Florida Fire Code 49-01-4: Flammables/debris in utility room

Overview

Fire code 49-01-4 (Flammables/debris in utility room) is a Flammable Materials and Storage citation with 148 citations across Florida food establishments. Utility rooms contain ignition sources — water heaters with pilot lights, electrical panels, gas meters.

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

Legal reference: 61C-1.004(6) FAC

What the Code Says

49-01-4 — Flammables/debris in utility room

Flammable materials stored or debris present in a meter room, water heater room, or similar utility space where ignition sources are present.

— Florida Statutes & Administrative Code, DBPR Fire Safety Reporting

Fire Safety Risk

Utility rooms contain ignition sources — water heaters with pilot lights, electrical panels, gas meters. Storing flammable materials (cleaning chemicals, propane tanks, cardboard, paint) or allowing debris to accumulate in these spaces creates a direct path from ignition source to fuel. A gas water heater pilot light can ignite flammable vapors from stored chemicals or propane.

Legal Requirements

Meter rooms, water heater rooms, and utility spaces must be kept clean and free of all flammable materials, debris, and stored items. Only equipment essential to the room's function should be present. Regular cleaning and inspection of these spaces should be part of the establishment's fire safety routine.

Legal Basis

61C-1.004(6) FAC — Attics, basements, boiler rooms, meter rooms, laundry rooms, and storage rooms shall be kept clean and free of debris and flammables.

— 61C-1.004(6) FAC

Most Citations by County

Florida counties with the most fire code 49-01-4 citations

County	Citations
Pinellas County	34
Volusia County	27
Orange County	14
Broward County	13
Hillsborough County	9

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 49-01-4?

Florida fire code 49-01-4 (Flammables/debris in utility room) falls under the Flammable Materials and Storage category. Flammable materials stored or debris present in a meter room, water heater room, or similar utility space where ignition sources are present.

Why is fire code 49-01-4 (Flammables/debris in utility room) dangerous?

Utility rooms contain ignition sources — water heaters with pilot lights, electrical panels, gas meters. Storing flammable materials (cleaning chemicals, propane tanks, cardboard, paint) or allowing debris to accumulate in these spaces creates a direct path from ignition source to fuel. A gas water heater pilot light can ignite flammable vapors from stored chemicals or propane.

What are the requirements for fire code 49-01-4?

Meter rooms, water heater rooms, and utility spaces must be kept clean and free of all flammable materials, debris, and stored items. Only equipment essential to the room's function should be present. Regular cleaning and inspection of these spaces should be part of the establishment's fire safety routine.

How common is fire code 49-01-4 in Florida?

Fire code 49-01-4 (Flammables/debris in utility room) has been cited 148 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.