Florida Lawmakers Block Sprinkler Mandate for New Homes

A Florida House committee wants to extinguish a proposed rule that would require fire sprinklers in many newly constructed homes.

The House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee voted unanimously Wednesday for a bill that would block state building officials from requiring sprinklers in new one- and two-family houses and townhouses. The bill still must make its way through other votes.

Advocates of fire sprinklers say the devices would save the lives of residents and firefighters, while suppressing insurance premiums. Opponents said the rule would impose unnecessary costs on builders and home buyers.

Rep. Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, said, “With homeowners struggling, the last thing we need to do is add another burden to them.”