The department must adopt a State Boiler Code. Installers of boilers used in Florida after January 1, 2018, must apply for a permit before installation and schedule inspection at least 7 days before service.
554.103 Boiler code.—The department shall adopt by rule a State Boiler Code for the safe construction, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of boilers in this state. The rules adopted shall be based upon and shall at all times follow generally accepted nationwide engineering standards, formulas, and practices pertaining to boiler construction and safety.(1) The department shall adopt an existing code for new construction and installation known as the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, including all amendments and interpretations to the A.S.M.E. Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code approved by the A.S.M.E. Council on Codes and Standards subsequent to the adoption of the State Boiler Code, and when so adopted by the department, such amendments and interpretations become a part of the State Boiler Code. (2) The installer of any boiler placed in use in this state after January 1, 2018, must, before installing the boiler, apply on a form adopted by rule of the department for a permit to install the boiler from the chief boiler inspector. The application must include the boiler’s A.S.M.E. manufacturer’s data report and other documents required by the State Boiler Code before the boiler is placed in service. The installer must contact the chief boiler inspector to schedule an inspection for each boiler no later than 7 days before the boiler is placed in service. (3) The maximum allowable working pressure of a boiler carrying the A.S.M.E. code symbol must be determined by the applicable sections of the code under which it was constructed and stamped. Subject to the concurrence of the chief boiler inspector, such boiler may be rerated in accordance with the standards of the State Boiler Code. (4) The maximum allowable working pressure of a boiler that does not carry the A.S.M.E. code symbol must be computed in accordance with the standards of the State Boiler Code. (5) This chapter may not be construed to in any way prevent the use, sale, or reinstallation of a boiler if such boiler has been made to conform to the applicable provisions of the State Boiler Code governing existing installations and if, upon inspection, the boiler has been found to be in a safe condition. (6) The department, at its discretion, may authorize the construction, installation, and operation of boilers of special design or construction which do not meet the specific requirements of the State Boiler Code, but which are consistent with the intent of the safety objectives of the code. (7) The department may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer this chapter. Such rules may include specifying the procedures and forms to be used to obtain an installation permit, an initial certificate, or a renewal certificate, and the submission of reports and notices required under this chapter.