Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System (ERCES) / Signal Boosters

What Is an Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System (ERCES)?

An ERCES, also known as a Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) system or signal booster, is a combination of components - such as radio frequency emitting devices, antennas, cables, etc. - that enhance in-building radio communication for public safety.

As per the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) report and order released on February 20, 2013: “non-licensees who seek to operate signal boosters must obtain the consent of the licensee[s] whose signals they intend to amplify” 

For those property owners who needs to determine if an in-building public safety bi-directional amplifier is needed, please contact the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for more information.

Who Is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in Brevard County?

The AHJ are the jurisdiction’s fire marshals.

Who Is the Frequency License Holder in Brevard County?

Brevard County Emergency Management is the current administrator of the Public Safety Radio Communication System.

Brevard County holds the frequency license for the public safety radio system. The Brevard County Manager has authorized the Emergency Management Director or his/her designee, the 800MHz Division, to manage the public safety radio system and function as the liaison with the FCC through Administrative Order 25. The frequency license holder is accountable for ensuring the reliability and security of the public safety radio system.

We provide the following support to all the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) within Brevard County:

  • Review the Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement System design to ensure good engineering practices and uses of bi-directional amplifiers as approved by the Federal Communications Commission.
  • Provide final system verification to warranty non-interference to the Brevard County 800 MHz Public Safety Radio System.
  • Provide authorization letters, as required by the Federal Communications Commission, to the managers/owners of the buildings.

Does the State of Florida Rules Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System (ERCES)?

Yes, the latest bill, FL HB 1575, was signed by Governor DeSantis on June 26th, 2023.

FL HB 1575 Key Elements:

  • 553.79 (23): Require an appropriate licensed contractor to submit the design to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
  • 633.202 (18)(a): Exempt certain buildings from having ERCES.
  • 633.202 (18)(c)(2)(d): New systems or modifications to an existing system MUST HAVE the consent of the frequency holder.
  • 633.202 (18)(h)(4)(i): Prohibit the Authority Having Jurisdictions from enforcing more stringent requirements.

What Are Brevard County’s Technical Requirements for the Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System (ERCES)?

  • Minimum antenna isolation should be 20 dB under all operating conditions.
  • A donor antenna of no more than 10 dBi should be used unless the designer/integrator can show that a higher-gain donor antenna is necessary.

Brevard County does not limit the type of BDA, as long as the designer/integrator uses an FCC-approved device and meets Brevard County’s requirements.

Relying on auto-adjustments or external attenuators is not an acceptable option in Brevard County, as these practices can harm in-building public safety communication and compromise the radio system's integrity.

Required documentation:

  • Equipment list.
  • Heat maps showing planned system coverage.
  • A single-line diagram of the proposed system.
  • A completed commissioning test showing final signal levels in the building.
  • Diagram of donor antenna location on the building with azimuth to the donor site.
  • The Signal Booster registration number, all types of BDAs (Class A or B), with the FCC.
2024-08 Brevard County Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems Commissioning and Final test scheduling (pdf, 391 KB)
2024-08 Brevard County Integrator requirements for Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems installations (pdf, 654 KB)
It will be up to the Authorities Having Jurisdiction to schedule the cited inspections with our Division. All reports and letters will be submitted to the Authorities Having Jurisdiction.