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Frequently Asked Questions


Where do I ship my Intoxilyzer for a Department Inspection?
For counties with a Tallahassee based Department Inspector:
            FDLE Off-Site Mail Facility
            c/o Florida Department of Law Enforcement
            Alcohol Testing Program
            813 B Lake Bradford Road
            Tallahassee, FL 32304                  

For counties with a Fort Myers based Department Inspector:
            Florida Department of Law Enforcement
            Alcohol Testing Program
            4700 Terminal Drive, Suite 1
            Fort Myers, FL 33907

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How do I become a Breath Test Operator?
In accordance with Rule 11D-8.008(1), F.A.C., an applicant for a breath test operator permit must meet the following qualifications: (1) Eighteen (18) years of age or older; (2) High school diploma or its equivalent;(3) Present employment by an agency, or the Department; (4) Successfully complete the basic Breath Test Operator Course approved by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. (5) Submit to the Department a complete written application and proof of course completion, no later than ninety days after completion 

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How do I become an Agency Inspector?
In accordance with Rule 11D-8.008(2), F.A.C., an applicant for an agency inspector permit must meet the following qualifications: (1) Has been issued a breath test operator permit by the Department valid at the time that the application is submitted; (2) Successfully complete the basic Agency Inspector Course approved by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. (3) Submit to the Department a complete written application and proof of course completion no later than ninety days after completion; (4) Present employment by an agency or the Department. 

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How do I maintain my Breath Test Operator or Agency Inspector Permit?
In accordance with Rule 11D-8.008(3), F.A.C., breath test operators and agency inspectors must satisfy continuing education requirements in order to maintain valid permits. Continuing education requires successful completion of the applicable Commission-approved Renewal Course by June 30th following the fourth permit anniversary date, and during each subsequent four-year cycle. Successful completion of the Commission-approved Agency Inspector Course or Agency Inspector Renewal Course also satisfies an Agency Inspector's breath test operator continuing education requirements.

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How do I become a Breath Test Instructor?
In accordance with Rule 11D-8.010(1), F.A.C., persons who conduct breath test training courses must have a valid Breath Test Instructor certification issued by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Refer to Chapter 11B-20, F.A.C. to obtain the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Breath Test Instructor Certification requirements. Contact the Alcohol Testing Program or your Department Inspector if you are interested in becoming a certified Breath Test Instructor. You must have valid Breath Test Operator and Agency Inspector permits, have 3 years experience as an Agency Inspector, and be a certified Instructor by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. 

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How do I maintain my Breath Test Instructor Certification?
In accordance with Rule 11D-8.010(2), F.A.C., unless exempted by the Commission, each breath test instructor must successfully complete the Commission-approved breath test instructor certification renewal course pursuant with Rule 11B-20.0017, F.A.C., in order to remain qualified for a breath test instructor certification. Each breath test instructor must also successfully complete all Department breath test instructor update courses.

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I recently attended a renewal course, where is my new permit?
New permits are not issued upon renewal. If the renewal class was taken within the four-year cycle, the mandatory retraining date is simply updated on the current permit record and the permit you have remains valid. If the permit was inactive due to mandatory retraining, the permit will be valid as of the date of completion of the renewal course. Renewal courses taken after the December 31st following the June 30th mandatory retraining due date will NOT renew the permit. The permit has expired and the Basic Course is required to obtain a new permit. Should you need documentation to show that you have met your mandatory retraining requirements you may contact our office staff at (850) 617-1290 or email us at alcoholtestingprogram@fdle.state.fl.us, and request a copy of your Alcohol Testing Program Profile Sheet. 

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I have not received my permit, where is it?
Permits are mailed to the address of the employing agency of the individual. Check with your agency's Human Resources section first to see if they might have it. You may request a duplicate permit via email at alcoholtestingprogram@fdle.state.fl.us or by phone at (850) 617-1290.

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How long after taking a Breath Test Operator Course or Agency Inspector course, does it usually take for permits to be issued?
The turnaround time for BTO or AI permits depends on several factors. The training center must provide the Alcohol Testing Program with all of the required course paperwork and enter the class in the Automated Training Management System (ATMS). Once both of these steps have been completed, the turnaround time is generally one day. However, if an individual's employment records have not been entered into ATMS, that can delay the permitting process further. 

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I completed the Breath Test Operator course or Agency Inspector course recently and the training center provided me with a certificate of completion. Does that mean I am now permitted and can conduct breath tests or agency inspections?
You may not conduct the duties authorized by the permit until you either receive your permit from the Alcohol Testing Program, or you have spoken to an ATP member and they have confirmed that your permit has been issued. The Certificate of Completion provided by the training center only serves as proof that you have completed the course; it does NOT mean that you are a permitted Breath Test Operator or Agency Inspector. 

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My permit is currently "Inactive for Mandatory Retraining", how do I re-activate it?
Should your permit go inactive for Mandatory retraining, you may not conduct the duties authorized by the permit until you have completed the applicable renewal course. Once you have successfully completed a renewal course, your permit will be re-activated and your mandatory retraining due date will be updated. Note: In accordance with rule 11D-8.008(5), you MUST complete the mandatory retraining by the Dec 31st immediately following the mandatory continuing education due date. After this date, the permit will expire and you may not perform any duties authorized by permit until successful completion of the Commission-approved basic course. Rule 11D-8.008(7) 

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What happens if I fail my renewal course?
In accordance with rule 11D-8.008(7), any Breath Test Operator or Agency Inspector who fails to successfully complete the commission approved renewal course shall not conduct any of the duties authorized by the permit until successful completion of the commission approved basic course. 

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I am no longer using my Breath Test Operator permit. How can I voluntarily relinquish it?
Should you wish to relinquish your Breath Test Operator or Agency Inspector permit, notify the Alcohol Testing Program in writing via email at alcoholtestingprogram@fdle.state.fl.us, or by fax (850) 921-3787, or by mail at P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489.

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I recently had a name change. What must I do in order to get my permit to reflect my new name?
In the event that your first or last name is legally changed, please notify both the Alcohol Testing Program and Officer Records (through your field representative) and provide us with an updated copy of your driver’s license. 

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How can I get a duplicate permit if mine is lost or misplaced?
Contact the Alcohol Testing Program at (850) 617-1290 or email at alcoholtestingprogram@fdle.state.fl.us to request a duplicate permit.

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I no longer have a box in order to ship my instrument for annual inspection, where can I get a replacement?
If you no longer have your Intoxilyzer 8000 box with the original packing material, you have the following options: 

You may borrow one from a neighboring agency.
OR
You may purchase a new box from CMI, Inc. or Enforcement Electronics.

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Where can I find a current copy of the Administrative Rules?
Go to https://www.flrules.org/Default.asp

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How do I request Public Records?
Requests for public records can be mailed, emailed or faxed to the Department. Please be as specific as possible when requesting documents.
Mail: Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Office of General Counsel
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489
Fax: (850) 410-7699
Email: PublicRecords@fdle.state.fl.us

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Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.