FL 553.885 requires smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level. New construction must have hardwired alarms with battery backup.
Smoke alarm requirements in Duval County are governed by FL Statute 553.885 and the Florida Building Code (7th Edition, Residential Section R314). Every dwelling unit must have smoke alarms installed inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on each additional story of the dwelling including basements. In new construction and substantial renovations, smoke alarms must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so that activation of one alarm triggers all alarms in the dwelling. Battery-only alarms are permitted in existing construction that has not been renovated. Alarms must comply with UL 217 or UL 268 standards. The Jacksonville Fire Marshal inspects rental properties, STRs, and commercial buildings for compliance. FL Statute 553.885 also requires carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas in buildings with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages, effective since 2020. Ten-year sealed lithium battery alarms satisfy the battery-only requirement. Landlords must provide working smoke alarms at lease commencement per FL 83.51.
Fire code violations carry fines up to $500 per unit. Landlord failure to provide working smoke alarms can result in lease remedies under FL 83.56 and potential liability in fire injury claims.
See how Duval County's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.