CO Detectors in Florida: Rules for New Buildings and Additions

Last verified: February 16, 2026

Florida carbon monoxide detector laws are centered on Section 553.885, which applies to new buildings and additions constructed on or after July 1, 2008 when combustion equipment or attached garages create CO risk. The statute sets baseline placement near sleeping rooms and delegates technical implementation to the Florida Building Code and Florida Building Commission process.

Existing buildings outside those construction triggers may be governed by other code pathways or local adoption choices, so owners should verify project scope and jurisdiction before assuming exclusion. Because statewide text does not provide one standalone CO penalty schedule, permitting, inspection, and correction notices are the main enforcement channels.

Owners should also track post-inspection corrective deadlines and retain signed closeout records. A project-level compliance checklist is essential for Florida portfolios.

In 60 Seconds

CO detector requirements for Florida
Applies to homes?	Yes
Applies to rentals?	Yes
Applies to hotels/STRs?	Yes

When Are CO Alarms Required?

Buildings with fuel-burning appliances
Buildings with attached garages
New construction
Applies to every separate building or addition constructed on/after 2008-07-01 with any feature that emits CO as a byproduct of combustion.
Does not apply to existing buildings undergoing alterations/repairs unless the work is an 'addition' as defined by the statute.

Where to Install CO Alarms

Within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping purposes (or other locations required by the Florida Building Code).
Special rule: in new hospitals/inpatient hospice/nursing homes/state correctional institutions, CO detectors must be installed inside or directly outside each room/area where a fossil-fuel-burning heater/engine/appliance is located, and connected to the fire alarm system as a supervisory signal.

For detailed placement guidance beyond legal requirements, see where to place carbon monoxide detectors.

Device Requirements

Approved operational carbon monoxide alarm (or approved combination CO/smoke alarm) may be hardwired or battery-powered.
“Carbon monoxide alarm” must meet requirements of and be approved by the Florida Building Commission.

Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

Landlord: Not specified in §553.885; compliance obligation generally falls on the building owner/developer for covered new construction/additions.

Statute is a building-construction standard; operational/maintenance duties are typically handled through building/fire code regimes and owner/operator policies.

Enforcement

Enforced by: Not specified in §553.885; administered through Florida Building Code implementation (Florida Building Commission rules) and local building/code enforcement during permitting/inspection.

Enforcement typically occurs:

During permitting and inspections for new construction or additions subject to the Florida Building Code.

§553.885(2) directs the Florida Building Commission to adopt rules and incorporate requirements into the Florida Building Code.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

§553.885 does not include any penalty, fine, or enforcement provision. Enforcement governed by general Florida Building Code framework under §553.80 through building permit and inspection process. CO alarm compliance checked at time of building permit/construction.

§553.885 (no penalty section); §553.80 (general enforcement)

Additional Notes

Florida does not have a CO-specific penalty provision. General code enforcement under FL Statutes Ch. 162 may allow fines, but these are general provisions, not CO-specific.

Official Sources & References

Florida Statutes §553.885 — Carbon monoxide alarm required — §553.885(1)-(3) (state code, accessed 2026-02-16)
Primary statute establishing when/where CO alarms are required in new construction/additions and defining approval via Florida Building Commission.
2024 Florida Statutes — §553.80 Enforcement of the Florida Building Code — §553.80 (state code, accessed 2026-02-17)
Building code enforcement framework; local governments enforce CO alarm compliance (§553.885) via permit and inspection process
Florida Building Commission - Florida Building Code Information System — State code administration resources (agency guidance, accessed 2026-02-17)
Official state portal for Florida code editions, interpretations, and commission updates.
NCSL - Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Statutes (Florida row) — Florida (secondary index, accessed 2026-02-17)
Cross-state summary showing Florida statutory trigger emphasis on new construction and additions.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance and is not legal advice. Requirements may vary by city, county, and building type. Always verify current rules with local authorities and official sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Florida projects must install CO alarms under Section 553.885?

Section 553.885 applies to new buildings and additions built on or after July 1, 2008 when a structure contains combustion equipment or an attached garage that can create carbon monoxide risk. That means many residential and lodging projects must include alarms during the permitting and inspection cycle. The law is construction-triggered, so compliance often depends on project scope rather than ownership type alone. Florida code officials typically verify installation during final inspection, making early design coordination important for developers and contractors.

Are pre-2008 Florida homes automatically covered by the same statute?

Not automatically. The statewide trigger in Section 553.885 is focused on new buildings and additions from the July 1, 2008 effective date forward. Existing homes that are not part of a qualifying addition may not be directly covered by this section, but local code adoption or renovation scope can still create obligations. Owners should review permit history, local amendments, and occupancy classification before assuming no requirement applies. Even when a clear trigger is absent, alarms remain a recommended safety control in homes with any potential CO source.

Where does Florida require carbon monoxide alarm placement?

Florida statute language requires placement within 10 feet of rooms used for sleeping, with additional code pathways for specialized occupancies. In certain institutional settings, detectors may need to be inside or directly outside rooms containing fuel-burning equipment and tied into supervisory fire alarm systems. Device approval is linked to the Florida Building Commission framework, so listed products and installation method matter. During plan review, teams should confirm whether hardwired, battery, or combined systems are acceptable for the specific occupancy and code edition.

Does Florida have one statewide CO-specific fine schedule?

Section 553.885 does not include a single stand-alone CO penalty table. Enforcement generally runs through broader building-code mechanisms, including permit correction notices, failed inspections, and local enforcement actions under code administration statutes. For operators, the practical risk is project delay, reinspection cost, and downstream liability if required devices were omitted. That is why Florida carbon monoxide alarm requirements should be treated as part of permit compliance and quality control, not as a fine-only issue handled after occupancy.

How do Florida rules compare with Georgia new-construction requirements?

Florida and Georgia both rely on construction-code pathways, but they use different statutory and administrative structures. Florida anchors statewide language in Section 553.885 and Florida code implementation, while Georgia relies on state minimum code adoption and IRC Section R315 pathways enforced locally. Multi-state builders should map requirements by jurisdiction instead of assuming one template applies. For a direct comparison with Georgia's framework, review Georgia CO detector laws before finalizing construction specifications.

Practical CO Detector Guides

Beyond legal requirements, these guides help you choose, install, and maintain CO alarms:

Where to place carbon monoxide detectors — room-by-room placement recommendations
CO detector beeping patterns — what different alarms mean
What to do if your detector goes off — emergency response checklist
CO resources and links — official agencies and safety information