You've received a Notice of Violation and Order to Correct from your Broward County Fire Authority. Now What?
NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND ORDER TO CORRECT - You've received a Notice of Violation and Order to Correct from yourBroward County fire authority. Now what? When the Authority Having Jurisdiction performs a life-safety inspection and finds issues with your fire sprinkler system, the resulting report may look overwhelming. Understanding the terminology and requirements will help you respond quickly and avoid costly penalties.
Understanding Your Notice
The inspection report starts with a Notice of Violation and Order to Correct. This document explains that the hazards noted are violations of the Florida Fire Prevention Code and/or the Broward County Local Amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code and are considered threats to life safety and property. It lists each violation, cites the applicable code or standard (for example, NFPA 13 for installation and NFPA 25 for inspection and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems), describes the corrective action, and may include comments or reference numbers. Failure to comply will result in enforcement actions such as fines, citations, or even orders to cease operation.
The notice also explains your right to appeal. Under the Broward County Local Amendments,decisions made by the Fire Chief or Fire Marshal may be appealed to the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA). Before relying on an appeal to pause your correction deadline, confirm with the issuing authority whether corrections must continue while the appeal is pending, and get that answer in writing.
What Is a Notice of Violation?
A Notice of Violation is the initial warning from the fire authority that identifies fire code violations. It informs property owners of specific issues and the dangers they pose to life and property. The notice is typically accompanied by an inspection report that cites each violation, the relevant NFPA code, and the corrective measures required. Treat this notice as an opportunity to correct problems before more serious enforcement actions occur.
Purpose of a Notice of Violation
Identify violations: The notice details each violation discovered during the inspection and explains why it is a threat to life safety or property. Common issues include obstructed exits, missing or damaged sprinkler heads, overdue inspections, or inadequate fire pump maintenance.
Reference the code: Each violation cites the specific code section from the Florida Fire Prevention Code or NFPA standards. For fire sprinkler systems this often includes NFPA 13 (installation) and NFPA 25 (inspection, testing, and maintenance).
Outline corrective action: The notice tells you what needs to be done, such as inspecting and maintaining fire pumps in accordance with NFPA 25, and may include comments or prior violation reference numbers.
What Is an Order to Correct?
An Order to Correct is the enforceable step following a notice. After an inspection, the enforcement agency issues a written notice describing each violation and simultaneously serves an order requiring correction within a reasonable period. This order has legal weight: you must complete the corrections by the specified deadline and submit documentation proving that the violations have been resolved.
Codes Referenced in Your Notice
NFPA 13 - Installation of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 13 is the national standard for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. It is written to provide a reasonable degree of protection for both life and property through the proper installation and design of automatic fire sprinklers. NFPA 13 is the most comprehensive of the NFPA sprinkler standards and applies to large commercial buildings and high-rise structures. Compliance ensures that your system is installed correctly with adequate water supply, spacing, and coverage.
NFPA 25 - Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
While NFPA 13 addresses installation, NFPA 25 governs the inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of water-based fire protection systems. NFPA 25 establishes minimum requirements to ensure these systems remain operational and effective. Compliance with NFPA 25 is essential for building owners and facility managers to identify potential issues, prevent system failures, and meet legal and insurance obligations. Key aspects of NFPA 25 include regular inspections and tests, adherence to the current edition regardless of installation date, and clear ITM procedures.
Key Steps for Property Owners
Review your documents. Read the inspection report and notice thoroughly to understand each violation, the code section cited, and the corrective action required.
Take corrective action. Immediately begin correcting the violations. For fire sprinkler systems, this may include replacing damaged components, flushing piping, or performing overdue NFPA 25 inspections. Hire a licensed fire sprinkler contractor to ensure the repairs meet NFPA 13 installation requirements and NFPA 25 maintenance standards.
Provide documentation. Keep records of all repairs, inspections, and tests. Submit the required documentation to the issuing fire authority to demonstrate that you have corrected the violations. Failure to provide proof can result in additional penalties.
Stay compliant going forward. Schedule periodic inspections and maintenance according to NFPA 25 to prevent future violations. Document all ITM activities and address deficiencies promptly.
How Speedy Fire Protection Can Help
Speedy Fire Protection is a South Florida fire sprinkler contractor serving Broward County, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach. Our team is familiar with NFPA 13 installation requirements and NFPA 25 inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures. If your property has received a Notice of Violation or Order to Correct:
Comprehensive inspections. We perform thorough inspections of your fire sprinkler system to identify deficiencies and verify compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
Remediation and repairs. Our certified technicians replace faulty sprinkler heads, repair or install backflow preventers, test fire pumps and standpipes, and address any deficiencies cited in your notice.
Documentation support. We provide detailed inspection and test reports, maintenance records, and corrective action documentation to satisfy your Broward fire authority's requirements.
Ongoing maintenance. Through regular NFPA 25 inspections and service agreements, we help property owners avoid future violations and maintain reliable fire protection.
Serving Broward County and South Florida
As a local fire protection contractor, Speedy Fire Protection understands the unique needs of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Doral, Miramar, and the broader South Florida region. Whether you manage an apartment building in Plantation, a warehouse in Deerfield Beach, or a condominium in Hallandale Beach, our goal is to keep your fire sprinkler system compliant, operational, and ready to protect lives and property.
Final Thoughts
Receiving a Notice of Violation and Order to Correct can be stressful, but it is also an opportunity to improve your property's life-safety systems. By understanding the difference between a notice and an order, referencing the relevant NFPA standards, and acting promptly, you can restore compliance and protect occupants. Speedy Fire Protection is here to assist Broward County and South Florida property owners through every step of the remediation process. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or discuss how we can help bring your fire sprinkler system back into compliance.
Speedy Fire Protection is a Florida Licensed Fire Sprinkler Contractor (#FPC25-000020) serving Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and surrounding South Florida counties. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed fire protection contractor and qualified legal counsel for guidance specific to your property.
