Florida Fire Code 45-02-4: Extinguisher gauge in red zone

Overview

Fire code 45-02-4 (Extinguisher gauge in red zone) is a Fire Extinguishing Equipment citation with 5,283 citations across Florida food establishments. A fire extinguisher with a gauge in the red zone may fail to discharge properly or at all during a fire emergency.

Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records and Florida fire safety statutes.

Legal reference: 509.032(2)(d) FS

What the Code Says

45-02-4 — Extinguisher gauge in red zone

Portable fire extinguisher pressure gauge indicates the unit is not properly charged — the needle is in the red (undercharged or overcharged) zone rather than the green (operational) zone.

— Florida Statutes & Administrative Code, DBPR Fire Safety Reporting

Fire Safety Risk

A fire extinguisher with a gauge in the red zone may fail to discharge properly or at all during a fire emergency. This is the most commonly cited fire violation in Florida food establishments, with over 5,000 citations in our records. An uncharged or improperly charged extinguisher provides a false sense of security — staff may attempt to fight a fire only to find the equipment non-functional, losing critical seconds when the fire could have been suppressed.

Legal Requirements

All portable fire extinguishers must have their pressure gauge in the green (operable) zone at all times. Extinguishers must be inspected monthly by facility staff (checking gauge, seal, physical condition) and receive professional inspection and maintenance annually per NFPA 10. Units with gauges in the red zone must be immediately recharged or replaced.

Legal Basis

509.032(2)(d) FS — The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633 which relates to public lodging establishments or public food establishments.

— 509.032(2)(d) FS

Most Citations by County

Florida counties with the most fire code 45-02-4 citations

County	Citations
Dade County	678
Pinellas County	452
Duval County	408
Orange County	340
Broward County	299

Recently Cited Facilities

References

• Florida State Fire Marshal
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• Florida DBPR Division of Hotels & Restaurants
• Florida Statutes Chapter 509

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida fire code 45-02-4?

Florida fire code 45-02-4 (Extinguisher gauge in red zone) falls under the Fire Extinguishing Equipment category. Portable fire extinguisher pressure gauge indicates the unit is not properly charged — the needle is in the red (undercharged or overcharged) zone rather than the green (operational) zone.

Why is fire code 45-02-4 (Extinguisher gauge in red zone) dangerous?

A fire extinguisher with a gauge in the red zone may fail to discharge properly or at all during a fire emergency. This is the most commonly cited fire violation in Florida food establishments, with over 5,000 citations in our records. An uncharged or improperly charged extinguisher provides a false sense of security — staff may attempt to fight a fire only to find the equipment non-functional, losing critical seconds when the fire could have been suppressed.

What are the requirements for fire code 45-02-4?

All portable fire extinguishers must have their pressure gauge in the green (operable) zone at all times. Extinguishers must be inspected monthly by facility staff (checking gauge, seal, physical condition) and receive professional inspection and maintenance annually per NFPA 10. Units with gauges in the red zone must be immediately recharged or replaced.

How common is fire code 45-02-4 in Florida?

Fire code 45-02-4 (Extinguisher gauge in red zone) has been cited 5,283 times across Florida food establishments. In the past 12 months, there have been 0 citations.

This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org. How we collect and verify this data.