About Us

"To effectively prevent, discourage, investigate and prosecute arson and arson-related crimes for the protection of Florida citizens and their property."

The Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations is a law enforcement branch of the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services. It is responsible for conducting fire, arson, explosives investigations, and other associated crimes statewide. The Bureau was originally established in 1973 as part of the Office of State Fire Marshal. It was formed to suppress arson and investigate the origin, cause, and fire circumstances. In 1976, the Bureau became recognized as a sworn law enforcement agency.

Our investigators are sworn state law enforcement officers. They are available to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to calls initiated by fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and citizens who need assistance conducting fire origin and cause investigations.

In 2022, the Bureau received more than 2,898 new requests for investigative assistance from city, county, state, and federal agencies and private citizens. The Bureau investigated incidents with an estimated property loss of nearly $125 million. Of this estimated loss, approximately $16 million was attributed to arson. As a result of those investigations, the Bureau made arrests in 188 cases with 201 defendant arrests. The numbers are staggering, and we are working harder than ever to ensure that those responsible for arson are apprehended and prosecuted.

The Commission reaccredited the Division of Investigative & Forensic Services Investigations for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation on October 7th, 2021.

Section 943.0312 F.S.

Provides assistance related to explosions or explosive devices and other law enforcement activities to the seven Regional Domestic Security Task Forces

Section 943.0312 F.S.

Section 552.113

The division shall investigate, or be certain that a qualified law enforcement agency investigates, the cause and circumstances of each theft, illegal use, or illegal possession of explosives which occurs within the state.

Section 552.113

Section 633.112, F.S

Upon request, the State Fire Marshal shall investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires and explosions occurring in this state wherein property has been damaged or destroyed and there is probable cause to believe that the fire or explosion was the result of carelessness or design.

Section 633.112, F.S

Section 552.21, F.S.

Whenever the division shall have reason to believe that any person is or has been violating the provisions of this chapter or any rules or regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant thereto, the division may, without further process of law, confiscate the explosives in question and cause them to be stored in a safe manner, or, if any explosives are deemed by the division to be in such a state or condition as to constitute a hazard to life or property, the division may dispose of such explosives without further process of law. The division is authorized to dispose of any abandoned explosives that it deems to be hazardous to life or property.

Section 552.21, F.S.