Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association

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Upcoming events

    • November 02, 2026
    • 8:00 AM
    • November 05, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • Hilton Tampa Downtown 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, Florida 33602
    Register


    The Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association

    Presents the

    The 78th Annual Florida Fire Prevention Conference

    Strengthening Fire Prevention Through Technology,
    Education and Innovation.

    Monday November 2nd, 2026, through
    Thursday November 5th, 2026
    At the Hilton Tampa Downtown
    211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, Florida 33602
    (813) 204-3000

    Annual Conference Program - FINAL

    Full program has been posted.  It may be updated several times as we add additional information. Please check back frequently for the updated program.


    You can always register through this site, but if you need a registration form:


    The FFMIA Room Block has sold out.  
    We have secured an overflow hotel location and room block, a 10-15 minute walk from the conference location: 

    FFMIA Overflow Rooms
    Start Date: Sunday, November 01, 2026
    End Date: Thursday, November 05, 2026

    Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:

    • Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Downtown for 199.00 USD per night - Last Day to Book : Sunday, October 25, 2026

    Book your group rate for FFMIA Overflow Rooms

    Parking at the overflow hotel is $40 a night.

    Parking at the conference hotel location is VALET ONLY.  Please plan accordingly. There are nearby city parking garages as well.

    No refunds for this event are possible after October 9th.  


    • November 20, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Lealman Exchange Community Center 5175 45th St N St. Petersburg, FL 33714
    • 10
    Register


    Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

    Short Term Rentals and the Fire Code - 3 hr.

    Instructor: Rodney Kwiatkoski Fire Marshal West Manatee Fire Rescue

    (3 Contact hours approved for Fire Code Administrator and Fire Safety Inspector)

    This 3-hour class explores the critical role fire departments play in inspecting vacation rentals to ensure fire safety and code compliance, addressing the growing popularity of short-term rentals. Participants will gain an understanding of why these inspections are necessary to protect both guests and property, how to implement an effective inspection process, and the key lessons learned from our initial implementation. The course will cover regulatory requirements, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices for overcoming challenges in establishing inspection protocols. Attendees will walk away equipped with practical insights on creating a safer environment in vacation rentals and improving fire safety standards within their jurisdiction.

    The class has been approved for three (3) hours of CEUs for Fire Code Administrator, and Fire Safety Inspector I&II.

    Instructors: Rodney Kwiatkowski

    Presenter Bio: Rodney Kwiatkowski has been with West Manatee Fire Rescue since 2008 and has served as Fire Marshal since 2019. He earned his A.S. Degree in Fire Science from State College of Florida, a B.A. Degree from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Science Degree in Fire Executive Leadership and Public Administration from Columbia Southern University. He holds Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Fire Marshal (FM) designations through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Rodney also holds Florida state certifications in Fire Code Administration, Fire and Life Safety Educator, Fire Investigator, Fire Officer III, Fire Safety Inspector III, Instructor III, and Firefighter II. Additionally, he is an NFPA Certified Fire Plans Examiner (CFPE) and Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS).

    As Fire Marshal, Rodney is the primary advocate for public and first‑responder safety—a duty he is honored to perform. He can be contacted at Rod@wmfr.org.

    Date: May 29, 2026

    Time: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

    Location:

    Lealman Exchange Community Center
    5175 45th St N
    St. Petersburg, FL 33714.

    Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA            

    Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

    Point of Contact:

    Jalex Leissler
    Bureau Administrator
    West Manatee Fire District
    701 63rd Street West
    Bradenton, FL 34209
    941-761-1555 Fax 1-941-237-3935

    or 

    Rodney Kwiatkowski, MS, CFPS, CFO, FM, MIFireE
    Fire Marshal
    West Manatee Fire Rescue District
    701 63rd St W
    Bradenton FL, 34209
    Cell 941-201-7904
    Office 941-761-1555


    Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator, phil@oakes.pro, or 307-631-0016

    RN: 20575

    Class: 355153

    • December 01, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Marion County Growth Services, 2710 E Silver Springs, Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
    • 39
    Register


    Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents
    A Morning of Education - 2 Classes

    An Overview of In-Building Public Safety Communication Systems
    4 hrs. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Professional Fire Watch & Life Safety Compliance
    1 hr. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

    Instructors: Rick Rausch and Shane Hughes REDLINE Fire Watch,

    (5 Contact hours with all classes approved for Fire Code Administrator and Fire Safety Inspector)

    Lunch will be provided by Redline FireWatch

    An Overview of In-Building Public Safety Communication Systems
    The Course will provide a current state Mobility, Basic understanding of RF and In-Building Solution Design approaches and a high level overview on how this relates to -NFPA 72, 1221, and NFPA 1225 Code requirements.

    This training session is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of NFPA/IFC Codes applications and how In-Building Distributive Antenna Systems (DAS) work to solve the critical need for ubiquitous communications (ERCES) for the First Responders, AHJ's and Public Safety officials. Q&A opportunity at the end of each section as well.

    Rick Rausch
    Rick Rausch is an RF/DAS Engineer with over 28 years of experience in the Telecom Industry with expertise in Wireless Carrier Networks, DAS Integration (Public Safety and Cellular), and DAS Equipment Manufacturing.

    Professional Fire Watch & Life Safety Compliance
    This course provides a comprehensive overview of fire watch responsibilities, regulations, and best practices in the State of Florida. Developed for fire service professionals, building officials, and life safety personnel, the course focuses on how trained third-party fire watch providers support local authorities in maintaining code compliance and reducing risk during impaired fire protection scenarios.

    Attendees will review Florida-specific requirements as outlined in the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC), learn proper emergency procedures, and study real-world lessons from recent fire watch failures. The course will conclude with a knowledge check to assess retention and application of key principles.

    Shane Hughes
    Shane Hughes is an experienced public safety professional currently serving with REDLINE Fire Watch, where he performs fire watch operations and leads community outreach efforts. Prior to joining Redline in 2024, Mr. Hughes served over two decades as a certified law enforcement officer in both Florida and Maine. He holds more than 1,500 hours of advanced training and was certified as a Florida Department of Law Enforcement instructor in multiple disciplines.

    Mr. Hughes earned a Master’s degree in Behavioral Studies from Saint Leo University and has presented for the university's Criminal Justice Association. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Keiser University, where he taught courses in Criminal Justice, Forensics, and Legal Studies. His combined field experience and academic background make him uniquely equipped to train others in fire watch compliance and life safety procedures.

    Date: December 1, 2026

    Time: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

    Location: Marion County Growth Services
    2710 E Silver Springs, Blvd.
    Ocala, FL 34471

    Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA            

    Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

    Point of Contact:

    Ken McCann
    Fire Marshal Fire Rescue - Prevention
    2631 SE Third St.
    Ocala, FL 34471
    Main: 352-291-8000 | Direct: 352-291-8050 | FAX: 352-291-8098
    Ken.McCann@marionfl.org 

    or 

    Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator, phil@oakes.pro, or 407-232-2807

    RN: 19934 - ERCES
    21578 - Firewatch

    Class: 359019 - ERCES
    360032 - Firewatch

    • January 19, 2027
    • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Islamorada Fire Rescue, 81850 overseas Hwy, Islamorada, Florida 33036
    • 27
    Register


    Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

    SPEARS FlameGuard CPVC Inspector Training - 4 hr.

    Instructor: Kevin Dellinger, Technical Service Representative, Spears Manufacturing

    This program will cover all aspects of CPVC systems for light hazard applications.  We will discuss different procedures for installation based whether they are a 13, 13D or 13R classification.  We will look at proper design, installation, approved products as well as other considerations for plan review and inspections of these systems.  There will be a review at the end of the power point presentation and a hands-on training on assembling CPVC correctly using the proper procedures.  There will all be an open forum for questions and answers throughout the program.

    The class has been approved for four (4) hours of CEUs for Fire Code Administrator, and Fire Safety Inspector I&II.

    Instructors:

    Kevin Dellinger

    Kevin Dellinger is a Field Technical Representative for SPEARS Manufacturing the producer of the FlameGuard CPVC. His role is to assist engineers with design, train contractors on proper installation and to train fire inspectors on inspection/plan review of CPVC fire sprinkler systems. He has been in this role with the company since 2013 and in his current assignment he covers most of the state of Florida. He has trained contractors and inspectors in California, Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. He has completed over 250 of these training for interested parties throughout the country.

    His goal is to develop strong relationships with contractors, engineers and inspectors and to make himself a valuable resource through education for information related to CPVC fire sprinkler systems.

    Date: January 19th, 2027

    Time: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Location:
    Islamorada Fire Rescue
    81850 overseas hwy
    Islamorada, Florida 33036

    Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA            

    Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

    Point of Contact:

    Kevin Dellinger
    Technical Service Representative
    Spears Manufacturing
    Cell 714-338-9572
    kdellinger@spearsmfg.net

    Terry L. Abel - Fire Chief
    Cell: 305-360-1917
    Office: 305-664-6490
    email: terry.abel@islamorada.fl.us

    or 

    Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator, phil@oakes.pro, or 407-232-2807

    RN: 21182

    Class: 361034

Address: P.O. Box 325 Hobe Sound, Florida 33475-0325       Frequently Asked Questions       

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