TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Financial Services held its first hearing in Tallahassee on Thursday, designed to help craft new safety rules on the storage of lithium-ion batteries.
DFS oversees the State Fire Marshal’s office, which enforces state rules on fire safety.
News 6 last year first exposed Florida’s lack of safety rules regarding the safe storage and safe charging of devices that are powered by lithium-ion batteries.
The investigation was credited by state leaders and lawmakers with the creation of a new law that now gives the State Fire Marshal’s office the power to create these new rules and guidelines.
At Thursday’s meeting in Tallahassee, a draft version of the new rules was released.
They are targeted mostly at businesses, but many of the rules could apply to residential use, too.
According to the draft of new rules, businesses and residents who charge electric bikes and scooters should:
- Follow manufacturers’ guidelines
- Designate a specific outlet for charging
- Avoid using extension cords
- Clear debris within 10 feet of the charging station
- Do not put charging space near an exit
The new rules also outlines additional safety recommendations for businesses and residents charging electric vehicles, such as automobiles:
- Do not charge vehicle within 25 feet of a fire hydrant
- Label charging stations clearly
- Install sprinkler systems in all new parking garage structures
Thursday’s session was a time for Florida residents and stakeholders to share their opinions on the recommendations.
“This is all very fresh,” said Tony Apfelbeck, director of Building and Fire Safety for the city of Altamonte Springs, who traveled to Tallahassee to provide his insight.
“Everything’s coming out every single day. By the time we publish this, some portions of this would undoubtedly be outdated,” he said.
Additional listening sessions are planned for Kissimmee between Oct. 7 and 9, and another session is planned for Melbourne on Nov. 7.
