Ohio Fire Protection Contractor License

Ohio handles this route outside the OCILB trade-license system. Under Ohio Fire Code Section 918, a company cannot service, test, repair, or install fire protection or fire-fighting equipment for profit without company certification from the State Fire Marshal.

What the company certificate actually does

The company certificate authorizes the business to work only in the categories for which its employees hold the required individual certifications. The fire code's individual categories include automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems, fire service mains and water tanks, fire pumps, fire alarm and detection equipment, portable fire extinguishers, and several extinguishing-system categories.

What the company has to file

For an original or renewal company application, the fire code requires:

• the company name and primary business address;
• the names of the people responsible for the normal operation of the company;
• proof of liability insurance or bonding in an amount of at least $50,000 for completion and performance purposes;
• nonresident service-of-process consent if the applicant is an out-of-state company; and
• the required fees.

Fees and annual cycle

The current company fee schedule is:

• $200 for an original company application;
• $150 for a company renewal;
• $10 for each original or renewal branch certificate; and
• $10 for a duplicate certificate.

All company certificates expire on July 1 each year.

What happens if the renewal is late

Ohio does not use a small fixed late fee for company certification. The fire code says any renewal application submitted after expiration is treated as a new application, which means the company pays the original-application fee again.

Ongoing compliance points

• A company has to keep the required insurance or bond in force.
• The rules require written notice within 30 days if the company changes its primary address or its required insurance expires.
• If the State Fire Marshal denies, suspends, or revokes the certificate, the company must stop fire protection work that requires certification.

Why this page matters

The common mistake is to treat Ohio fire protection like one contractor exam with a normal trade-license renewal. The official structure is different: the company holds a certification, the employees hold the category certifications, and the company filing stands or falls on the $50,000 insurance-or-bond requirement and the annual July 1 renewal cycle.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements directly with the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal before applying or renewing.*