Understanding Florida's Regulations for Amusement Ride Inspectors
Relevant Update posted 2024-03-21
updated 2023-12-08
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Editor Notes: To assist the reader with some previous information not included in this article's release on 12/7/23, we would like to provide some additional information to bring more clarity. In 2020, Florida introduced changes to its statutes regarding amusement ride inspections, impacting the qualifications needed for inspectors. ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) also addressed these changes but due to the challenges posed by the pandemic, many might have missed this crucial information. Why This Information Matters Now: ACCT has received increased inquiries about Florida's inspector requirements, prompting the need for clarity. The article aims to differentiate between ACCT certifications and the specific qualifications Florida mandates for inspectors. Florida's Amusement Ride Regulations: In Florida, activities like Zip lines, Aerial Adventures, and Ropes Courses fall under amusement ride regulations. It's crucial to understand the statutes governing these activities, notably detailed in documents such as the PERMITTING AND INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR AMUSEMENT DEVICES AND AMUSEMENT ATTRACTIONS (5J-18) and the 2023 Florida Statutes (616-242). Who is a Qualified Inspector in Florida?: The state outlines stringent criteria for becoming a Qualified Inspector. This includes:
ACCT's Role and Verification: While ACCT's educational content might meet some of Florida's requirements, final approval rests with Florida's regulatory authorities. ACCT can provide a letter verifying education received from their conferences and expos, aiding in the Florida Inspector Application. Understanding the Impact: It's crucial to note that while possessing an ICE Certification from ACCT is valuable for education, Florida requires inspectors to meet its specific criteria. Therefore, applying and meeting Florida's requirements is essential to work as a Qualified Inspector within the state. |
Original Article Follows:
In the heart of the Sunshine State, it's crucial for us to be well-versed in Florida's regulations governing course inspections. Here's a rundown to keep you in the loop.
In the state of Florida Zip line, Aerial Adventure, Ropes Courses all fall under the amusement ride statutes and regulations.
“Amusement ride” means any building, structure, or mechanical device or combination thereof through which a patron moves, walks, or is carried or conveyed on, along, around, over, or through a fixed or restricted course or within a defined area for the purpose of giving its patrons amusement, pleasure, thrills, or excitement
(Content pulled from: 616.242 (3)(a) “Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes”).
Two documents you need to pay attention to as an inspector are the PERMITTING AND INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR AMUSEMENT DEVICES AND AMUSEMENT ATTRACTIONS (5J-18) and the 2023 Florida Statues (616-242).
Taking key information from these documents, it's crucial to highlight the specific type of inspector required for conducting services in Florida. If you're currently an inspector or planning to become one in this state, this information is essential to understand the requirements within this service area.
Qualified Inspectors.
When a Qualified Inspector possesses the requisite qualifications the department will provide the applicant a qualified inspector number designating that person as a qualified inspector for the purpose of executing the Fair Rides Affidavit of Compliance and Nondestructive Testing. The qualified inspector number shall be used when executing the required affidavits. The qualified inspector number issued by the department to a qualified inspector shall be valid for one year, so long as the applicant possesses the qualifications required by Section 616.242(3)(q), F.S.
The department acknowledges the amusement ride education programs of NAARSO, AIMS, CNA Insurance, and the Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Seminar, as educational programs meeting the department’s requirements to certify a qualified inspector.
(Content pulled from: 5J-18.003 (1)(e) & (1)(f): "Qualified Inspector - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register - FAC, FAR, eRulemaking”)
In the definitions stated in Statutes & Constitution:
“Qualified inspector” means an employee or agent of an insurance underwriter of an amusement ride who documents to the department in a manner established by department rule the following qualifications:
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the amusement ride field, at least 2 years of which were involved in actual amusement ride inspection with a manufacturer, government agency, park, carnival, or insurance underwriter;
- The completion of 32 hours per year of continuing education at a school approved by department rule, which includes inservice industry or manufacturer updates and seminars; and
- At least 80 hours of formal education during the past 5 years from a school approved by department rule for amusement ride safety. Nondestructive-testing training, as determined by department rule, may be substituted for up to one-half of the 80 hours of education.
(Content pulled from: 616.242 (3)(q) “Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes”)
ACCT, although not explicitly acknowledged, has received verbal approval to verify formal education, specifically related to ACCT content. ACCT can confirm ACCT-related content, like that provided at the Annual ACCT Conference and Expo, for inspection-related education. However, ACCT cannot verify content from other associations or agencies.
If you are looking into this, please send Heather Brooks an e-mail at heather@acctinfo.org with your request for verification and a complete, up-to-date copy of your portfolio.
Upon verification, ACCT provides inspectors with a letter detailing the verified educational content and hours, which inspectors can add to their Florida Inspector Application. Florida regulators may request supporting documents during the process.
Works Cited
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“5J-18.003 : Qualified Inspector - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register - FAC, FAR, eRulemaking.” Florida Administrative Code, https://www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?title=PERMITTING%20AND%20INSPECTION%20REQUIREMENTS%20FOR%20AMUSEMENT%20DEVICES%20AND%20AMUSEMENT%20ATTRACTIONS&ID=5J-18.003. Accessed 7 December 2023.
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“Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes.” Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0616/Sections/0616.242.html. Accessed 7 December 2023.