Fair Rides Inspection

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has statewide responsibility to inspect all amusement rides in Florida, except for those at large parks that have more than 1,000 employees and have full-time inspectors on staff.

Amusement rides regulated in the state of Florida fall into two major groups: temporary amusement rides (those that are regularly relocated with or without assembly) and permanent facility amusement rides (those that are not regularly relocated and operate as a lasting part of the premises).

All temporary amusement rides are permitted each time they are moved or set up at a new location, and permanent rides are permitted annually. A semi-annual inspection will be scheduled by FDACS for all permanent amusement rides. All amusement rides permitted annually by FDACS are required to have on file with us:

• A certificate of insurance and
• An annual affidavit of compliance and nondestructive testing performed by a professional engineer or qualified inspector.

FDACS also inspects go-kart tracks, water-related amusement rides and zipline courses operating throughout the state.

FDACS investigates accidents involving amusement rides and has the authority to impose sanctions on amusement ride owners for violation of the law and can close and impound amusement rides that pose an immediate serious danger to public health, safety and welfare.

Permitting Process

How to Request an Inspection

Temporary Amusement Rides

Owners of temporary amusement rides may request an inspection by submitting the Fair Rides Request for Temporary Amusement Ride Permit Inspection or Re-Inspection[ ] to FDACS at least 14 calendar days in advance of the inspection date. If the form is received fewer than 14 calendar days in advance of the inspection date, it is considered late and a late fee will be charged per ride.

Permanent Amusement Facilities

FDACS monitors expiration dates for permits, affidavits, insurance and inspection certificates and will notify an existing permanent amusement facility in advance that an inspection needs to be requested. Inspections for annual permit must be submitted to FDACS at least 15 calendar days in advance of the inspection date using Fair Rides Request for Annual Permit Inspection or Re-Inspection[ ].

Insurance

To obtain a permit to operate an amusement ride in Florida, the owner must obtain an insurance certificate in the amount of $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate. Contact an insurance agency of your choice to obtain insurance coverage, but make sure the policy is from an insurer that is licensed to do business in Florida.

Ensure that the insurance certificate includes a policy number (TBD is not acceptable) and a list of rides covered by theme name (ride name) and serial number. FDACS cannot accept insurance without a list of rides and serial numbers. Make sure serial numbers on the insurance match those on the affidavits.

Insurance expires one minute after midnight (12:01 a.m.) on the expiration date.

Affidavit of Compliance and Nondestructive Testing

In addition to providing proof of insurance, the owner must submit a Fair Rides Affidavit of Compliance and Nondestructive Testing[ ] executed (completed and signed) by a qualified inspector or professional engineer authorized by FDACS. Contact FDACS at (850) 410-3838 or FairRides@FDACS.gov to obtain a list of qualified inspectors or professional engineers.

The affidavit is good for one year after execution and is transferable between companies.

Once the insurance and affidavits expire, the permit is invalid and the amusement ride may not operate. It is your responsibility to ensure insurance, affidavits and permits are current.

What Happens During an Inspection

When an FDACS inspector comes to the event or permanent park, they will:

• Verify and validate the insurance coverage as well as Fair Rides Affidavit of Compliance and Nondestructive Testing.[ ]
• Require the owner/operator to have a certified individual present during the inspection.
• Inspect the ride for compliance with state standards. (Note: The ride must be run tested and ready for patron use prior to the inspection being conducted.)
• Collect the required fees.
• Issue the required permit.

When a Ride Passes Inspection

When the ride passes the inspection, the inspector will issue a United States Amusement Identification (USAID) plate and a permit sticker.

The permit sticker indicates that the ride has been inspected at a specific location/site and is good for six months unless the ride is relocated. If the ride is relocated, another inspection must be requested and passed prior to operation. The inspector will post the permit sticker in a location that is visible to the public at the entrance of the amusement ride. The USAID plate and permit sticker are only applicable to the inspected ride. They are not transferable to other rides.

If a Ride Fails Inspection

If the ride fails the inspection, a Stop Operation Order (red tag) will be placed on the ride. The ride cannot operate at the same location until it has passed a reinspection and the red tag has been removed by an inspector.

Fees

All fees are due at the time of inspection. Please have an authorized person available to issue a check or money order at the time of inspection. Cash is not accepted.

Permanent or Temporary Amusement Rides:

• Inspection fee per go-kart, in addition to the track permit fee: $10/kart
• Reinspection fee (return to site): $500
• Reinspection fee (return on-site): $100
• Fee to replace a lost U.S. Amusement Identification Plate: $100
• Fee per amusement ride for late inspection request: $100
• Fee per amusement ride or failure to cancel inspection request: $100
• Additional fee per amusement ride for inspection on weekend or state holiday: $75
• Inspection fee per harness, in addition to the ropes course/zipline permit fee: $5

Permanent Amusement Rides:

• Annual permit fee for each permanent park kiddie amusement ride: $300
• Annual permit fee for each permanent park non-kiddie amusement ride: $400
• Annual permit fee for each permanent park super amusement ride: $600

For permanent amusement rides, one half of the annual permit fee shall be paid on the date of the annual permit inspection, and the remaining balance shall be paid within six months following the annual permit inspection.

Temporary Amusement Rides:

• Permit fee for each temporary kiddie amusement ride: $150
• Permit fee for each temporary non-kiddie amusement ride: $200
• Permit fee for each temporary super amusement ride: $300

Operations and Maintenance Manuals

The following items must be provided, at no cost to FDACS:

• Manufacturer's manual, including all bulletins concerning safety, operation and maintenance
• Amusement ride operating document as specified in ASTM F770-18, Section 5.1
• Maintenance checklist for each ride as specified in ASTM F770-18, Section 5.1.

Other Responsibilities

Modifications

Amusement ride owners/operators should notify FDACS prior to making modifications. You must also notify FDACS when you receive manufacturer’s bulletins or notices affecting ride operation or maintenance.

After an amusement ride has undergone a major modification and before the ride is placed in operation, a professional engineer, licensed by the state in which certification is performed, must certify that the amusement ride complies with Section 616.242, Florida Statutes, and all rules. A major modification is defined as any change in the structural or operational characteristics of the ride that will alter its performance from that specified in the manufacturer’s design criteria.

Accidents

Verbal Report

In the event of an accident for which a patron is transported to a hospital, the owner/operator must report the accident verbally within four hours of its occurrence. To report an accident, call (850) 410-3838 or, after hours, 1-800-663-3542.

Written Report

A written report must also be provided within 24 hours after the occurrence of the accident. Reports must be filed using the Fair Rides Written Accident Report[ ] and faxed to (850) 410-3797 or emailed to FairRides@FDACS.gov.

Defects

The owner/operator is responsible for reporting any mechanical, structural or electrical defects affecting patron safety for which a ride is closed for patron use. This report must be made by telephone or fax within eight hours and must be followed by a written report on our Fair Rides Mechanical, Structural, or Electrical Defect Report[ ] within 24 hours after the closing of the ride. The affected rides must remain closed until repairs are reviewed and the ride is released for operation by FDACS.

Owner/Operator’s Daily Inspection

The owner/operator is responsible for inspecting the amusement ride prior to opening each day of operation. Record the inspections using the following forms:

• Fair Rides Owner's Daily Inspection Report (Bungy)[ ]
• Fair Rides Owner's Daily Inspection Report (Carnival Type)[ ]
• Fair Rides Owner's Daily Inspection Report (Go-Kart Tracks/Vehicles)[ ]
• Fair Rides Owner's Daily Inspection Report (Water Parks)[ ]

In lieu of these forms, the owner/operator may request approval of an alternative form that includes the same information.

Any deficiencies discovered during the daily inspection must be corrected prior to opening to the public. Inspection records must be kept on site for the last 14 daily inspections and made immediately available on request.

Employee Training

The owner/operator is also responsible for training and recording training for each employee authorized to operate, assemble, disassemble, transport or conduct maintenance on the ride.

Use the Fair Rides Employee Training Record[ ] to record employee training. In lieu of this form, the owner/operator may request approval of an alternative form that includes the same information.

Training records must be kept on site and available for review.

Note: The above summary is provided to assist you in understanding the main requirements of the statute and administrative code and is not intended as a replacement. In all cases, the final determining authority is the statute and administrative code.