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Page 1 of 5  Many aquatic professionals are surprised the first time the Bureau of Fair Rides shows up to inspect their facility. The Bureau is responsible to inspect and license amusement rides throughout the state of Florida. Amusement rides include “any building, structure, or mechanical device or combination thereof through which a patron moves, walks, or is carried or conveyed on, along, around, over, or through a fixed or restricted course or within a defined area for the purpose of giving its patrons amusement, pleasure, thrills, or excitement” specifically leisure rivers, wave pools, and slides. If your facility has a slide that drops ten feet or more with water running down it into a pool then your facility is under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Fair Ride.
 I had a chance to speak to Allen Harrison, Lead Inspector for the Bureau to discuss what is takes to bring facilities into compliance. Harrison said it is not the desire or intent of the Bureau to shut-down facilities. The Bureau want to be helpful as possible to assist operators with compliance. That is nice to hear considering that the State Legislature considers non-compliance as a misdemeanor of the second degree punishable with fines up to $500 and 60 days in jail. The Bureau can also fine the owner of a non-compliant facility up to $2,500 per day for non-compliance issues, including operating without a permit. It is in the best interest of everyone to find out about these requirements and take a proactive approach to becoming compliant.
Before we go on, all operators should have a copy of and be familiar with regulations for Fair Rides in the State of Florida. These include Florida Administrative Code 5F-8 and Chapter 616.242 Florida Statutes
 Chapter 616.242 F.S.
Chapter 5F-8 F.A.C.
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