Commissioner Adam H. Putnam

Weights & Measures

Florida Laws | Fees | Permit Information | Forms | Related Links | Contact

The Bureau of Weights and Measures inspects more than 60,000 commercial measuring devices each year. These devices include retail scales, pharmacy balances, industrial and livestock scales, vehicle scales and taximeters. Inspectors also routinely test the accuracy of retail price scanners, as well as the accuracy of labels and net contents of standard pack food items, packaged goods such as dry goods, household items, building and construction materials, gardening products, and hundreds of other products purchased daily by consumers and business.

The Bureau's Metrology Laboratory, located in Tallahassee, maintains the state's primary standards of mass, length and volume. It also provides calibration services to the commercial measurement industry, scientific and law enforcement labs, manufacturers, and the aerospace and technology industries.

Florida Laws

Weights and Measures Metrology Fees

For each mass standard tested or certified to meet ASTM Standard E617 tolerances of Class 5, 6, or 7, the fee is:

For each mass standard that is tested or certified to meet ANSI/ ASTM Standard E617 Appendix X5. For Class 4 or equivalent tolerances, the fee is:

For each mass standard tested or certified to meet ANSI/ ASTM Standard E617 Appendix X3. For Class 1 or calibrated to determine conventional mass values, the fee is:

For each Dead Weight to determine conventional mass values, the fee is:

For each volumetric flask, graduate, test measure, or prover the fee will be as follows:

For each linear measure that is calibrated to determine actual values, the fee shall be as follows:

Miscellaneous Fees:*

For each linear measure that is tolerance tested or certified to meet a certain tolerance $75.00

For each liquid-in-glass or electronic thermometer that is tolerance tested or certified $50.00

For each liquid-in-glass or electronic thermometer that is calibrated at no more than six (6) calibration points to determine actual values, the fee shall be $100.00

For each special test or special preparation $50.00 per hour All calibration tests $25.00 minimum

NOTE* - Additional Fees May Apply depending on test methods and number of calibration points.

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Weighing and Measuring Device Permit Information Guide

  1. Who is required to have a Weighing and Measuring Device Permit?
    A business or person is required to have a Weighing and Measuring Device Permit if they use any weighing or measuring device or devices except gas pumps for commercial purposes.  Weighing and measuring devices include:
    • All scales
    • Taximeters (unless permitted and tested for accuracy by a city or county program).
    • Mass flow meters
    • Volumetric flow meters
    • Grain moisture meters
    • Multiple dimension measuring devices
    • Tanks used as measures

  2. What constitutes "commercial purposes"?
    Regulations define “commercial purpose” as being used or employed in commerce to establish the size, quantity, extent, area, or measurement of any commodity sold, offered, or submitted for sale or hire; used or employed in computing any basic charge or payment for services rendered on the basis of weight, measure, or count; or used or employed in determining the winner of any award based on weight, measure, or count.

  3. I have a scale (or other weighing and measuring device) that I am not using for a commercial purpose but would still prefer it be inspected by the state. Do I need a permit?
    Yes, if you ask for a state inspection, regardless if the device is being used commercially, you will need to obtain a permit. Florida Statute Chapter 531.60(3) provides for testing of devices that are not used commercially if the appropriate permit and fees are paid as prescribed.

  4. How do I obtain a Permit?

    For new businesses:
    • For new businesses you may print the application form from our web site at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/standard/weights/forms.html; call the Bureau of Weights and Measures Permit Line at 850-921-1590 and request an application form, or request an application form using fax number 850-921-1592.
    • Once the application form is obtained, complete the form and determine the amount of the permit fee using the worksheet on page two.   The amount and type of commercial devices at each business location which are subject to the permit requirements will be verified by a state inspector.
    • Be sure to sign and date the application. Submit a check or money order and mail to the address provided on the application.
    • Future invoices will be sent to permit holders prior to the expiration of their permits with information based on data from original applications and/or inspection visits.
    • Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of permit.

    For existing businesses or renewals:
    • Verify that all information on the permit application is correct.
    • Verify the amount owed is correct using the worksheet on page two of the application or the Permit Application Guide (PDF 52kb) and make any corrections if necessary.
    • Be sure to sign and date the application. Submit a check or money order and mail to the address provided on the application.
    • Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery of permit.

  5. How do I determine how much is owed and will I have to pay this fee every year?
    • The permit fee will be due annually.  The Department will attempt to notify businesses for renewals each year prior to the expiration date of the permits, but ultimately the permit holder is responsible for renewing their permit prior to its expiration.
    • Existing businesses or renewals will have the fee printed on the invoices sent to them by the Department. This amount can be verified and corrected (if necessary) using the Permit Application Guide (PDF 52kb).
    • For new businesses, reference the Permit Application Guide (PDF 52kb) to determine how much the permit fee should be.
    • The permit fee is based on total number, type, size and/or capacity of devices at that location.
    • The permit fee may have to be adjusted periodically depending on the total number, type, size and/or capacity of devices in use at that location.

  6. I have replaced or added scales (or other weighing and measuring devices) at my business. Do I need to notify the Bureau of Weights and Measures?
    • Yes, any time a business adds or replaces a device, the Bureau of Weights and Measures must be notified within 30 days of replacement with the brand name, capacity of both the device being replaced and the replacement device by mail to the Bureau of Weights and Measures, 3125 Conner Blvd, L-2, Tallahassee, Fl. 32399-1650, by facsimile at 850-921-1592, or by email at flwmdp@freshfromflorida.com.
    • The permit fee could change with the addition of devices prior to the expiration of a permit.

  7. What can happen if I do not obtain a Weighing and Measuring Device Permit as required?
    • If the business does not obtain a permit or does not renew a permit within 30 days after the due date, a late fee of $100.00 must be paid in addition to the regular permit fee before the Department will issue or re-issue the device permit.
    • Refusing to apply for a permit or pay the permit fee will result in additional sanctions and penalties, including fines and prohibiting the use of the devices until a permit is issued.

  8. Can I use my scale (or other weighing and measuring device) after I have applied for my permit?
    Yes, provided the device has been properly calibrated and placed into service by a registered agency or tested by a state inspector.

Any questions or comments you may have can be directed to:

Bureau of Weights and Measures
3125 Conner Blvd. Lab 2
Tallahassee Florida 32399-1650
850-921-1590

If you wish to see the Weighing and Measuring Permit Rule in its entirety please refer to 5F-5.002 Weighing or Measuring Device Permits; Requirements and Fees

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Forms

Please follow the instructions provided below when printing and completing the forms listed.

  1. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print forms. Skip this step if Adobe Reader is already installed on your pc.
  2. Print forms on white 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
  3. Type or print the entire form in blue or black ink.

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Related Links

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Contact

If you have any questions, please contact:
Max Gray
E-mail Maxwell.Gray@freshfromflorida.com
3125 Conner Boulevard
Lab2, Mail Stop L2
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650
Telephone: (850) 921-1570
Fax: (850) 921-1593

For Metrology Lab information please contact:
Mike Cook
E-mail Michael.Cook@freshfromflorida.com
3125 Conner Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650
Lab2, Mail Stop L2
Metrology Lab Telephone: (850) 921-1580
Fax: (850) 921-1593

For Weighing and Measuring Device Permit information:
E-mail flwmdp@freshfromflorida.com
3125 Conner Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650
Lab2, Mail Stop L2
Telephone: (850) 921-1590
Fax: (850) 921-1592

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