Fair Rides Inspection

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has statewide responsibility to inspect all amusement rides in Florida, except for those at large parks that have more than 1,000 employees and have full-time inspectors on staff. 

Amusement rides regulated in the state of Florida fall into two major groups: temporary amusement rides (those that are regularly relocated with or without assembly) and permanent facility amusement rides (those that are not regularly relocated and operate as a lasting part of the premises). 

All temporary amusement rides are permitted each time they are moved or set up at a new location, and permanent rides are permitted annually. A semi-annual inspection will be scheduled by FDACS for all permanent amusement rides. All amusement rides permitted annually by FDACS are required to have on file with us: 

- A certificate of insurance and 

- An annual affidavit of compliance and nondestructive testing performed by a professional engineer or qualified inspector.

FDACS also inspects go-kart tracks, water-related amusement rides and zipline courses operating throughout the state. 

FDACS investigates accidents involving amusement rides and has the authority to impose sanctions on amusement ride owners for violation of the law and can close and impound amusement rides that pose an immediate serious danger to public health, safety and welfare.