • 80% New Construction Inspection
  • 100% New Construction Inspection – Certificate of Occupancy (CO) 
  • Accessibility Inspections
  • Annual Inspections
  • Carnival Inspection 
  • Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
    • Smoke Test
    • Water Flow Test
  • Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems 
    • Fire Pump Test
    • Pressure Test
    • Water Flow Test (Alarm)
  • Commercial Kitchen Hood Systems 
    • Suppression Systems (Balloon test)
    • Vent System
      • Light Test
      • Wrap Inspection
  • Complaint Inspections
  • Courtesy Inspections
  • Firework Displays Inspections
  • Knox Box Inspections
  • Occupant Load Calculations
  • Sparkler Inspections
  • Tent Inspections 
  • Above ground and Underground Fuel Tanks Installation Inspection

CONTRACTORS, ENGINEERS, AND BUILDERS

HCFR offers you the chance to view your site plans for a fee with the County's Fire Marshal prior to permitting with the Building division. Call 863-402-7600 to schedule an appointment.

Commercial: $200

Residential: $100

Fire and Life Safety Programs

The Fire Marshal's Office is proud to offer fire and life safety programs to Highlands County residents. Fire safety educators conduct training, provide lectures and fire safety demonstrations at elementary schools, homeowner associations, businesses, and senior centers.

Training sessions address the common causes of fire and fire injuries in the home and provide information on preventing fires and what to do in case of fire. The fire safety education programs target those most vulnerable to fire - young children and older adults.

Other programs offered by Highlands County Fire Rescue include fire truck demos, fire recue demos, fire station visits, fire extinguisher demos, basic fire safety demos, hands-only CPR, and first aid.