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 four (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: September 15th, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location:
Charlotte County Fire/EMS Headquarters
26571 Airport Road Punta Gorda, Florida 33982
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:
Scott P. Morris
Fire Marshal
Charlotte County Fire & EMS
Office: 941-833-5600
or
Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator, phil@oakes.pro, or 407-232-2807
RN: 20575
Class: 144578