October 28, 2016
The Honorable Ken Lawson, Secretary
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Secretary Lawson:
As you are aware based upon our conversation, I have heard from my constituents about the apparent confusion relating to the enforcement and applicability of sprinkler retrofitting requirements as provided in Section 718.112 (2)(1)(l), Florida Statutes and the Florida Fire Code.
There have been a number of differing opinions that have been offered, from the original bill sponsor, your department, the news media, the fire chiefs and local governments across the state.
These opinions are in conflict with one another and no solution to the problem has been put forward.
Due to this confusion, low and mid-rise condominium owners and managers are uncertain if they need to conduct a very costly and time consuming vote to opt out of the retrofit requirement before the December 31st deadline.
Given these issues, I am requesting that you exercise any authority that may be available to you to extend this deadline until such time that the Legislature can address this matter during the upcoming Session.
I look forward to your response so we can determine what actions may be taken to help these condominium residents. It would be very unfortunate for Florida residents to pay additional fees and assessments as a result of confusion created by government.
Sincerely,
Wilton Simpson
State Senator, 18th District