Palm Beach County, FL Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- FBC-R R314, FL §553.883
- Locations
- Each bedroom, hallway, every story
- Battery Type
- 10-year sealed lithium (new)
- CO Alarms
- Required if fuel appliances or garage
- Free Program
- PBCFR install assistance
Summary
Smoke alarms are required in all dwelling units in unincorporated Palm Beach County under the Florida Building Code (Residential) Section R314 and FL FS §553.883. Battery-powered alarms must be 10-year sealed lithium type for new installs.
553.883  Smoke alarms in one-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes. — One-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes undergoing a repair, or a level 1 alteration as defined in the Florida Building Code, may use smoke alarms powered by 10-year nonremovable, nonreplaceable batteries in lieu of retrofitting such dwelling with smoke alarms powered by the dwelling’s electrical system. A battery-powered smoke alarm that is newly installed or replaces an existing battery-powered smoke alarm as a result of a level 1 alteration must be powered by a nonremovable, nonreplaceable battery that powers the alarm for at least 10 years. The battery requirements of this section do not apply to a fire alarm, smoke detector, smoke alarm, or ancillary component that is electronically connected as a part of a centrally monitored or supervised alarm system; that uses a low-power, radio frequency wireless communication signal; or that contains multiple sensors, such as a smoke alarm combined with a carbon monoxide alarm or other multisensor devices, and is approved and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
Full Breakdown
FBC-R Section R314 requires smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on every story including basements. FL FS §553.883 (effective Jan 1, 2015) further mandates that any smoke alarm installed solely for compliance and powered only by battery must be a 10-year sealed non-removable battery unit. Existing hardwired interconnected systems may continue with replacement of like kind. Carbon monoxide alarms required by FBC-R R315 in any dwelling with fuel-fired appliances or attached garages. Landlords must ensure operable smoke alarms at tenant move-in under FL FS §83.51 (Landlord-Tenant Act). PBC Fire Rescue offers free smoke alarm installation programs for eligible residents. Short-term rentals must comply with FL DBPR transient lodging fire safety inspection rules.
Violations & Fines
Code violation under PBC Building Division, plus failure to comply with FL §553.883 may bar issuance of CO. Landlord violations actionable under FL §83.51.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace my old battery alarms?
Can I get free smoke alarms in PBC?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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