Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association

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FFMIA Guidance on In-Person Attendance

As the COVID 19 pandemic begins to wane, the FFMIA is exploring options on how to safely return to in-person training and meetings for the membership.  Please know that FFMIA is committed to providing a safe environment for all and will continue to follow guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) along with state and local mandates/guidance. FFMIA staff will follow all local requirements which may include, but not be limited to social distancing, restricting attendance numbers based on available space, providing sanitizer stations as needed and require the wearing of facial coverings (masks) where required by local government, or private venue.   Please see the guidance document below for more details.  

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  • Inspectors Deploying to Disasters: What to know and What to Expect - 2 hr

    • May 23, 2025
    • 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM (EDT)
    • Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District, 27701 Bonita Grande Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
    • 37
    • 13 registrants


    Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

    Inspectors Deploying to Disasters:
    What to know and What to Expect - 2 hr.

    Instructor: Jon Pasqualone, Executive Director FFMIA

    This course is designed to prepare inspectors for a post disaster deployment to an affected area. The course is designed to prepare inspectors for what they will encounter and how to do their job on these deployments.
    Course Outline Includes
    I. Welcome and Introduction
    II. Historical overview of Statewide Emergency Response Plan (SERP)
    III. History of program and how Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA) assumed the lead role 
    IV. Software
    V. Document/Process Familiarization
    VI. Mental Wellness
    VII. Summary This is a shortened version of a previously approved course.

    The class has been approved for two (2) hours of CEUs for Fire Code Administrator, Fire Safety Inspector I&II and Fire Service Instructor.

    Instructor:

    Jonathan “Jon” W. Pasqualone

    For over thirty-five years Jon has served Florida citizens, visitors and workers as a member of the fire service. His leadership skills are recognized locally and throughout the State of Florida and beyond as he has served in numerous roles from county fire marshal, to operations chief in the Emergency Operations Center during the hurricanes of 2004-05 and statewide leadership roles in fire service organizations. Jon has traveled throughout the country sharing his leadership experiences through technical code development committees, speaking at conferences in states such as Colorado and Michigan and sharing his experiences in a wide range of networking opportunities. Jon is also very well versed in the legislative process testifying for many years on behalf of fire safety before varying legislative committees in Florida. He even ran for state representative in his district in 2012.

    Jon’s leadership skills continue to excel as the Executive Director of the 1,500 + member Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA), a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization with a mission of providing training and continuing education for fire inspection personnel throughout the State of Florida. Jon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and is married to his lovely wife Tammy and has two grown married children and three grandchildren.

    Date: May 23rd, 2025

    Time: 8:30 - 10:30 AM

    Location:

    Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District
    27701 Bonita Grande Drive
    Bonita Springs, Florida 34135

    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

    Jon Pasqualone
    FFMIA Executive Director
    jon.pasqualone@ffmia.org

    RN: 19591

    Class: 142724

    Show details

  • Inspectors Deploying to Disasters: What to know and What to Expect - 2 hr

    • May 23, 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EDT)
    • Charlotte County Fire & EMS, Public Safety Building, 26571 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, Florida 33982
    • 89
    • 11 registrants


    Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

    Inspectors Deploying to Disasters:
    What to know and What to Expect - 2 hr.

    Instructor: Jon Pasqualone, Executive Director FFMIA

    This course is designed to prepare inspectors for a post disaster deployment to an affected area. The course is designed to prepare inspectors for what they will encounter and how to do their job on these deployments.
    Course Outline Includes
    I. Welcome and Introduction
    II. Historical overview of Statewide Emergency Response Plan (SERP)
    III. History of program and how Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA) assumed the lead role 
    IV. Software
    V. Document/Process Familiarization
    VI. Mental Wellness
    VII. Summary This is a shortened version of a previously approved course.

    The class has been approved for two (2) hours of CEUs for Fire Code Administrator, Fire Safety Inspector I&II and Fire Service Instructor.

    Instructor:

    Jonathan “Jon” W. Pasqualone

    For over thirty-five years Jon has served Florida citizens, visitors and workers as a member of the fire service. His leadership skills are recognized locally and throughout the State of Florida and beyond as he has served in numerous roles from county fire marshal, to operations chief in the Emergency Operations Center during the hurricanes of 2004-05 and statewide leadership roles in fire service organizations. Jon has traveled throughout the country sharing his leadership experiences through technical code development committees, speaking at conferences in states such as Colorado and Michigan and sharing his experiences in a wide range of networking opportunities. Jon is also very well versed in the legislative process testifying for many years on behalf of fire safety before varying legislative committees in Florida. He even ran for state representative in his district in 2012.

    Jon’s leadership skills continue to excel as the Executive Director of the 1,500 + member Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA), a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization with a mission of providing training and continuing education for fire inspection personnel throughout the State of Florida. Jon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and is married to his lovely wife Tammy and has two grown married children and three grandchildren.

    Date: May 23rd, 2025

    Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM

    Location:

    Charlotte County Fire & EMS
    Public Safety Building
    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

    Jon Pasqualone
    FFMIA Executive Director
    jon.pasqualone@ffmia.org

    RN: 19591

    Class: 142725

    Show details

  • FAFLSE and FFEIA 2025 Joint Conference

    • June 03, 2025
    • 8:00 AM (EDT)
    • June 06, 2025
    • 12:00 PM (EDT)
    • Wyndham Lake Buena Vista - Walt Disney World
    • 193 registrants

                                          

    The Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association
    present the joint conference of the
    37th Annual Florida Association of Fire and Life Safety Educators and
    The 80th Annual Florida Arson Seminar

    When: June 3-6, 2025
                 With a pre-conference Car Seat Technician update on Monday 6/2/2025.                     CEUs and seat signoffs available for participants.

    Where: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista - Walt Disney World
                  1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd
                  Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

    Click Here for Full Conference Program

    Click here for a Flyer on the Pre-Conference
    More than Just a Click Car Seat Training


    Click here for the FFMIA Guidance on In Person Attendance

    Up to 27 hours of continuing education credits available for full conference attendees.  

    Virtual attendees will see those presentations held in the inspector track or general sessions.  Please be advised that due to contractual obligation, refunds for registration cancellations cannot be honored after May 1st.
      
    Exhibitor and sponsors can register here or also get the full conference forms.

    Individual and unique sponsorship opportunities can also be found on the forms.   

    Rooms are limited Reserve your Rooms now: 

    FAFLSE and FFEIA 2025 Joint Conference. Wyndham Lake Buena Vista BOOKING LINK
    Tower $154 a night

     

    FAFLSE and FFEIA 2025 Joint Conference. Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista BOOKING LINK- Garden level $134 a night

    reservation voice: 1-844-482-8444


    Please note the following regarding the resort:

    • A daily parking fee is applicable to everyone parking at the hotel ($25self or $30valet)
    • Complimentary internet (a $12.95 savings) is also provided in the guest rooms and conference area to those who register through the FFMIA link.
    • The Resort Fee (currently $40.50) will be waived if you register using the FFMIA links.  (Note: the room registration page will indicate a resort fee, but it is waived for those registering using the FFMIA links).  
    • The room rate is available 3 days prior to and after the event for those who wish to stay over and register through the FFMIA link.  

    QUESTIONS:

    If you have any questions regarding the conference, please contact Philip Oakes at phil@oakes.pro or 407-232-2807.

    Hotel rooms are limited, and our room block may sell out. 

    Show details

  • SPEARS FlameGuard CPVC Inspector Training - 4 hr.

    • June 03, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (EDT)
    • Marion County Growth Services, 2710 E Silver Springs, Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
    • 24
    • 21 registrants


    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: June 3, 2025

    Time: 9:00 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:

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

    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: 15648

    Class: 142330

    Show details

  • A Morning of Education 3 CEUS - 2 classes

    • June 17, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)
    • Marion County Growth Services, 2710 E Silver Springs, Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
    • 11
    • 34 registrants


    Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

    Short Term Rentals and the Fire Code and After the Fire-Resources for Recovery for the Victim and Fire Department

    Short Term Rentals and the Fire Code

    Instructor: Rodney Kwiatkoski Fire Marshal West Manatee Fire Rescue

    (2 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

    After the Fire-Resources for Recovery for
    the Victim and Fire Department

    Instructors:
    • Ed Raulerson Emergency Response Victim Advocate 1-800 Board Up
    • David Knowles Director of Emergency Services 1-800 Board Up

    (1 Contact hours approved for Fire Instructor, Fire Code Administrator and Fire Safety Inspector)

    This course reviews the impacts of a fire on the victim and the resources available for recovery. Also, the course will aid the fire inspector and fire investigator while on site with the victim.

    Lunch Provided by 1-800 Board UP

    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 and Advance Certificate in Fire Department Administration from State College of Florida. He earned a B.A. Degree from University of South Florida. He holds Florida State Certifications in Fire Code Administration; Fire and Life Safety Educator; Fire Investigator; Fire Officer II; Fire Safety Inspector II; Instructor III; Firefighter II and is an NFPA Certified Fire Plans Examiner. As Fire Marshal, he is the primary advocate for public and first responder safety; a duty he is honored to perform. He can be contacted via the following method: Rod@wmfr.org

    Date: Tuesday June 17, 2025

    Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 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: 19916 - rentals
    19800 - after fire

    Class: 142154 - rentals
    142176 - after fire

    Show details

  • SPEARS FlameGuard CPVC Inspector Training - 4 hr.

    • June 18, 2025
    • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)
    • Delray Beach FD, 501 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444
    • 10
    • 7 registrants


    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: June 18, 2025

    Time: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Location:
    Delray Beach FD, 501 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444

    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

    Joseph Mazzeo, M.S.
    Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal
    501 W. Atlantic Ave.
    Delray Beach, FL 33444
    mazzeo@mydelraybeach.com
    Phone: 561-243-7426

    or 

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

    RN: 15648

    Class: 142539

    Show details

  • A Morning of Education 3 CEUS

    • July 15, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)
    • Marion County Growth Services, 2710 E Silver Springs, Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
    • 18
    • 27 registrants


    Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

    NFPA 1: Chapter 1 Administration, Dec Statements, Interpretations and Inspection Warrants, 3-hr.

    This course covers the application of NFPA 1 Chapter 1. Discussions will be had on Equivalencies, Alternatives and modifications. Discussion will also be held on the authority surrounding this code and those who enforce it. Additional discussion will also be held on declaratory statements, interpretations, and administrative warrants.

    Three total contact hours approved for Fire Code Administrator, Fire Safety Inspector.

    Lunch Provided by 1-800 Board UP

    Instructors:
    Anthony C. Apfelbeck, MPA, CFPS, CFO, FM, CBO, FIFireE

    Fire Marshal/Building Official, City of Altamonte Springs

    Tony Apfelbeck has served as the Fire Marshal and Building Official for the City of Altamonte Springs Building/Fire Safety Division since 2000 following a 10-year career as a Division Chief with the City of Oviedo. He began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter in 1985 before becoming a fire inspector with Volusia County.

    Fire Marshal Apfelbeck is currently a member of the NFPA 1 Fire Code Technical Committee, the Florida Building Commission Fire TAC and participates on a number of projects with the Fire Protection Research Foundation. He previously served as Chair of the Florida Fire Code Advisory Council, director of the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, NFPA Regional Fire Code Development Committee, director of the IAFC Fire/Life Safety Section, member of the ICC Fire Code Action Committee and ICC Fire Safety Committee. In addition, he has been recognized by his peers as a Fellow in the Florida Fire Marshals’ and Inspectors’ Association.

    He has received the Florida Fire Marshal of the Year award from both the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association and the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, the Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award from the IAFC/ICC, the Champion of the Industry award from the Florida Fire Sprinkler Association, the NFSA Leadership in Public Safety award, the AFSA Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award and the Legislative Service award from the Central Florida Fire Chiefs Association.

    Fire Marshal Apfelbeck holds a Master of Arts Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Service Administration and an Associate of Science in Fire Science. He is an 11-time attendee of the National Fire Academy and has achieved the Certified Fire Protection Specialist, Chief Fire Officer, Fire Marshal and Certified Building Official designations. He is a 2-time attendee of the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program.

    His hobbies include reading on leadership and critical thinking, civil war history, philanthropic efforts and, of course, drafting fire and building code changes.

    Date: Tuesday July 15, 2025

    Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 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: 17869

    Class: 142155

    Show details

  • A Morning of Education 3 CEUS

    • August 19, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)
    • Marion County Growth Services, 2710 E Silver Springs, Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
    • 16
    • 29 registrants


    Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

    Florida Administrative Code 61G - 3 hr.

    Instructor: Steve Kowkabany, The Vertex Companies

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

    This course will teach attendees the thresholds at which signed/sealed engineering documents are required at the master permit level of building permitting for a wide variety of commonly encountered fire protection systems such as fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, smoke control systems, clean agent systems, special hazard systems, etc. Once the thresholds for a design professional are explained, then attendees will learn through an interactive session the specific informational requirements that must be present in the engineering documentation received at the master permit stage in accordance with the Florida Administrative Code section 61G15-32.

    Lunch Provided by 1-800 Board UP

    INSTRUCTOR: Steve Kowkabany P.E.

    Steve Kowkabany is the founder and president of Neptune Fire Protection Engineering in Atlantic Beach, Florida, which he founded in June of 2005. Mr. Kowkabany has been a practicing engineer for over 20 years. Mr. Kowkabany began his career as a project engineer and process system designer in the pulp & paper, power generation, and photographic film manufacturing sectors. He transitioned into the field of fire protection after working closely with a variety of industrial fire protection systems in a manufacturing environment. In addition to his extensive experience in heavy industrial and petrochemical fire protection, Mr. Kowkabany has extensive experience in the arenas of residential and commercial fire protection and has designed fire protection systems for over 500 facilities, and has provided expert witness and third-party review services for a wide variety of projects. Mr. Kowkabany is a licensed fire protection engineer in the states of Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

    Outside of his corporate efforts, Mr. Kowkabany is passionate about advancing the field of fire protection and civic involvement. He serves as the vice-chairman of the board of the Florida Engineering Management Corporation and was recently appointed to the Florida Fire Code Advisory Council. He also currently serves as the founder and president of the Northeast Florida Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, as well as serving on the board of directors of the National Fire Sprinkler Association Florida Region.

    Date: Tuesday August 19, 2025

    Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 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: 18747

    Class: 142160

    Show details

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

Phone:  772-349-1507 Email: info@ffmia.org                                                                            

Chat Group: Search on Google groups for ffmia@googlegroups.com and request access

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