Piper Fire Tampa

What Piper Fire Tampa does

Piper Fire Protection Inc., doing business as Piper Fire and Piper Electrical, is a full-service fire protection contractor headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, operating additional offices in Tampa, Sarasota, and Orlando. Founded in 1986 by Terry Johnson, the company has grown into one of the largest fire protection service providers in West Central Florida, employing over 200 full-time staff and maintaining 30+ dedicated inspection vehicles across roughly 20,000 square feet of warehouse space.

The company's service portfolio spans the full lifecycle of fire and life safety: design (in-house CAD/BIM with 6 NICET-certified designers), new construction installation, retrofit, inspection, and emergency repair across fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems and UL-listed central station monitoring, wet/dry chemical and clean agent suppression, kitchen hood systems (with IKECA-accredited cleaning), fire extinguishers and hydrostatic tank testing, fire pumps, hydrants and backflow preventers, BDA/ERCES public safety radio enhancement systems, and security/mobile duress systems. A dedicated Electrical Division, established in 2016, extends the offering into commercial electrical work including low/medium voltage, LED lighting, panel upgrades, and surge protection. The proprietary technical content is largely regulatory and trade-craft rather than software-driven: state-certified licenses in alarm, sprinkler, electrical, and suppression, plus NICET and IKECA-accredited technicians and design staff.

Commercially, Piper generates revenue from three streams: (1) project-based installation and construction contracts with general contractors on commercial build-outs and tenant renovations; (2) recurring inspection and maintenance contracts (quarterly, semi-annual, annual, 3-year, 5-year cadences) for sprinklers, alarms, extinguishers, hydrants, backflows, kitchen hoods, fire pumps, and special hazards; and (3) 24/7 emergency repair services. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with free estimates and no contract lock-in for inspections. The company serves healthcare systems (BayCare, Morton Plant, Manatee Memorial, Sarasota Memorial), county and municipal governments (Hillsborough, Citrus, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota counties; Tampa International Airport; Tampa Port Authority), property managers (Greystar, First Service Residential, Brookdale, Aston Gardens), hospitality chains (Marriott, Holiday Inn, Westin), and sports venues (BayCare Ballpark, Tropicana Field). In March 2023 the company was acquired by Fortis Fire & Safety, with Chris Johnson (former President) joining Fortis as co-founder and member of the Owners' Advisory Council.

Name

Piper Fire Tampa

Legal name

Piper Fire Protection Inc

Website

https://piperfire.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Piper Fire Protection is a full-service Florida fire protection contractor serving healthcare facilities, government, commercial/industrial buildings, property managers, and hospitality across West Central Florida with sprinkler, alarm, suppression, extinguisher, kitchen hood, electrical, and BDA services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fire Protection Services

NAICS

Security Systems Services (56162), Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (23822)

akta.pro primary industry

Fire Sprinkler & Standpipe Systems (Design/Install/Service/Testing) (BPABAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fire Protection Systems Contracting (Sprinklers, Alarms, Suppression) (IMAFALAD), Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service) (IMAIAJAC), Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems Integration (BPAKAGAF), Fire & Smoke Dampers / Firestopping / Passive Fire Protection Services (BPABAHAE), Fire Pump Inspection, Testing & Service (IMAIAJAF)

Keywords

• Fire protection services
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Fire alarm monitoring
• Kitchen hood cleaning
• Commercial fire inspection

Headquarters

HQ city

Clearwater

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Fire Protection Installation & Construction: Design, installation, and construction services for fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, clean agent suppression systems, and electrical services for commercial and industrial buildings. Project-based revenue from construction contracts.
2. Inspection & Maintenance Services: Recurring inspection services for fire sprinklers, fire alarms, extinguishers, hydrants, backflows, kitchen hoods, fire pumps, and special hazards. Quarterly, semi-annual, annual, 3-year, and 5-year inspection requirements.
3. Emergency Repair Services: 24/7 emergency response for fire protection system repairs, providing reactive maintenance services on an as-needed basis.
4. Kitchen Hood Cleaning: Commercial kitchen hood cleaning services with scheduled cleanings (30, 90, 180 day, or annual requirements based on restaurant type).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Piper Fire Tampa (Piper Fire Protection) is a full-service fire protection contractor that designs, installs, inspects, maintains, and repairs fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm and detection systems, fire suppression systems, and fire extinguishers for commercial, industrial, healthcare, government, hospitality, and residential customers in West Central Florida. The company also operates a dedicated Electrical Division (Piper Electrical) and provides commercial kitchen hood cleaning, hydrostatic tank testing, fire pump service, hydrant/backflow testing, clean agent systems, industrial vehicle suppression systems, BDA/ERCES radio coverage systems, and security/mobile duress systems, with 24/7 emergency response from offices in Clearwater, Sarasota, Tampa, and Orlando.

Product overview

Piper Fire Protection is a full-service fire protection company offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services across design, installation, construction, inspection, and maintenance. The core offering includes fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm/monitoring systems, supplemented by suppression systems, fire extinguishers, kitchen hood cleaning, hydrostatic tank testing, fire pumps, hydrant/backflow testing, clean agent systems, industrial vehicle suppression, BDA/ERCES systems, and security systems. A dedicated Electrical Division (Piper Electrical, established 2016) handles commercial electrical work including LED lighting, panel upgrades, and surge protection. All services are delivered by licensed technicians across multiple Florida offices. The company also operates Piper Fire Systems Fire School, providing state-certified continuing education and training. Piper Fire positions itself as a one-stop shop for fire protection needs with in-house design, permitting, fabrication, and installation capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Fire Sprinkler Systems Design, installation, repair, and inspection of fire sprinkler systems for commercial, industrial, healthcare, government, and residential properties across the greater Tampa Bay area.
• Fire Alarm Systems Design, installation, repair, and inspection of fire alarm and detection systems, with monitoring services for 24/7 emergency response.
• Fire Suppression Systems Design, installation, and servicing of fire suppression systems including wet chemical, dry chemical, and foam-based systems for commercial kitchen and industrial applications.
• Fire Extinguishers Sales, inspection, maintenance, recharge, and hydrostatic testing of fire extinguishers across multiple classifications (Class A, B, C, D, K) including clean agent, CO2, and ABC dry chemical extinguishers.
• Fire Alarm Monitoring UL-Listed central station monitoring via cellular (4G/LTE), IP, and traditional phone lines with SMS and email notifications for fire, sprinkler, security, and elevator emergency systems.
• Kitchen Hood Cleaning Commercial kitchen exhaust hood cleaning, inspection, and repair services for Ansul, Pyrochem, and Rangeguard suppression systems, serving restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and statewide chains with scheduled cleanings (30, 90, 180 day, or annual).
• Hydrostatic Tank Testing Water jacket hydrostatic testing for CO2 tanks, medical oxygen canisters, fire extinguishers, scuba tanks, and paintball cylinders using computerized technology to measure permanent vs temporary expansion.
• Fire Pump Installation and Maintenance Installation, maintenance, and repair of fire pumps for sprinkler systems serving commercial and industrial facilities.
• Hydrant and Backflow Testing Inspection and testing of fire hydrants and backflow prevention devices to ensure compliance with local fire codes.
• Clean Agent Systems Gas-based fire suppression systems using FM-200 and Argonite for data centers, server rooms, libraries, and museums, providing fire protection without water damage to sensitive equipment.
• Industrial Vehicle Fire Suppression Systems Design, installation, and servicing of Ansul fire suppression systems for buses, dump trucks, waste management vehicles, mining vehicles, and large boats.
• Piper Electrical Services Commercial electrical services including low and medium voltage repairs, LED lighting installation, electrical panel upgrades, emergency lighting, ACHA electrical inspections, and fire pump controllers.
• Security Systems Installation and servicing of security systems including Inovonics mobile duress systems for enhanced emergency response in municipal, commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities.
• BDA / ERCES Systems BDA (Bi-Directional Amplification) and ERCES (Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems) installation and surveys to enhance in-building radio signal coverage for first responders in concrete/metal buildings and underground structures, compliant with Florida Statute 633.202.
• Fire Inspection Services Comprehensive fire system inspections covering fire sprinklers, fire alarms, extinguishers, hydrants, backflows, kitchen hoods, fire pumps, special hazards, and clean agent systems on quarterly, semi-annual, annual, 3-year, and 5-year schedules.
• Fire Protection System Design Services In-house CAD-based design for sprinkler and fire alarm systems with BIM coordination, 6 full-time NICET-certified designers, serving tenant build-out and new construction projects.
• Piper Fire Construction Services New construction and retrofit installation of fire sprinkler, alarm, and clean agent systems for commercial, industrial, healthcare, government, and specialty structures including airports, hospitals, and high-rises, with in-house permitting, design, fabrication, and installation.
• Nurse Call and Emergency Call Systems Installation and servicing of nurse call and emergency call systems for healthcare facilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Fire sprinkler systems successfully controlled/suppressed fires in 10-12 properties per year on average
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers32 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Fortis Fire & SafetyflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2023Fortis Fire & Safety acquired Piper Fire Protection in March 2023. Piper is now part of Fortis family, strengthening Fortis's Florida presence and building a bridge between LifeSafety Management in Boynton Beach and Piper's offices. Chris Johnson joined Fortis as co-founder and member of the Owners' Advisory Council.
• InovonicscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Piper Fire is one of the inaugural Mobile Duress Channel Partners with Inovonics. This partnership enables Piper to add location-enhanced mobile duress to commercial security solutions for municipal buildings, commercial facilities, hospitals, and schools, providing precise floor and room location upon activation to reduce emergency responder response time.
• Honeywell/FarenhytcoreTechnology or IntegrationAffiliated partner with Honeywell brand Farenhyt for fire alarm systems and equipment.
• AmerexcoreTechnology or IntegrationAffiliated partner and dealer for Amerex fire extinguishers and suppression equipment.
• AnsulcoreTechnology or IntegrationAnsul Certified Dealer. Piper Fire designs, installs, services, and inspects Ansul systems on commercial kitchen hoods and industrial vehicles. Extensive training as part of certification.
• PyrochemcoreTechnology or IntegrationAffiliated partner for Pyrochem fire suppression systems and equipment.
• ABC Florida Gulf CoastcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociated Builders and Contractors Florida Gulf Coast chapter membership. Piper Fire employees participate in ABC National Craft Championships.
• AFSA FloridacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican Fire Sprinkler Association Florida chapter membership. Chris Johnson serves as Chairman for the Florida Chapter and Legislative Committee.
• American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational membership with Chris Johnson serving on National Board as member of Legislative, Chapter Development and Public Education committees.
• NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)coreOthersAffiliated with NFPA. Piper Fire technicians are kept up-to-date on NFPA regulations including NFPA 25, 17A, 72, 13, 2001 and 10 standards.
• NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies)coreOthersTechnicians hold NICET certifications in fire sprinkler design and inspection. All designers are NICET certified in their respective fields.
• IKECA (International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association)coreOthersPiper Fire technicians are accredited by IKECA for commercial kitchen hood cleaning services.
• Central Pinellas Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChris Johnson serves as Chairman for the Government Advocacy Panel (G.A.P.) for the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce.
• Rapid Response MonitoringcoreTechnology or IntegrationPiper Fire uses Rapid Response for alarm monitoring services. Offers user-friendly mobile monitoring app for customers.
• ISNminorOthersISN member - third-party contractor management platform for safety verification and compliance tracking.
• GCBXminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGulf Coast Business Council member for regional business networking.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Koorsen Fire & Security: Indianapolis-based, family-owned full-service fire and life safety provider covering sprinklers, alarms, suppression, extinguishers, and security across multiple states — directly comparable multi-discipline service model and inspection-led recurring model.
• AAA Fire Protection: Florida-based full-service fire protection contractor operating in West Central and South Florida — directly comparable regional competitor with sprinklers, alarms, suppression, and inspection services.
• VFS Fire & Security Services: Regional fire sprinkler, alarm, and security services provider now part of Fortis Fire & Safety — directly comparable full-service fire life safety model with adjacent Florida/Mid-Atlantic footprint.
• Century Fire Protection: Southeast-US full-service fire sprinkler, alarm, and suppression contractor serving commercial, industrial, and healthcare properties — directly comparable service scope and customer verticals.
• LifeSafety Management: Boynton Beach, FL-based fire and life safety integrator acquired by Fortis in 2022 — sister company to Piper within the Fortis portfolio with overlapping sprinkler/alarm/suppression services and Florida customer base.
• Confires Fire Protection Service: Florida-based (Jacksonville-headquartered) full-service fire protection company offering sprinkler, alarm, suppression, extinguisher, and kitchen hood services — directly comparable service mix and FL regional footprint to Piper.

Broad incumbents

• Sciens Building Solutions: Private equity-backed national provider of fire detection, alarm monitoring, and integrated security services — comparable service lines (alarm + monitoring + integration) at broader geographic scale.
• Fortis Fire & Safety: Acquired Piper Fire in March 2023 and operates a portfolio of fire protection companies across the U.S. including Piper, LifeSafety Management, CJ Suppression, and VFS — broader multi-regional platform with overlapping services.
• Honeywell Building Technologies: Division of Honeywell providing fire alarm systems, detection, and integrated building management — Piper is a Farenhyt affiliated partner, and Honeywell competes at the equipment/specification layer across alarm and detection.
• APi Group: Public holding company (NYSE: APG) aggregating fire and life safety services businesses across North America — broadest-scale incumbent with similar service lines (sprinklers, alarms, suppression) but as part of a much wider portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/piperfire
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/piperfire
• Instagraminstagram.com/piperfireprotection
• Xx.com/PiperFire

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Piper Fire Tampa