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Fire Alarm System Requirement for Hotels in Puerto Rico

Quick Answer:


Hotels in Puerto Rico must comply with the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), which requires fire alarm systems in hotels above two stories. Without certification from the Puerto Rico Firefighters Bureau, hotels cannot secure permits or qualify for Act 60 tourism tax incentives. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) enforces these requirements, linking safety compliance directly to financial benefits.

DEV Builders Group has extensive experience in delivering luxury, code-compliant hotel projects that protect investor capital and maximize eligibility for Puerto Rico’s tourism incentives.


We're here to help you navigate regulatory requirements, secure Act 60 approvals, and build hospitality spaces that meet the highest international standards.

Why Fire Alarm Compliance Is Non-Negotiable

Building or renovating a hotel in Puerto Rico demands strict compliance with fire safety regulations.



The 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), adopted locally by the Puerto Rico Firefighters Bureau, outlines clear obligations for hotels and lodging facilities (Group R-1 occupancy). 


The most critical rule: any hotel above two stories must include a fire alarm system.


Failure to comply carries significant consequences:


  • Permit Denials: The Cuerpo de Bomberos will not issue inspection certificates without a compliant fire alarm system.

  • Tourism Incentive Loss: The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) refuses Act 60 tax benefits if fire safety standards are unmet.

  • Insurance Issues: Many insurers will either deny coverage or impose much higher premiums.

  • Fines and Closures: Hotels operating without certification risk legal liability and potential shutdown orders.

Compliance is therefore both a legal requirement and a financial safeguard for investors.

Act 60 Tourism Incentives and Fire Code Compliance

Puerto Rico’s Act 60 of 2019 (Incentives Code) created one of the most favorable frameworks for hotel development in the Caribbean. 


Overseen by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the program offers powerful financial benefits, including:


  • 4% fixed corporate tax rate

  • Up to 100% property tax exemption

  • 50–100% municipal license tax exemption

  • 75% construction excise tax exemption

  • Up to 30% in tax credits for eligible tourism projects

However, these incentives are tied directly to compliance. According to PRTC hospitality regulations, no accreditation and therefore no tax incentive approval is issued without Fire Department clearance. 


That means the fire alarm system is a prerequisite for financial success.


Official guidance from Invest Puerto Rico confirms this, stating that projects applying for tourism incentives must meet “all local regulations, permits, and safety certifications” before benefits are awarded (Invest Puerto Rico).

Fire Alarm Requirements Under IFC 2018

The IFC 2018, Section 907.2.8 establishes:


  • All hotels require a fire alarm system.

  • Exception: Hotels no more than two stories with specific exit conditions may omit a manual fire alarm system.

  • Any hotel three stories or more must comply fully.

For hotel developers in Puerto Rico, this means every mid- to large-scale property must include:


  • Fire alarm systems

  • Water sprinklers

  • Smoke detection systems

  • Water tanks and pumping systems

  • Clearly marked emergency exits and signage

These are not optional upgrades, they are the baseline for legal operation.

Financial and Operational Risks of Non-Compliance

Ignoring fire safety requirements can jeopardize an entire project:


  • Loss of Act 60 Eligibility: Without Firefighters Bureau certification, the PRTC will not grant tourism tax credits.

  • Insurance Refusals: Non-compliant hotels may face denied claims in the event of fire damage.

  • Construction Delays: Permits cannot be issued until compliance is confirmed.

  • Legal and Financial Penalties: Violations can lead to fines, closure orders, and reputational harm.

Investors should understand that non-compliance does not just delay operations, it actively erodes profitability.

DEV Builders: Proven Expertise in Hospitality Construction

At DEV Builders Group, we have over 20 years of experience delivering high-end, code-compliant projects across Puerto Rico. 


Our portfolio includes hospitality, entertainment, and tourism facilities built to the highest standards.


Key strengths:


  • Concierge-Level Service: Direct communication, transparent budgeting, and full project oversight.

  • In-House Expertise: Carpentry, welding, electrical, finishing, and excavation services, all managed by our team for better control.

  • Code Compliance Guarantee: Every project is designed and executed in line with fire, building, and safety codes.

  • Investor Alignment: Our builds are structured to protect Act 60 eligibility and maximize ROI for developers.

By partnering with DEV Builders, investors secure not only luxury builds but also peace of mind in knowing their projects will pass inspections and qualify for incentives.

Steps for Hotel Developers

For investors and developers planning hotel projects in Puerto Rico, the roadmap is straightforward:


  1. Engage Early with Firefighters Bureau: Confirm fire alarm requirements during pre-construction.

  2. Integrate Safety Systems in Design: Fire alarms, sprinklers, and water systems must be included in the architectural stage.

  3. Secure PRTC Certification: Fire safety clearance is mandatory before tourism incentives are granted.

  4. Partner with Experienced Builders: Work with firms like DEV Builders that understand both code and Act 60 requirements.

For hotels in Puerto Rico, fire alarm systems are not just about protecting lives; they are also about protecting investments. 


Under IFC 2018 and Act 60, compliance is mandatory for securing permits, tax incentives, and insurance coverage. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company enforces these requirements to safeguard guests and ensure high-quality tourism infrastructure.


By working with DEV Builders, developers gain a trusted partner with the expertise to deliver luxury, code-compliant hotel spaces that remain eligible for the island’s generous tourism incentives. 


The result: safer projects, stronger returns, and long-term operational success.


Contact us today for your next hospitality project.

Sources


  1. Puerto Rico Tourism Company – Act 60 Incentives

  2. International Code Council – 2018 International Fire Code

  3. Invest Puerto Rico – Tourism Incentives

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