Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Carbon Monoxide Detectors FAQ

All information on this page is current and was last reviewed by the division on April 22, 2009.

1. Q. Who has to comply with this law?

A. Any public lodging establishment licensed by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants that has a fuel-burning boiler regulated under Chapter 554, Florida Statutes.

2. Q. Where must a carbon monoxide detector be installed?

A. The law requires at least one carbon monoxide detector in the enclosed space or room that contains the boiler.

3. Q. How must the carbon monoxide detector be installed?

A. Each carbon monoxide detector must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and integrated into the establishment’s existing fire detection system.

4. Q. How is the carbon monoxide detector(s) integrated into the fire detection system?

A. The carbon monoxide detector(s) must be integrated into the fire detection system according to the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 72, 2002 edition.

5. Q. How can I comply if the establishment does not have a fire detection system?

A. If there is no fire detection system and the law does not require such a system, then a single station carbon monoxide detector may be installed. The single station carbon monoxide detector must emit an audible signal which can be heard outside of the room in which it is installed and must also active a visible signal outside of the room.

6. Q. Can the carbon monoxide detector(s) be battery powered?

A. No. Carbon monoxide detectors must be powered by the establishment’s electrical system. Batteries are allowed as a secondary, or backup, power supply only.

7. Q. When is the deadline to install carbon monoxide detector(s)?

A. The law became effective July 1, 2007. The division began inspecting for carbon monoxide detectors on that date.

8. Q. What will happen if my establishment cannot comply with this law by July 1, 2007?

A. This requirement will be enforced the same as other deficiencies cited during inspections.

9. Q. Is there an alternative to installing carbon monoxide detector(s)?

A. Yes. Establishments may mitigate carbon monoxide hazards instead of installing carbon monoxide detector(s). Mitigation must be confirmed by a state-licensed professional engineer and a Certificate of Carbon Monoxide Mitigation must be submitted to the division.

10. Q. How can carbon monoxide be mitigated?

A. The division does not have the knowledge or expertise to specify methods of adequate carbon monoxide mitigation. Please contact a licensed professional engineer or other competent authority.

11. Q. How often will compliance with this law be verified?

A. A Division of Hotels and Restaurants inspector will verify compliance with this law as part of the inspection. Compliance is either properly installed carbon monoxide detector(s) or a copy of a Certificate of Carbon Monoxide Mitigation date-stamped by the division.