Florida Fire Code 45-05-4: Extinguisher missing from designated location

Overview

Fire code 45-05-4 (Extinguisher missing from designated location) is a Fire Extinguishing Equipment citation with 1,394 citations across Florida food establishments. A missing fire extinguisher means the establishment has no immediate means of fire suppression in that area.

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

Legal reference: 509.032(2)(d) FS

What the Code Says

45-05-4 — Extinguisher missing from designated location

Portable fire extinguisher is missing from its designated location — the mounting bracket is empty or the extinguisher has been removed and not returned.

— Florida Statutes & Administrative Code, DBPR Fire Safety Reporting

Fire Safety Risk

A missing fire extinguisher means the establishment has no immediate means of fire suppression in that area. Staff trained to grab the extinguisher from a known location will find nothing there during a fire emergency. This is especially dangerous in kitchen areas where grease fires can escalate within seconds.

Legal Requirements

Portable fire extinguishers must be present in all designated locations at all times during business operations. If an extinguisher is removed for maintenance, recharging, or any other reason, a replacement unit must be provided immediately. Monthly inspections should verify all extinguishers are in their designated locations.

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 45-05-4 citations

County	Citations
Hillsborough County	272
Dade County	147
Pinellas County	146
Palm Beach County	139
Orange County	122

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 45-05-4?

Florida fire code 45-05-4 (Extinguisher missing from designated location) falls under the Fire Extinguishing Equipment category. Portable fire extinguisher is missing from its designated location — the mounting bracket is empty or the extinguisher has been removed and not returned.

Why is fire code 45-05-4 (Extinguisher missing from designated location) dangerous?

A missing fire extinguisher means the establishment has no immediate means of fire suppression in that area. Staff trained to grab the extinguisher from a known location will find nothing there during a fire emergency. This is especially dangerous in kitchen areas where grease fires can escalate within seconds.

What are the requirements for fire code 45-05-4?

Portable fire extinguishers must be present in all designated locations at all times during business operations. If an extinguisher is removed for maintenance, recharging, or any other reason, a replacement unit must be provided immediately. Monthly inspections should verify all extinguishers are in their designated locations.

How common is fire code 45-05-4 in Florida?

Fire code 45-05-4 (Extinguisher missing from designated location) has been cited 1,394 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.