Smoke Detectors: Doral vs North Miami

Where do I have to install smoke alarms in a Doral home?

Under Florida Building Code Residential Section R314, smoke alarms must be installed inside every sleeping room, in the hallway or area immediately outside each separate sleeping area, and on every additional story including basements and habitable attics. New-construction alarms must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so that one activation sounds all alarms.

Do I need a 10-year battery smoke alarm in my Doral rental?

Yes, if you are installing a new battery-only alarm. Florida Statute 553.883 requires that any battery-powered smoke alarm installed on or after January 1, 2015 as a replacement use a non-removable, non-replaceable 10-year sealed lithium battery. Hardwired alarms with battery backup are exempt from the 10-year sealed requirement, but the FBC R314 hardwiring and interconnection rules still apply.

Where must smoke alarms be installed in a North Miami home?

Per Florida Building Code Residential R314, alarms must be installed in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on every additional story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics.

Do I need hard-wired smoke alarms or are batteries OK?

New construction and substantial renovations require hard-wired, interconnected alarms with battery backup. For existing dwellings where battery-only alarms are permitted as replacements, Florida Statute 553.883 requires alarms powered by a non-removable, non-replaceable 10-year sealed battery.

Are carbon monoxide alarms also required?

Yes. Florida Building Code Residential R315 requires CO alarms in dwellings that contain fuel-burning appliances or have an attached garage. CO alarms are typically required outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.