Permits

Permit Requirements

The Lakeland Fire Department requires contractors to obtain permits prior to installing, modifying, or removing fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, suppression systems, smoke control systems, or underground fire lines. Even minor adjustments, such as adding or relocating a sprinkler head or fire alarm device, necessitate a permit. In addition, permits are required for the installation, removal, or abandonment of above-ground or underground fuel tanks, the erection of tents more prominent than 900 square feet, the use of fireworks or pyrotechnic displays, the sale of sparklers, and the operation of haunted houses.

Construction and Fire Permit Fees Summary

Plans Review / Construction Fees

All construction and fire permits are subject to a fee based on the following schedule:

New Construction Plans: $0.05/sq. ft., minimum $150 (Includes Plans Review and Final Inspection)
Modification/Alteration Plans: $0.05/sq. ft., minimum $100 (Includes Plans Review and Final Inspection)
Revision/Correction to Plans:

1st Revision/Correction: No fee
2nd or Subsequent Revisions: 20% of the original fee

Reinspection for Failure: $50 + $100 for 2-hour reinspection, paid in advance
After-Hours Inspection: Actual cost, minimum $150, paid in advance
Work Commenced Without Permit: $200 or double the permit fee, whichever is greater

Fire Permit Fees and Inspections

Fees include required inspections as listed:

Fire Alarm/Detection Systems:

New: $100/25,000 sq. ft. (Plans Review, Visual, Function Test, Final)
Modification (<21 devices): $100 (Plans Review, Visual, Function Test, Final)
Modification (21+ devices): $200 + $100/25,000 sq. ft.
Removal: $100 (Plans Review, Final)

Fire Sprinkler/Standpipe Systems:

New: $200/25,000 sq. ft. (Plans Review, Visual, Hydro, Final)
Modification (<50 heads): $100 (Plans Review, Visual, Hydro, Final)
Modification (50+ heads): $200/25,000 sq. ft.
Removal: $100 (Plans Review, Final)

Fire Suppression Systems (Hood/General):

New: $150/system (Plans Review, Function Test, Final)
Modification: $75 (Plans Review, Function Test, Final)
Removal: $75 (Plans Review, Final)

Fire Pump Systems:

New/Modification/Removal: $75 (Plans Review, Function Test, Final)

Special Events & Miscellaneous:

Fireworks Display: $150/shoot (Plans Review, Final)
Pyrotechnic/Flame Effect: $150/shoot + $70 for each additional (Plans Review, Final)
Sparkler Sales (Seasonal/Sales/Storage): $75 (Plans Review, Final)
Haunted House: $75 (Plans Review, Final)
Tent/Canopy (≥ 901 sq. ft.): $35 (Plans Review, Final)

Tank Installation/Removal:

$75/tank, max $250 (Plans Review, Visual, Final)

Two-Way Radio Communication Enhancement System:

New: $100/25,000 sq. ft. (Plans Review, Visual, Function Test, Final)
Modification/Removal: $100 (Plans Review, Visual, Function Test, Final)

Underground Fire Line/Hydrant:

New: $300/2000 linear ft. + $100 for each additional 2000 ft. (Plans Review, 4 Visuals/2000ft, Hydro, Flush, Final)
Modification/Removal: $75 (Plans Review, Visual, Hydro, Flush, Final)

Additional Inspections

Reinspection for Failure: $50 + $100 for a 2-hour reinspection (paid in advance)
Add Inspection to Any Permit: One inspection/hydrostatic test (paid in advance)

✅ Plans review fees are included in Building Permits and processed through the City’s iMS system. Permits must be approved and paid before issuance. Contractors are responsible for printing the approved permit and stamped plans to keep on-site until project completion.

More Information about Permits

iMS | iMS is the city’s new, fully integrated online permitting and inspection system, allowing users to view, apply, schedule inspections, and pay fees for many permits and projects. CLICK HERE.

Florida Fire Prevention Code | The 8th edition of the Florida Fire Prevention Code has been adopted and is effective as of December 31, 2023. To learn more and review the most recently adopted code, CLICK HERE.