§ 14-31. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Enforcement official means the fire chief or his designated representative.

False fire alarm means the activation of any alarm which results in the response of the fire department caused by the negligence or intentional misuse of the system by the owner or his employees, servants or agents; or any other activation not caused by heat, smoke or fire, exclusive of a fire alarm malfunction as defined in this section. An alarm is not considered a false fire alarm if the alarm is activated due to malicious causes beyond the control of the owner.

Fire alarm malfunction means the activation of any alarm which results in the response of the fire department caused by mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, or lack of proper maintenance, or any other response for which the fire department personnel are unable to gain access to the premises for any reason or are unable to determine the apparent cause of the alarm activation.

Fire alarm system means any mechanical, electrical or radio-controlled device which is designed to emit a sound or transmit a signal or message when activated, or any such device which emits a sound and transmits a signal or message when activated because of smoke, heat or fire. Without limiting the generality of the this definition, alarm systems shall be deemed to include audible alarms at the site of the installation of the detection device, proprietor alarms and automatic telephone direct dial devices or digital alarm communicator systems. A single-station alarm device shall not be deemed to be an alarm system under this article.

Fire alarm technician means any person who inspects, installs, repairs or performs maintenance on fire alarm systems and is licensed by the state or works under a state-licensed alarm contractor as required by F.S. § 633.521.

Single-station alarm device means an assembly incorporating the detector, control equipment and alarm-sounding device in one unit operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.

Smoke detector means a device which detects the visible or invisible particles of combustion.

(Code 1986, § 4.5-11)

Cross reference

Definitions generally, § 1-2.