Here you can find the latest stories and announcements from the Florida Attractions Association.
Dear FAA Members:
We would like to take this opportunity to share with you some recent developments regarding burdensome and unnecessary state agency rules relating to amusement rides in Florida.
As you know, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is the state agency responsible for conducting safety inspections for all amusement rides in Florida except for those parks with more than 1,000 employees. After first working to ensure legislation (SB 1788/HB 1267) introduced in the 2019 Legislative Session did not include additional regulations for our amusement ride owners and operators, rules have been recently developed by FDACS that could have potentially resulted in increased safety regulations and inspections, as well as requiring rides to post signs with verbiage on "loose hair and clothing".
We are relieved that after several months of discussion and communication with the Bureau of Fair Rides staff at FDACS regarding the clear differentiation between permanent fixed rides and temporary rides that are frequently relocated, we were successful in avoiding these stronger and burdensome safety inspections regulations that should be non-applicable to fixed site amusement rides.
The final proposed rule can be viewed here. Strikethrough is for language being removed and underline is for language being added.
The final rule will be filed for adoption on October 9th and will then become effective on October 29th.
Thank you again for your support of our advocacy to promote and protect tourism in Florida.
Warm Regards,
Bill Lupfer
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Dear FAA Member,
A new, streamlined process of securing, documenting and disposing of abandoned personal property (lost and found items) affecting most of our attraction members will become effective next Monday, July 1 with Governor DeSantis’ signing of SB180 which created s. 705.185.
Sections 705.1015-705.106 do not apply to any personal property lost or abandoned on premises located within a theme park or entertainment complex, as defined in s. 509.013(9), or operated as a zoo, a museum, or an aquarium, or on the premises of a public food service establishment or a public lodging establishment licensed under part I of chapter 509, if the owner or operator of such premises elects to comply with s. 705.185.
ALSO (only for FAA members under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Fair Rides BFR)
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Consumer Services has noticed their intent to develop new rules by the Bureau of Fair Rides. The first Rules Development Workshop will be held next Tuesday, July 2 in Tallahassee but available to be accessed through teleconference.
According to DOACS: “The purpose of this rulemaking is to update ASTM standards; modernize forms; increase requirements for the review of operations manuals, maintenance and training records; strengthen rules for oversite of qualified inspectors and professional engineers; increase department monitoring and requirements for non-destructive testing; strengthen scheduling requirements; remove the option for weekend inspections for late requests; increase training for industry employees involved in maintenance, set-up and inspections of rides; increase record keeping to assist in monitoring of repairs, maintenance and inspections; increase fees to cover costs of inspection program; update penalties to address new requirements; and incorporate new rules pertaining to the regulation of high speed go-kart tracks open for rental concession operations.”
The FAA has been involved in a previous workshop on these proposed rules and these proposed rules have been amended as a result of industry input.
It is important that you carefully read these proposed rules and consider the consequences of their adoption on your attraction.
Please contact me with any concerns you have regarding these proposed rules changes.
Participate in the BFR Rule Development Workshop.
If appropriate, seek legal counsel.
From the FAA team to you and your team, wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day celebration.
Sincerely,
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