Highlands County, FL Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- Approved, listed smoke detector in every unit
- Standard
- UL 217 (1989) tested detector
- Alarm
- Must sound an audible alarm when activated
- Enforcing official
- Building Official acting as housing official
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Highlands County dwelling units
Summary
Every dwelling unit in unincorporated Highlands County must have an approved, listed smoke detector installed under the manufacturer's instructions, sounding an audible alarm when activated. Highlands County Code § 12.19.302.I requires the detector to meet UL 217 (1989) testing standards for single and multiple station smoke detectors.
I.Smoke detector systems. Every dwelling unit shall be provided with an approved listed smoke detector, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and listing. When activated, the detector shall provide an audible alarm. The detector shall be tested in accordance with and meet the requirements of UL 217 (1989), Single and Multiple Station Smoke Detectors.
Full Breakdown
I, part of the Standard Housing Code's minimum facilities requirements for residential dwelling units, requires every dwelling unit in unincorporated Highlands County to be provided with an approved listed smoke detector, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and listing, that must provide an audible alarm when activated and be tested in accordance with and meet the requirements of UL 217 (1989), Single and Multiple Station Smoke Detectors. 302, such as sanitary plumbing fixtures, hot water heated to at least 120°F, and adequate heating, and is separate from the fire-suppression system inspections the fire marshal runs under Article 17 for new construction.
109 to check for a missing or non-functioning detector. 301 a unit may not be let to a tenant, and may not be occupied, unless it meets every facility requirement in this division, including the smoke detector.
Violations & Fines
Renting out or occupying a dwelling unit without a working, listed smoke detector violates Highlands County Code § 12.19.302.I and the occupancy bar in § 12.19.301. Under § 12.19.113, violating any Standard Housing Code provision is prosecuted within the limits provided by state or local law, and each day the deficiency continues is treated as a separate offense until the detector is installed and functioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smoke detectors required in Highlands County rentals?
Who checks that a rental has a working smoke detector?
Does this rule apply inside Sebring, Avon Park or Lake Placid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Highlands County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Highlands County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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