Bill > H0553

This bill creates a new section of Florida law defining and regulating "temporary door locking devices," which are emergency-use tools designed to secure a door without permanently modifying its structure. The bill specifies that these devices must meet several criteria: they are for temporary emergency use, can be engaged or removed without opening the door, do not require a key to disengage from the inside, do not modify door hardware, are not permanently mounted to the door, comply with fire rating standards, and can be removed with a single operation. The legislation allows these devices to be installed at any height and requires the Florida Building Commission to incorporate standards for such devices into the Florida Building Code. The bill mandates that temporary door locking devices can only be used during specific emergency situations like shelter-in-place orders or safety drills, and their use must be integrated into building safety plans and staff training programs. The purpose appears to be providing building occupants with an additional safety measure during potential security threats while ensuring the devices do not compromise overall building safety or emergency exit capabilities. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/553