Fire Inspections / Permitting

FIRE inspections

When starting a new business, you are required to have a New Business Inspection completed prior to receiving your Business Tax Receipt. The business should be completely set up as if it is opening day. Please refer to the document below for additional information about the inspection. 

If your business is located west of Vermont Ave./ Canoe Creek Rd., you will need to contact Fire Inspector Samantha DiLeonardo at (407) 361-8495 to schedule your Fire Inspection. If your business is located east of Vermont Ave./ Canoe Creek Rd., you will need to contact Fire Inspector Khan at (407) 279-6225 to schedule your Fire Inspection. If your business is located between the south side of 192 to 19th Street and Crawford Ave. to Hickory Tree Rd., you will need to contact Fire Plans Reviewer/Inspector Adam Brown at (407)653-2453 to schedule an annual inspection or New Business Inspection. You may also contact our Administrative Office number (407) 957-8431.

New Construction-Related Inspection requirements:

 All “stamped and reviewed” life safety submittal pages, associated documents, datasheets, etc. Must be onsite at time of inspection in paper form both legible and of appropriate size.  The City of St. Cloud offers printing of approved documents and plansets.  Contact the Building Department for pricing and pick-up.

  • A qualified representative familiar with the scope of work for the permit holder must be on site at time of inspection.
  • Coordination of multiple vendors is often required for acceptance tests. This includes fire sprinkler and alarm, fire alarm and mechanical, etc.
  • To schedule any fire-related inspection, provide 24 hours notice and call: (407)-653-2453

After your first year of business, a fire inspector will come by, unannounced, annually to conduct a routine fire inspection. This inspection is required to operate a business in St. Cloud. The inspector will be looking for the same items that were inspected during your New Business Inspection. The following is a guide to help keep your business safe. This is a guide and not all inclusive of all items to be inspected.

1. All permits for any renovations, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire systems will need to be completed and approved.
2. All commercial establishments will need the proper type, size, and number of fire extinguishers for their type of business. It is best to have an extinguisher company come out to evaluate your needs as to what type, size, and proper mounting location of the fire extinguisher. A qualified technician will need to come to your business annually to conduct an inspection on the extinguisher. If you purchase the wrong type of extinguisher on your own it may result in them not certifying the unit.
3. Visible address numbers will need to be placed on the address side of the building. New buildings are required to have six inch tall numbers.
4. Certain buildings will need an “R”, “RF”, or “F” placard on the exterior. This will be evaluated by the fire inspector, but will not delay you from opening. These placards usually cost less than $20. It is dependent on the construction type of the roof and floor.
5. All wall switches and electrical outlets need faceplates on them. No exposed wires are allowed.
6. Maintain three feet of clearance in front of all electric panel boxes for quick access.
7. Make sure all breakers are properly labeled as to what they operate and confirm that there are no missing breaker switches.
8. Make sure all Exit doors open properly and are free of obstructions,
9. All existing emergency lights and/or Exit signs need to be functioning properly. This is done by turning the breakers off or pressing the test button to activate the battery. The fire inspector will advise you if any additional units need to be added. The main entrance in most businesses is considered an obvious exit and do not require exit signs.
10. Do not store propane tanks inside of a building. All pressured cylinders need to be secured to prevent them from tipping.
11. lf your building is equipped with a fire sprinkler, fire alarm, suppression systems, etc. they will need a current inspection tag on them.
12. Do not “daisy chain” power strips together (one power strip plugged into another).
13. Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring. They must be unplugged after use. Appliances need to be plugged directly into the wall outlet.
14. If your building has a fire sprinkler system, it will also have a Knox Key Box on the exterior. This box allows fire department access into the building after hours, in the event of water flow or investigation of an alarm to avoid unnecessary damage while gaining access. We require you to supply the fire department with a key for the front door and certain other doors. The fire inspector will assist you with determining which keys are needed and to answer questions about these boxes.
15. No storage is allowed within 18 inches of the ceiling of a sprinklered building and 24 inches of a non-sprinklered building.

Should you have any questions about life safety submittals or require assistance, please email:

Adam.Brown@stcloudfl.gov or call the number provided for inspections above.