Florida Fire Code 46-01-4: Exit/path to exit blocked

Overview

Fire code 46-01-4 (Exit/path to exit blocked) is a Exits and Egress citation with 4,375 citations across Florida food establishments. Blocked exits are among the most dangerous fire safety violations.

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

Legal reference: 61C-1.004(9) FAC

What the Code Says

46-01-4 — Exit/path to exit blocked

Marked exit or the path to a marked exit is blocked by equipment, furniture, storage, or other obstructions preventing clear egress during an emergency.

— Florida Statutes & Administrative Code, DBPR Fire Safety Reporting

Fire Safety Risk

Blocked exits are among the most dangerous fire safety violations. In a fire, smoke fills a room rapidly, reducing visibility to near zero. Occupants must be able to navigate to exits by memory and feel. Any obstruction in the exit path can cause falls, pile-ups, and entrapment. Historical fire disasters — including the Station nightclub fire (100 deaths) and the Triangle Shirtwaist fire (146 deaths) — were made catastrophic by blocked or inadequate exits.

Legal Requirements

All marked exits and paths to exits must be kept completely clear and unobstructed at all times during business hours. Exits must be clearly marked with illuminated EXIT signs. Exit corridors must maintain their required minimum width. No storage, equipment, furniture, or other items may be placed in exit paths. Aisles must be kept clear for customer and staff egress.

Legal Basis

61C-1.004(9) FAC — Means of access, including entrances, halls, and stairways, must permit unobstructed travel at all times and shall be clean, ventilated and well-lighted day and night. Hall and stair runners shall be kept in good condition. Railways, as defined in 61C-1.001(23), F.A.C., shall be installed on all stairways and around all porches and steps.

— 61C-1.004(9) FAC

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 46-01-4?

Florida fire code 46-01-4 (Exit/path to exit blocked) falls under the Exits and Egress category. Marked exit or the path to a marked exit is blocked by equipment, furniture, storage, or other obstructions preventing clear egress during an emergency.

Why is fire code 46-01-4 (Exit/path to exit blocked) dangerous?

Blocked exits are among the most dangerous fire safety violations. In a fire, smoke fills a room rapidly, reducing visibility to near zero. Occupants must be able to navigate to exits by memory and feel. Any obstruction in the exit path can cause falls, pile-ups, and entrapment. Historical fire disasters — including the Station nightclub fire (100 deaths) and the Triangle Shirtwaist fire (146 deaths) — were made catastrophic by blocked or inadequate exits.

What are the requirements for fire code 46-01-4?

All marked exits and paths to exits must be kept completely clear and unobstructed at all times during business hours. Exits must be clearly marked with illuminated EXIT signs. Exit corridors must maintain their required minimum width. No storage, equipment, furniture, or other items may be placed in exit paths. Aisles must be kept clear for customer and staff egress.

How common is fire code 46-01-4 in Florida?

Fire code 46-01-4 (Exit/path to exit blocked) has been cited 4,375 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.