Tennessee Code Title 68. Health, Safety and Environmental Protection § 68-102-306

(a) No new fire department may be established or recognized within Tennessee without the approval of the local elected governing body. This approval shall include the geographical territory to be covered by the new fire department.

(b) No governmental unit, person, organization, agency, or entity shall represent themselves to be or have a fire department as defined in this part without first obtaining a certificate of recognition from the state fire marshal's office, in accordance with § 68-102-304.

(c) No governmental unit, person, organization, agency, or entity shall receive or solicit money from any source, including local, state, or federal government, for the purpose of operating a fire department as defined in this part, unless the governmental unit, person, organization, agency, or entity maintains a valid certificate of recognition from the state fire marshal's office.