Weights and Measures Information – Florida

Introduction

This article provides information for using and maintaining an NTEP-certified scale for commercial applications in the state of Florida, including registration, installation, calibration, inspection and maintenance requirements.

For the most current requirements, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Weights and Measures Program.

Weights and Measures Information

Phone: (800) 435-4352

Email: CSCompliance@fdacs.gov

Website: Florida Weights and Measures Program

Registration

Florida follows the requirements of NIST Handbook 44, along with applicable state laws and regulations.

Commercial scales must have a valid commercial use permit issued by FDACS before being used commercially.

Commercial scales must have a valid NTEP Certificate of Conformance and meet applicable requirements of NIST Handbook 44.

Calibration

A Florida Registered Scale Service Agency is required to install, calibrate and place the scale into service before it is used commercially.

The service agency must submit a Placed in Service Report (PISR) to FDACS within 24 hours when placing the scale into service.

FDACS will inspect the scale and apply an approval seal when it meets applicable requirements.

Maintenance

Have the scale regularly serviced and calibrated to maintain accuracy.

FDACS periodically inspects and tests commercial scales to verify accuracy and continued compliance.

Scales that fail inspection may be removed from service until corrected and may be subject to penalties.

Servicers

Related Materials

NIST Handbook 44 (2023 Edition)

NTEP Certification Search

mG-S Certificate of Conformance

mG-T Certificate of Conformance

FDACS Weights and Measures

FDACS – Commercial Use Permit Information

FDACS – Using a New Scale for Commercial Transactions

FDACS-03017 – Placed in Service Report

Florida Statutes, Chapter 531 – Weights, Measures and Standards