Florida Fire Code 46-03-4: Exit door blocked by stored items

Overview

Fire code 46-03-4 (Exit door blocked by stored items) is a Exits and Egress citation with 21 citations across Florida food establishments. Stored items blocking exit doors create dangerous delays during evacuation.

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

Legal reference: 61C-1.004(9) FAC

What the Code Says

46-03-4 — Exit door blocked by stored items

An exit door is blocked by stored items such as boxes, racks, tables, chairs, or other movable objects preventing clear egress.

— Florida Statutes & Administrative Code, DBPR Fire Safety Reporting

Fire Safety Risk

Stored items blocking exit doors create dangerous delays during evacuation. While these items may seem easy to move under normal conditions, during a fire with smoke, panic, and limited visibility, even small obstructions can prevent people from reaching and opening exit doors. Stacked boxes or racks can also fall and block the door when people rush toward it.

Legal Requirements

All exit doors must remain completely clear of storage, boxes, racks, tables, chairs, and any other items at all times. Staff must be trained to never use exit door areas as temporary storage. Daily checks should verify all exits are clear.

Legal Basis

61C-1.004(9) FAC — Means of access, including entrances, halls, and stairways, must permit unobstructed travel at all times.

— 61C-1.004(9) FAC

Most Citations by County

Florida counties with the most fire code 46-03-4 citations

County	Citations
Dade County	6
Broward County	5
Orange County	5
Pasco County	2
Volusia County	1

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 46-03-4?

Florida fire code 46-03-4 (Exit door blocked by stored items) falls under the Exits and Egress category. An exit door is blocked by stored items such as boxes, racks, tables, chairs, or other movable objects preventing clear egress.

Why is fire code 46-03-4 (Exit door blocked by stored items) dangerous?

Stored items blocking exit doors create dangerous delays during evacuation. While these items may seem easy to move under normal conditions, during a fire with smoke, panic, and limited visibility, even small obstructions can prevent people from reaching and opening exit doors. Stacked boxes or racks can also fall and block the door when people rush toward it.

What are the requirements for fire code 46-03-4?

All exit doors must remain completely clear of storage, boxes, racks, tables, chairs, and any other items at all times. Staff must be trained to never use exit door areas as temporary storage. Daily checks should verify all exits are clear.

How common is fire code 46-03-4 in Florida?

Fire code 46-03-4 (Exit door blocked by stored items) has been cited 21 times across Florida food establishments. In the past 12 months, there have been 0 citations.

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