Security Camera Permit Requirements in Broward County, Florida
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Broward County security camera permit guide covering low-voltage permits, municipal alarm registration variations, false alarm fees, and Florida CASC licensing.
Security Camera Permit Requirements in Broward County, Florida
Quick Answer: Broward County requires low-voltage electrical permits for security camera installations in unincorporated areas. Unlike many Florida jurisdictions, Broward County does not mandate alarm registration in unincorporated areas, though false alarm penalties still apply. Individual cities within Broward (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, etc.) have their own registration requirements. Installers must hold a Florida DBPR Certified Alarm System Contractor I license.
When Is a Permit Required?
Broward County requires permits for low-voltage electrical work in the Broward Municipal Services District (unincorporated areas). This includes security camera and alarm system installations.
Permit Required
- Low-voltage electrical work including burglar and fire alarm systems
- Cable, telephone, and internet installations
- Landscape lighting
- Commercial security camera installations
- Residential hardwired systems with conduit runs
Permit May Not Be Required
- Wireless security camera systems (per Florida Statute 553.793)
- Battery-powered or solar-powered cameras
- Plug-and-play systems with no structural modifications
Important: Many cities within Broward County issue their own permits. Verify whether your job site is in unincorporated Broward County or within a municipality before applying.
Permit Application Process
For buildings in Broward Municipal Services District or contracted cities, follow these steps:
Required Documents
- Broward County Uniform Permit Application and sub-permit applications
- 2 sets of plans
- 2 sets of cut sheets (equipment specifications)
- For jobs $2,500+: Two certified copies of recorded Notice of Commencement
Notice of Commencement
If your job value is $2,500 or more, you must file a Notice of Commencement with Broward County Records Division before the first inspection:
- Address: 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room #114, Fort Lauderdale
- Submit a copy with the filing stamp to Building Code prior to first inspection
Submitting Applications
Submit applications electronically through Broward County ePermits OneStop. Use the current Broward County Uniform Permit Application—previous versions will not be accepted.
Contact Information
- Broward County Building Code Division
- Address: 2307 West Broward Boulevard, Suite #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- Phone: (954) 765-4400
- Online: Broward County Building Permits
Alarm Registration Requirements
Broward County's approach to alarm registration differs from other South Florida counties.
Unincorporated Broward County
The Broward County False Alarm Ordinance (Chapter 21, Article III) does not explicitly require alarm registration in unincorporated areas. The focus is on penalizing false alarms rather than mandating registration.
However, unregistered systems may face higher fines or scrutiny for false alarms. Contact the Broward County Sheriff's Office to confirm current requirements:
- Non-emergency: (954) 764-4357
- Website: www.sheriff.org
Incorporated Cities Within Broward
Many Broward County cities have their own alarm ordinances with mandatory registration:
| City | Registration Required | Initial Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale | Yes | $50 |
| Hollywood | Yes (City Finance Dept) | Varies |
| North Lauderdale | Yes | Contact city |
| Pembroke Pines | Yes | Contact city |
| Coral Springs | Yes | Contact city |
Always verify the specific city's requirements before installation.
False Alarm Penalties
Even without mandatory registration, false alarm penalties apply in Broward County. Typical fee structures in the region:
| False Alarm | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| 1st false alarm | No charge - $25 |
| 2nd false alarm | $25 - $50 |
| 3rd false alarm | $50 - $100 |
| 4th+ false alarm | $100 - $200 each |
Fees vary by municipality. Contact the local police department or sheriff's office for exact amounts.
Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements
Florida law requires specific licensing for security camera installation work performed for compensation.
Certified Alarm System Contractor I (CASC)
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) administers alarm contractor licensing through the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB).
License Requirements:
- 6 years of comprehensive training, education, or supervisory experience in electrical/alarm contracting within the last 12 years
- Pass the Alarm System Contractor I exam (100 questions, 5-hour time limit)
- Pass the Florida Business exam (50 questions, 2.5-hour time limit)
- Liability insurance: $300,000 per occurrence, $500,000 property damage
- Workers' compensation insurance
- LiveScan fingerprinting and background check
For complete licensing information, visit the DBPR Alarm System Contractor Portal.
For complete Florida licensing requirements, see our Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.
Fees and Timeline
| Item | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Low-voltage electrical permit | Varies by scope | Submit via ePermits |
| Notice of Commencement (if $2,500+) | Filing fee applies | Before first inspection |
| Plan review | Varies by scope | 3-5 business days |
| Inspection | Included in permit | Schedule after completion |
| Alarm registration (if in city) | $25-$50 | Per city requirements |
Penalty for Unpermitted Work
If work is performed without first obtaining a permit:
- Building owner pays a fine
- May be required to pay for approval by a professional engineer
- May need to have work dismantled, demolished, or redone
Residential vs. Commercial Installations
Residential Projects
- Permit required for hardwired low-voltage systems
- Wireless systems typically exempt per Florida Statute 553.793
- Homeowner can self-install on their own property
- Alarm registration varies by city
- Cannot record audio without all-party consent
Commercial Projects
- Low-voltage electrical permit required
- Must use licensed CASC contractor
- Must post written notice stating video surveillance installed for security
- Camera presence must be clearly obvious to visitors
- Notice of Commencement required for jobs $2,500+
Important Legal Considerations
Florida Recording Laws
Video Recording: Florida law allows video recording in public spaces and on your property where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.
Audio Recording: Florida is a two-party consent state (Florida Statute 934.03). This means:
- You cannot record audio without consent of all parties
- Security cameras with audio must have clear notification signage
- Disable audio recording features or obtain explicit consent
- Violation carries criminal penalties
Areas Where Recording Is Prohibited
- Bathrooms and restrooms
- Changing rooms or locker rooms
- Private areas with reasonable expectation of privacy
- Neighboring properties without consent
Pro Tips for Broward County Contractors
- Verify jurisdiction first: Determine if the property is in unincorporated Broward or a specific city—permit and registration requirements differ significantly
- Use ePermits OneStop: Electronic submission is required for all applications requiring Development & Environmental Review
- $2,500 threshold: Jobs at or above this value require Notice of Commencement—factor filing time into your schedule
- No county-wide registration: Unlike Miami-Dade, Broward doesn't require alarm registration in unincorporated areas—but cities do
- Current application forms: Broward County will not accept previous versions of permit applications—always download the latest
- Audio warning: Always disable audio or install conspicuous signage—Florida's two-party consent law carries criminal penalties
- City variations: Each Broward city has unique requirements—build a reference sheet for Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, etc.
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when security camera projects hit permits in Broward County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Florida and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.
Related Guides
- Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
- Fort Lauderdale Security Camera Permits
- All Permit Guides
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