Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner - Tom A. Steckler, Director

Weights and Measures

Frequently Asked Questions | Permit Information PDF Document | Additional Info

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions concerning Florida's Weights and Measure Law which you did find answered on this page, please contact us or refer to our main page for further information.

Do I need an commercial scale which is approved and legal-for-trade in order to conduct business?
If your business buys or sells any commodity or service by weight you are required to have an approved, ‘legal-for-trade’ device on which to conduct sales by weight. Additionally, if any award is based on weight an approved legal for trade commercial scales are required.

What constitutes a ‘legal-for-trade’ scale?
A ‘legal-for-trade’ scale is one which meets the requirements of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44, 2006 Edition and is approved by the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP). ‘Legal for trade’ devices will have an accuracy class designation, the most common being class III or III L. This designation will be on the scale, usually on the serial plate.

How do I know if a scale is ‘legal-for-trade'?
Sellers of such devices must assure the buyer that the device meets the requirements of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44, 2006 Edition and is approved by the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP). These scale sales and service companies are usually (but not always) registered with the state to sell and repair commercial scales. If you have any doubts as to whether the scale you are going to purchase is legal, please contact the Bureau of Weights and Measures office for assistance.

Can I use my new scale for commercial transactions right out of the package?
No. A scale intended to be used commercially must first be inspected and approved by a state inspector or tested and “placed in service” by a registered scale service agency.

Is there a fee for testing new scales and placing them in service?
At this time there is no charge for a state inspection of a device. A registered scale company may charge a fee for this service, or include the service when you purchase a scale from them.

How long is a scale approval valid when approved by the Bureau of Weights and Measures?
There is no expiration on the length of time for which an approval seal is good. An inspector in your area will inspect and test the device periodically to determine its accuracy and suitability for continued commercial use.

If I have a problem with my scale, whom should I contact?
You should contact a scale repair company if you suspect there is a problem with your device. Scale repair agencies are usually listed in a local phone directory or yellow pages. The Bureau of Weights and Measures does not repair scales; however, the Bureau can provide the names of registered scale repair agencies in your area.

I would like to sell firewood. Are there any regulations that would affect the way firewood must be sold?
Yes. Firewood must be sold by the cord, or a fraction of a cord. A cord is defined as 128 cubic feet of wood stacked in a compact manner, such as 4 x 4 x 8 feet. Firewood cannot be sold by “truckload”, “face cord”, “rack,” “pile”, or any other unofficial unit of measure.

Where can I find information regarding the required package labeling information?
You should refer to s.531.47, F.S. and Chapter 5F-3.001, F.A.C. for the requirements for packaging and labeling.

My business produces commodities sold in package form. What are the requirements for net contents compliance?
The Bureau of Standards has adopted National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 133 as the procedure for testing the net contents of packaged goods.

Do I need a permit to operate a weighing or measuring device for commercial purposes?
Yes.  In 2009, the Florida Legislature enacted Sections 531.60 – 531.66, Florida Statutes, which require users of weighing and measuring devices to have a permit issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services prior to using those devices in commerce.

Where can I find information regarding obtaining a Weighing and Measuring Device Permit?
Information about obtaining a permit can be found in the Weighing and Measuring Device Permit Information Guide PDF Document or by calling 850-921-1590.

Additional Information

National Conference on Weights and Measures, Inc.
The NCWM is the national weights and measures standards setting organization, a professional organization of State and local weights and measures officials and representatives of business, industry, consumer groups, and Federal agencies. This site has information regarding applications for membership, schedule of upcoming meetings, ordering handbooks of uniform laws and regulations and requirements for commercial devices, and links to other industry and state weights and measures regulatory program web sites.

National Institute of Standards and Technology, Weights and Measures Division
The Weights and Measures Division (WMD), one of the longest running and best known programs of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. Department of Commerce, promotes uniformity in U.S. weights and measures laws, regulations, and standards to achieve equity between buyers and sellers in the marketplace and thereby enhance consumer confidence, enable U.S. businesses to compete fairly at home and abroad, and strengthen the U.S. economy.

National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP)
Site includes searchable database of weighing and measuring devices (scales, gas pumps, taximeters, etc.) that have been approved as having met design and performance requirements for commercial use as outlined in NIST Handbook 44. Includes readable files of Certificates of Conformance issued for approved devices. Devices that have not been NTEP approved are not suitable or allowed for commercial use.

Southern Weights and Measures Association
One of four regional associations of the National Conference on Weights and Measures, the SWMA site offers information about joining the organization, contacting member regulatory jurisdictions, and proposing agenda items to be considered at Annual Meetings as the first step in the process of modifying national uniform laws and regulations.