History

The Florida Interoperability Network (FIN) was implemented post 9/11 through Department of Homeland Security grants to provide secure interoperable communications for Florida's public safety community to enable more timely and effective responses to daily critical events and emergencies.The problem of incompatible radio systems was made apparent in Florida during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and in subsequent natural and man-made disaster scenarios such as the ValuJet crash, Amtrak derailment, annual hurricanes and wildfires. However, unlike with cellular technology whereby a persons with different cell phones and service providers can communicate, public safety personnel, for example, using UHF radios cannot talk directly to other public safety users on VHF, 800 MHz or other different radio systems. As such, the systems are not interoperable. The implementation of FIN changed dramatically the scenery of both emergency and daily radio communications in Florida.

Mutual Aid Build-out

Once the FIN was in place, the next goal involved the utilization of this infrastructure to add eight new mutual aid channels throughout the state. Mutual aid channels provide radio services to First Responders and Emergency Services personnel outside the range of their local system or when they need to communicate with other users who are not members of their local systems. The mutual aid build-out project substantially increases the geographic coverage of their radios, ensuring wherever they may be, Florida's First Responders and Emergency Services personnel will have radio communications capability. The eight&nbsp;mutual aid channels are in addition to the two 800 MHz channels (8CALL90 and&nbsp;8TAC91, which are already provided by the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System).

Domestic Security Communications Contacts

Region 1 (Pensacola): Co-ChairpersonsJason Hall, Communications Manager | Walton County Sheriff's Office | 850.307.2031 | <a href="mailto:jhall@waltonso.org" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">jhall@waltonso.org</a> Jacob Holloway, Sergeant | Escambia County Sheriff's Office | 850.786.7159 | <a href="mailto:jdhollow@escambiaso.com" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">jdhollow@escambiaso.com</a> Joseph Parker, Emergency Management Coordinator | Okaloosa County Emergency Management | 850.651.7150 |<a href="mailto:jparker@myokaloosa.com" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400"> jparker@myokaloosa.com</a>Region 2 (Tallahassee): The Communications Focus Group Regional RepresentativesTony Geraldi, Sergeant | Leon County Sheriff's Office | 850.544.1305 | <a href="mailto:geraldia@leoncountyfl.gov" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">geraldia@leoncountyfl.gov</a> Lawrence Wilson, Communications Director | Columbia County Government | 386.623.3616 | <a href="mailto:lwilson@columbiacountyfla.com" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">lwilson@columbiacountyfla.com</a> Nick Simoncini, IT Director | Jefferson County Sheriff's Office | 850.408.2395 | <a href="mailto:nicholas.simoncini@jcso-fl.org" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">nicholas.simoncini@jcso-fl.org</a>Region 3 (Jacksonville): Co-ChairpersonsPetena Tillman, Assistant Chief | Jacksonville Sheriff's Office | 904.630.7982 | <a href="mailto:petena.tillman@jaxsheriff.org" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">petena.tillman@jaxsheriff.org</a>&nbsp; Thomas Kelley, Detective | Nassau County | 904.548.4074 | <a href="mailto:tkelley@nassauso.com" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">tkelley@nassauso.com</a>Region 4 (Tampa): Co-ChairpersonsJosh Dargoltz, FL USAR TF3 &amp; MARC 4 | Hillsborough County Fire Rescue | 813.272.6600 | <a href="mailto:dargoltzj@hillsboroughcounty.org" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">dargoltzj@hillsboroughcounty.org</a> Wendy Young, Communications Manager | Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office | 813.247.8259 | <a href="mailto:wyoung@teamhcso.com" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">wyoung@teamhcso.com</a>&nbsp; Margaret Hamrick, Communications Manager | Hillsborough County | 813.272.6542 | <a href="mailto:hamrickm@hillsboroughcounty.org" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">hamrickm@hillsboroughcounty.org</a>Region 5 (Orlando): Co-ChairpersonsGreg Holcomb, 911 Manager | Lake County | 352.253.1818 | <a href="mailto:gholcomb@lakecountyfl.gov" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">gholcomb@lakecountyfl.gov</a> Tommy Oliveras, Telecommunications Manager | Seminole County | 407.665.1002 | <a href="mailto:toliveras@seminolecountyfl.gov" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">toliveras@seminolecountyfl.gov</a> April McCleary, Radio Coordinator | Orange County Sheriff's Office | 407.836.2794 | <a href="mailto:april.mccleary@ocsofl.com" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">april.mccleary@ocsofl.com</a>Region 6 (Fort Myers): Co-ChairpersonsJoshua Bauer, Deputy Chief | Greater Naples Fire Rescue | 239.348.7540 | <a href="mailto:jbauer@gnfire.org" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">jbauer@gnfire.org</a> Khris Klock, Driver/Engineer | Greater Naples Fire Rescue | 239.564.6242 | <a href="mailto:kklock@gnfire.org" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">kklock@gnfire.org</a> Justin Koval, Technical Specialist | Collier County Sheriff's Office | 239.252.9374 | <a href="mailto:justin.koval@colliersheriff.org" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">justin.koval@colliersheriff.org</a>&nbsp;Region 7 (Miami): Co-ChairpersonsVictor Milian, Sergeant | Miami Dade Police Department | 786.503.5892 | <a href="mailto:vmmilian@mdpd.com" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">vmmilian@mdpd.com</a> Sean Robert, Communications Technician | Palm Beach County Fire Rescue | 561.233.0857 | <a href="mailto:srobert@pbc.gov" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">srobert@pbc.gov</a> Jose De Zayas, 911 Communications Administrator | Broward County | 954.357.8012 | <a href="mailto:jdezayas@broward.org" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">jdezayas@broward.org</a>State Working Group &ndash; Interoperability Communications Committee Co-Chairpersons Greg Holcomb | Lake County | 352.343.9458 | <a href="mailto:gholcomb@lakecountyfl.gov" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">gholcomb@lakecountyfl.gov</a>&nbsp; Cindy Cast | Miami-Dade County ITD | 305.596.8607 | <a href="mailto:cindy@miamidade.gov" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">cindy@miamidade.gov</a>Please refer to the regional map at: <a href="https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Domestic-Security" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Domestic-Security/Documents/RDSTF-Map</a>

I/O Media

IP-Based Network

The use of the Internet Protocol (IP) standard provides a network that can be used for data interoperability in the future.&nbsp;Static IP addresses&nbsp;are assigned by the Department of Management Services (DMS) and Motorola in the system set-up and managed by DMS.The minimum system specifications for each dispatch center support four simultaneous talk paths or patches. A 128 kbps network connection is satisfactory for this. To support dispatch center conferencing, additional bandwidth is needed.&nbsp; A 768 kbps (or higher on case-by-case basis) network connection is installed to support the full complement of available functions.

FIN Implementation

Initially, Florida's strategy was and continues to be to provide a statewide interoperability network to enable users of disparate radio systems to communicate with each other as connected talk groups without requiring the replacement of local radio systems.Florida's interoperability strategy has, and continues to be, grass-roots based and reflects local, State and Federal interests. Each of the seven Regional Domestic Security Task Forces (RDSTF) has an Interoperable Communications Committee, membership of which is open to all radio systems staff in each region. Staff responsible for radio and dispatch services meet regularly to address both short-term and long-term issues, build business relationships for interagency actions and contribute to statewide discussions, plans and actions.The Domestic Security Oversight Council (DSOC) is the executive policy advisory group chaired by the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) with the Director of Emergency Management (DEM) serving as the Vice-chairman. DSOC is comprised of heads of state agencies that have a critical role in Florida's domestic security. Representatives from the RDSTFs and key members of Federal, private sectors and professional associations make up the executive committee.Rather than support a variety of local or regional interoperability efforts, the FEITC, State Working Group and DSOC decided to pursue a statewide strategy that would result in consistent interoperability throughout the State, which leverages existing systems and user training. Rather than replace existing systems, Florida provides an interoperability solution that uses these systems and maintains local autonomy.

Distributed Architecture

The architecture for Florida includes two Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC) configurations. The OMCs provide central management and monitoring of the network and maintain the system-wide directory of sites and resources. The OMCs hold the central user directory and authenticate all user log-ons. There are two fully functional OMC sites for redundancy; located in separate regions of the state. The OMCs also provide centralized fault monitoring and network performance reporting. These two control sites are configured as primary and secondary units. The two sites constantly synchronize their databases. This allows the secondary site to takeover network management if the primary site fails; such a takeover occurs in less than 120 seconds.The architecture also includes two sites with a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) proxy server application. If both OMC sites should become unavailable, all current patches/calls are maintained and new calls can still be set up as they are managed by the SIP servers.If one SIP server is not available, requests for calls are routed to the other SIP server. If both SIP servers becomes unavailable after a call/patch is set up, the patch/call remains in effect, and new patch/call connections are possible with a slight delay in setting up each.The OMCs are managed through the Administrator Control Panel (ACP) application. There are nine ACPs in the system. One is at a SIP location, one is at the DMS, and the remaining seven are located in each RDSTF region. Any ACP can reach the OMC servers for administrative functions.The typical dispatch center has a Radio Gateway Unit (RGU), Workstation Gateway Unit (WSGU), Dispatcher Application and local radio system interfaces. The RGU is a voice and data switch with eight ports for connecting local radio system resources to the network.The WSGU connects the Dispatcher Application computer to the network and supplies the audio services. The radio interfaces can be done in several ways depending on the local environment. The WSGU also connects the local dispatch center to other centers for intercom and conferencing communications.Software releases, including new audio encryption keys, are distributed over the network.

Radio Frequency Bands and Proprietary Systems Support

The network supports all radio systems installed in the state, whether in the VHF, UHF, 700 MHz&nbsp;or 800 MHz frequency bands and made by any manufacturer. Each installation is planned and configured to accommodate the local radio system and dispatch environment.

Network Encryption

The network is an internal one that is not open to the public. The static IP addresses on each device identify the participating locations. In addition to limiting access to the network, within the network all audio is encrypted over the IP network, utilizing the AES-256 Encryption Core approved security function, as described in the Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) 197 using a 256-bit cipher key. The core provides Electronic Cookbook (ECB) mode of operation as described in the National Institute of Standards &amp; Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-38A.

Contact Information

&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:center;" class="font-bold text-xl mb-4 leading-6"></h4>&nbsp;FIN Manager:&nbsp; 850-413-9213 (Interoperability, Mutual Aid - Network Control Centers, Technical Assistance, Training)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/telecommunications/public_safety_communications/radio_communications_services/florida_interoperability_network_fin/domestic_security_communications_contacts" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">Domestic Security Communications Contacts</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://trac.floridadisaster.org" title="undefined" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">FIN Training Course</a><a href="/content/download/118289/file/FIN%20brochure-c%20final%202017-11-07.pdf" data-content='{"fileName":"FIN brochure-c final 2017-11-07.pdf","fileUrl":"\/content\/download\/118289\/649669?version=2","downloadUrl":"https:\/\/dms-media.ccplatform.net\/content\/download\/118289\/file\/FIN%20brochure-c%20final%202017-11-07.pdf","fileSize":"764.70 KB","mimeType":"application\/pdf","linkTitle":"FIN Quick Reference Guide","linkText":"FIN Quick Reference Guide","linkTarget":null,"linkClass":"","reader":{"name":"Adobe PDF Document","iconUrl":"https:\/\/dms-media.ccplatform.net\/build\/images\/mime_type_icons\/16x16\/pdf.png"}}' class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">FIN Quick Reference Guide</a><a href="/content/download/16285/file/Legacy_User_Guide%5B1%5D.pdf" data-content='{"fileName":"Legacy_User_Guide[1].pdf","fileUrl":"\/content\/download\/16285\/90595?version=3","downloadUrl":"https:\/\/dms-media.ccplatform.net\/content\/download\/16285\/file\/Legacy_User_Guide%5B1%5D.pdf","fileSize":"7.71 MB","mimeType":"application\/pdf","linkTitle":"Motobridge Dispatch Application User Guide","linkText":"Motobridge Dispatch Application User Guide","linkTarget":null,"linkClass":"","reader":{"name":"Adobe PDF Document","iconUrl":"https:\/\/dms-media.ccplatform.net\/build\/images\/mime_type_icons\/16x16\/pdf.png"}}' class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">MotoBridge Dispatch Application (DA) User Guide</a>

<a href="https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/telecommunications/public_safety_communications/radio_communications_services/florida_interoperability_network_fin/network_functionality_frequently_asked_questions" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">Network Functionality</a><a href="https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/telecommunications/public_safety_communications/radio_communications_services/florida_interoperability_network_fin/security_frequently_asked_questions" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">Security</a><a href="https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/telecommunications/public_safety_communications/radio_communications_services/florida_interoperability_network_fin/maintenance_and_repair_frequently_asked_questions" class="underline text-blue-500 transition-colors ease-in-out duration-500 hover:text-blue-400">Maintenance and Repair</a>

Questions may be directed to the FIN Manager at 850-413-9213.