Fire Inspection FAQ

The best way to fight fires is to prevent them before they start. Routine building inspections are one of the most effective ways to do that. Fire Inspectors inspect commercial buildings, facilities and multi-family housing units. The purpose of the inspections is multifold:

• To identify and correct fire code violations
• To educate business and property owners about fire and life safety
• To reduce fire loss
• To provide less demand on public emergency services by reducing fire and life safety risks

Business owners and managers are encouraged to review their safety practices and obtain advice on current fire codes before the inspector arrives.

Check our list of common code violations and learn how to prepare for your inspection.

The target frequency of inspections is every year.

Due to community growth, the Gulfport Fire Department (GFD) does not have sufficient resources to fund a comprehensive code enforcement program. With current public demand for resources and staffing. The purpose of establishing fees for fire safety inspections is to enhance the inspection service and frequency. The fees offset costs but do not fully fund the fire safety inspection program.

The fee for your fire safety inspection is based upon a fee schedule that takes into consideration occupancy type, and occupancy use. A fee is charged for each inspection. Required fire code permits also help offset the cost of enforcing the fire code.

Fire Inspection and Permit Fees

Contact Fire Department, 727-893-1062 for fee information.  

The City of Gulfport enforces the Florida Fire Code. The intent of the Code is to establish a reasonable degree of safety in commercial facilities. There are two types of fire code permits; Operational Permits and Construction Permits.

An operational permit allows the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required by the fire code.

A construction permit allows the applicant to install or modify fire protection systems and equipment for which a permit is required by the fire code.

For all conditions that violate the fire code and/or could cause a fire, endanger life and/or property, the Fire Inspector will notify you and issue an inspection report requiring that the condition be corrected immediately. A re-inspection will be scheduled on or after a 21-day time period to verify compliance.

Property and business owners sometimes have safety concerns about their own operation or one that they have observed elsewhere. Please give us a call at 727-893-1064 and we’ll check it out.

The Gulfport Fire Marshal’s Office is located at 5314 23rd Av. S. Gulfport Fire Station 17 ; telephone 727-893-1064, Fax 727-893-1060. Fire marshals are frequently working in the field and must leave the fire station office locked for security. Please call first or make an appointment.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas that occurs when fuels are not completely burned during the combustion process. Any device that burns fuel can produce carbon monoxide fumes.

This includes items such as gas appliances, grills, fireplaces, motor vehicles and generators. The two most common causes of CO poisoning are malfunctioning heaters and generators that are running in poorly ventilated spaces.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is often mistaken for the flu. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Experts believe that young children and senior citizens are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

If you have gas appliances you should be thinking of installing a CO detector.

Any questions about the carbon monoxide detector program can be directed to the Fire Inspector or the Fire Chief at 727-893 1062.

Due to complexities within the fire code and testing standards, the State requires contractors meeting certain minimum requirements to conduct semi and annual inspection/testing on fire protection systems. Contractors are required to submit copies of these test reports to the Fire Marshal’s Office where someone reviews the report for completeness. Reports can be mailed or faxed to the above address.

Contractors who do not follow the appropriate testing standard can be subject to enforcement penalties. Test reports submitted by contractors are required to indicate if a complete test was conducted or reasons why only portions of the system were tested (i.e. customer wouldn’t pay for entire testing). Incomplete reports or deficiencies marked on confidence test reports can result in a special inspection (and additional fee) to the property by fire inspectors. Businesses are encouraged to find properly licensed contractors who are able to inspect and maintain the system with the adopted standards.