Gov. Crist signs carbon monoxide detector legislation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – July 25, 2007 – A carbon monoxide detector will be standard equipment in most new Florida homes. Gov. Charlie Crist last week signed SB 1822 in law, mandating the detectors in many new buildings, homes and hotel rooms located close to boilers. Sen. Rudy Garcia (R-Hialeah) and Rep. Eddy Gonzalez (R-Hialeah Gardens) sponsored the legislation.

“This legislation goes an extra step in protecting Floridians and the millions of people who visit the state each year,” Governor Crist says. “By requiring carbon monoxide detectors, we ensure that fewer people will be victims of this silent killer.”

The bill requires that all hotel rooms located near boiler rooms be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors integrated with the hotel’s existing fire alarm system. New homes and buildings constructed in Florida must have carbon monoxide detectors located within 10 feet of rooms used for sleeping. The bill applies to building permits issued on or after July 1, 2008, for buildings that have a fossil-fuel burning heater or appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death. It is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces and poison people who breathe it. CO poisoning is especially dangerous in the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters when people use generators to power their homes.

“I encourage all Floridians to have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes,” says Crist. “Even homes that don’t have gas lines could be at risk from an attached garage, gas grills or from generators used improperly inside a home.”

© 2007 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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