⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

This guide is provided for informational purposes only. While Lexico has made every effort to compile accurate and up-to-date information from official sources, regulations, requirements, and standards may have changed since publication. This document should not be relied upon as the sole source of information for compliance purposes. Always verify current requirements directly with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for your specific project location. Requirements can vary by municipality, building type, and may be subject to local amendments or updates. Lexico assumes no liability for errors, omissions, or changes in regulations. For the most current requirements and professional ERRCS compliance services, contact Lexico at (866) 304-3830.

Understanding the Terminology: ERRCS, ERCES, & BDA

When discussing in-building public safety communications, it’s important to understand the mix of official and informal terms. The complete, code-required infrastructure is officially known by several names: ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System), ERCES (Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System), or as the code books state, a Two-Way Radio Communication Enhancement System. Very often, people in the industry will informally refer to the entire system as a BDA (Bi-Directional Amplifier), even though the BDA is the specific signal-boosting device within the larger system. Our expertise covers the entire system, ensuring your building is compliant, no matter what terminology you use.

Unincorporated Hillsborough County ERCES Testing & Design

Managed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Radio Services | AHJ: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR)

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Send site address to HCSO first to determine if the indoor public safety radio project location is in Hillsborough County or City of Tampa jurisdiction, and which system (East/West) applies.

System Overview

HCSO Radio Systems

  • EDACS West: 7 sites, 20 channels
  • EDACS East: 10 sites, 15 channels
  • P25 West: 9 sites, 10 channels
  • P25 East: 9 sites, 10 channels
  • Coverage: All unincorporated Hillsborough County

Code Requirements

  • Fire Code: Florida Fire Prevention Code 7th Edition
  • NFPA Standards: NFPA 1221-2016, Chapter 9.6
  • Signal Strength: -95 dBm minimum
  • General Areas: 95% coverage
  • Critical Areas: 99% coverage

Critical Areas

  • Fire Command Centers
  • Mechanical and Utility Rooms
  • Public Bathrooms
  • “Employee Only” Access Areas
  • Stairwells
  • Exit Stairs
  • Exit Passageways
  • Police Holding Areas
  • Elevator Lobbies
  • Fire Pump Rooms
  • Sprinkler Sectional Valve Locations
  • Other Areas Considered by HCFR

Building Thresholds

  • Existing buildings being modified meeting any of these criteria:
    • → 3+ stories in height or
    • → 30,000+ sq ft total area or
    • → Type I or II construction and ≥10,000 sq ft or
    • → Has a basement or level below grade
  • Testing required for all new construction

Emegergency Responder Frequency Information

System Technology TX Range (MHz) RX Range (MHz) Channels
P25 West P25 Phase II Digital 769.28 – 774.63 799.28 – 804.63 10
P25 East P25 Phase II Digital 769.56 – 851.83 799.56 – 806.83 14
EDACS West EDACS ProVoice 851.23 – 853.74 806.23 – 808.74 20
EDACS East EDACS ProVoice 851.70 – 853.83 806.70 – 808.83 11

ERRCS/ERCES Submission Process - Hillsborough County, FL

Step 1: Contact HCSO to determine jurisdiction and system assignment Lexico handles this
Step 2: Submit survey prior to BDA installation Lexico handles this
Step 3: Submit certified design and signed Hillsborough County application Lexico handles this
Step 4: Complete FCC Signal Booster Registration Lexico handles this
Step 5: Obtain Provisional Retransmission Authorization (1 year validity) Lexico handles this
Step 6: Complete installation and testing Lexico handles this
Step 7: Submit to HCFR Fire Marshal for inspection Lexico handles this
Step 8: Obtain 5-Year Retransmission Authorization Lexico handles this
Hillsborough County BDA Contact Information

HCSO Radio Services:

(813) 247-0020 / (813) 247-0080
2214 N. Falkenburg Rd
Tampa, FL 33619

City of Tampa ERRCS/ERCES Testing & BDA Design

Managed by HCSO Radio Services | AHJ: City of Tampa Fire Marshal

⚠️ IMPORTANT: City of Tampa uses the same HCSO radio systems but has separate fire marshal requirements. Contact HCSO first to confirm jurisdiction.

System Overview

Radio Systems

  • Uses HCSO’s four radio systems
  • Same frequencies as Hillsborough County
  • Separate permit process through City
  • Technology & Innovation (CT&I) review required

Code Requirements

  • Adopting: NFPA 72-2019
  • Also: NFPA 1221-2019
  • Signal Strength: -95 dBm minimum
  • DAQ: 3.4 or better
  • Propagation Delay: ≤28 microseconds @ 25KHz

Testing Requirements

  • Grid pattern testing based on building size
  • Small: 5 test points (100% pass required)
  • Medium: 25 ft intervals (90/99% pass)
  • Large: 50 ft intervals (90/99% pass)
  • Heat maps required for all floors

Building Thresholds

  • Existing buildings being modified meeting any of these criteria:
    • → 3+ stories in height or
    • → 30,000+ sq ft total area or
    • → Type I or II construction and ≥10,000 sq ft or
    • → Has a basement or level below grade
  • Testing required for all new construction

LEXICO ADVANTAGE: City of Tampa’s dual submission requirements (CT&I and HCSO) can delay projects. Our team manages both submissions simultaneously, saving you weeks of processing time.

First responder Frequency Information

System Technology TX Range (MHz) RX Range (MHz) Channels
P25 West P25 Phase II Digital 769.28 – 774.63 799.28 – 804.63 10
P25 East P25 Phase II Digital 769.56 – 851.83 799.56 – 806.83 14
EDACS West EDACS ProVoice 851.23 – 853.74 806.23 – 808.74 20
EDACS East EDACS ProVoice 851.70 – 853.83 806.70 – 808.83 11

ERRCS/ERCES Submission Process - Tampa, FL

Step 1: City of Tampa Fire Miscellaneous Permit – Required before any work Lexico handles this
Step 2: Submit to CT&I: ELE-Email@tampagov.net Lexico handles this
Step 3: Submit to HCSO: smitchel@hcso.tampa.fl.us Lexico handles this
Step 4: Sealed design plans and color-coded floor heat maps (PDF) Lexico handles this
Step 5: City of Tampa application form (separate from Hillsborough County) Lexico handles this
Step 6: City of Tampa Fire Marshal inspection Lexico handles this
Step 7: Certificate of Radio Coverage Compliance (CORCC) Lexico handles this

City of Tampa Two-Way Radio Communication Enhancement Systems Contacts

Technology & Innovation (CT&I):
ELE-Email@tampagov.net



Need help navigating City of Tampa Public Safety Distributed Antenna System requirements?
Call Lexico: (866) 304-3830

Why Navigate These Complex Two-way Radio Communication Enhancement System Requirements Alone?

Lexico will be your trusted partner ERCES & ERRCS projects across all Tampa Bay jurisdictions.

✅ Licensed and certified technicians

✅ Current calibrated test equipment

✅ Established AHJ relationships

✅ PE-sealed documentation

✅ Heat map generation

✅ Annual testing services

(866) 304-3830

sales@lexicocom.com | www.lexicocom.com

Pinellas County ERCES Requirements

Managed by Pinellas County Radio & Technology (PCR&T) | Multiple Municipal AHJs

DID YOU KNOW? Pinellas County has 24+ municipalities, each with its own building department and potential variations in requirements. Lexico maintains relationships with all major municipalities and can help determine exactly which permits you need. Save time and avoid costly mistakes – call (866) 304-3830.

System Overview

Radio Systems

  • County: 800 MHz Intergovernmental System
  • County: 700 MHz Digital Overlay
  • Clearwater: Separate 800 MHz System
  • Frequency Range: 769-861 MHz
  • Tower Sites: 11 County + 2 Clearwater

Code Requirements

  • Standard: NFPA 72-2013 Edition
  • Chapter: 24 Emergency Communications
  • Signal Strength: -95 dBm minimum
  • General Areas: 90% coverage
  • Critical Areas: 99% coverage

FCC Call Signs

  • WPJR956
  • WPWX247
  • WPVM761
  • KNJU723
  • KNJH386

Pinellas County Municipalities

  • Belleair
  • Belleair Beach
  • Belleair Bluffs
  • Belleair Shore
  • Clearwater*
  • Dunedin
  • Gulfport
  • Indian Rocks Beach
  • Indian Shores
  • Kenneth City
  • Largo
  • Madeira Beach
  • N. Redington Beach
  • Oldsmar
  • Pinellas Park
  • Redington Beach
  • Redington Shores
  • Safety Harbor
  • St. Pete Beach
  • St. Petersburg
  • Seminole
  • South Pasadena
  • Tarpon Springs
  • Treasure Island
  • Unincorporated Areas

*Clearwater has its own separate 800 MHz system

Tower Locations

County Tower Sites

  • Ridgecrest – Largo
  • PSC – Largo
  • Courthouse – Clearwater
  • Tarpon – Palm Harbor
  • Eldridge Wilde – Tarpon Springs
  • Safety Harbor
  • Highway – Clearwater
  • Toy Town – St Pete
  • St Petersburg
  • Ft Desoto – St Pete
  • The Fountains – St Pete

Clearwater Tower Sites

  • Missouri – 1417 S. Missouri Ave
  • 580 – 3290 SR 580

Clearwater projects require special coordination. Lexico’s team is experienced with both County and Clearwater systems.

Pinellas County Two-Way Radio Communication Enhancement Systems Contacts

Radio & Technology Department (PCR&T):
440 Court St, 3rd Floor, Clearwater, FL
ratsupport@pinellascounty.org
(727) 464-3879

Building Services: (727) 464-3888

Let Lexico navigate Pinellas County’s 24+ jurisdictions for you! We are Tampa Bay’s ERCES Experts
sales@lexicocom.com

Pasco County ERCES Signal Testing & BDA Design

Managed by Pasco County Fire Rescue | Florida Fire Prevention Code Requirements

⚠️ UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS: Pasco County allows both Class A and Class B bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) and -115 dBm signal strength (not -95 dBm). These differences can significantly impact system design and reduce cost.

System Overview

P25 System Requirements

  • Technology: P25 Digital System
  • Signal Strength: -115 dBm minimum
  • General Areas: 95% coverage
  • Critical Areas: 99% coverage
  • DAQ Standard: NTIA Report 99-358

Code Requirements

  • FFPC: Chapter 11.10
  • Florida Statute: 633.202
  • New Buildings: Compliance by Jan 1, 2022
  • Existing Buildings: Varies by type
  • Apartments: By Jan 1, 2025

Important Notes

  • GROL License required for work
  • FCC registration by Pasco County
  • Do NOT energize without Fire Inspector
  • 24-hour contact info required

LEXICO ADVANTAGE:The unique Class B BDA and -115 dBm requirements mean equipment specified for other counties might not be the same here. Avoid costly change orders and minimize system costs – call us first at (866) 304-3830.

First responder Frequency Information

Channel Receive (MHz) Transmit (MHz)
1810.1625855.1625
2810.3625855.3625
3810.6375855.6375
4810.8625855.8625
5811.3625856.3625
6811.8875856.8875
7812.3875857.3875
8813.3125858.3125

Pasco County Municipalities

  • • Land O’ Lakes: (813) 929-2750
  • • New Port Richey: (727) 847-2411 Ext. 2750
  • • Dade City: (352) 521-4274 Ext. 2750

Pasco County Two-Way Radio Communication Enhancement Systems Contact Information

Fire Marshal / LEO: J. Frum
jfrum@pascocountyfl.net

4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
#208
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639

(813) 929-2750 ext. 2643
(727) 207-5946

East Lake Tarpon Special Fire Control District ERCES & ERRCS

Part of Pinellas County System | Independent Fire District Requirements

System Overview

Requirements

  • Uses: Pinellas County 911 System
  • Standard: NFPA 1 Chapter 11.10
  • Testing: NFPA 72-2013
  • Signal: -95 dBm minimum
  • Coverage: Per NFPA 72-2013

Testing Process

  • Third-party integrator required
  • Spectrum analysis grid test
  • iBwave predictive analysis accepted for permits
  • Final testing at construction completion
  • Deputy Chief approval required

Coverage Area

  • Palm Harbor
  • East Lake area
  • Parts of Tarpon Springs
  • Unincorporated northern Pinellas County

East Lake Tarpon Two-Way Radio Communication Enhancement Systems Contact

Special Fire Control District:

(727) 784-8668
(727) 474-5830

3375 Tarpon Lake Blvd., Palm Harbor, FL 34685

www.elfr.org

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