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Boiler Registration & Certificate of Compliance (Florida Boiler Safety Act): Miami restaurant guide

Florida DFS — State Fire Marshal, Boiler Safety Section

What it is

Boilers in buildings open to the public must be registered, inspected and carry a state certificate of compliance under ch. 554, F.S. Small potable hot-water heaters are exempt.

When a restaurant needs it

Only if you install a boiler or a large water heater above the exemption: potable hot water supply boilers are exempt if they do not exceed 400,000 Btu per hour heat input, 210°F and 120 gallons.

How to apply

Your installer contacts the chief boiler inspector to schedule an inspection no later than 7 days before the boiler is placed in service; after inspection the state issues the certificate and invoices the fee.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Certificate inspection fees in s. 554.111: hot water supply boilers $40; power/high-pressure boilers $60 (4,000 sq ft of heating surface or less); certificate issued on an insurance inspector's report without a state inspection $30.
Processing time
Schedule at least 7 days before use.
Renewal
Periodic re-inspection and certificate renewal per ch. 554 (hot water boilers every 2 years; power boilers annually).
Who files
The licensed mechanical/plumbing contractor installs under a City permit and schedules the state inspection.

Good to know

Most Miami restaurants use tankless or standard water heaters that fall under the exemption; check the Btu rating before assuming you need this.

Official source

FL DFS — Boiler Safety program · Chapter 554, F.S. — Boiler Safety Act (exemptions and fees)

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.