Smoke Detectors: St. Petersburg vs Tarpon Springs

Smoke alarms are required in all St. Petersburg dwelling units under the Florida Building Code and FL §553.883. Rentals must have working alarms on every level, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.

Tarpon Springs enforces smoke alarm requirements through the Florida Building Code Residential (FBC-R) Section R314 and the Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 101 Life Safety Code), which apply statewide. Smoke alarms are required in each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area within 21 feet of bedroom doors, and on every story of the dwelling including basements. New construction and alterations exceeding the FBC-R R314.6 thresholds require hard-wired alarms with battery backup that are interconnected. Hard-wired smoke or carbon monoxide alarm installations require an electrical permit pulled by a licensed contractor through the Tarpon Springs Building Department. Carbon monoxide alarms are required outside sleeping areas where fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are present under F.S. 553.885.