Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection
Allan Harrison, Bureau Chief
The Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection is responsible for inspecting amusement rides at temporary events (fairs, carnivals and festivals), and permanent amusement parks for structural and operational integrity.
All traveling amusement companies (those playing at temporary event) are permitted annually, but are required to be inspected each time they set up. Permanent amusement facilities are inspected twice a year and permitted annually.
Florida has about 180 permanent amusement parks and more than 222 traveling amusement companies.
Our Mission
To promote the safety of Florida's citizens and visitors to our state through our amusement ride inspection program.
Bureau Profile
The Bureau is headquartered in Tallahassee and is staffed with 15 full-time field inspectors assigned to carry out the inspection and investigation mandates of Chapter 616.242, Florida Statutes, and enforcement of adopted rules, regulations and codes. The Bureau has statewide responsibility to inspect all amusement rides in the state, except for certain large parks which have more than 1,000 employees and have full time inspectors on staff. All temporary amusement rides are inspected each time they are moved or set up at a new location, and permanent rides are inspected semi-annually. All amusement rides are required to be permitted annually by the Department, are required to undergo nondestructive testing for structural integrity, and must have an annual inspection by a professional engineer or qualified inspector.
The Bureau investigates accidents involving amusement ride patrons and investigates incidents involving amusement rides when those rides may be unsafe for use. The Department has authority to impose sanctions on amusement ride owners for violation of the law, Section 616.242, Florida Statutes, or Rule, Chapter 5F-8, Florida Administrative Code, and can close and impound amusement rides which pose an immediate serious danger to the public health, safety and welfare.