Florida Burglar Alarm License Requirements: EF and EG Contractor Guide
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Florida requires an EF or EG license for burglar alarm installation. EF covers all alarms including fire; EG covers everything except fire. Complete guide to ECLB licensing, exams, and experience requirements.
Florida Burglar Alarm License Requirements: EF and EG Contractor Guide
Florida requires state licensing for burglar alarm installation through the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB). Depending on whether you work with fire alarms, you'll need either an EF (Alarm System I) or EG (Alarm System II) license. Here's the complete guide to getting licensed.
Quick Answer
EF License (Alarm System Contractor I): Covers ALL alarm systems including fire alarms. Required experience must include at least 40% fire alarm work.
EG License (Alarm System Contractor II): Covers all alarm systems EXCEPT fire alarms. Required experience must include at least 40% non-fire alarm work.
Understanding EF vs EG Licenses
| License | Fire Alarms? | Burglar Alarms? | Access Control? | CCTV? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EF (Alarm I) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EG (Alarm II) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Both licenses also include all work permitted under the Limited Energy license (intercom, data, telephone, etc.).
Experience Requirements
For EF License (Includes Fire)
Your experience must include at least 40% fire alarm system work. You'll need to document this through job lists or employment verification.
For EG License (Excludes Fire)
Your experience must include at least 40% alarm system work (burglar, access control, CCTV - but not fire). If you don't have fire alarm experience, this is your path.
General Experience Options
Meet ONE of these requirements:
| Path | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Option 1 | 3 years management experience in electrical/alarm contracting within last 6 years |
| Option 2 | 4 years as foreman, supervisor, or contractor within last 8 years |
| Option 3 | 6 years training, education, or supervisory experience within last 12 years |
Documentation Required
- W-2 Forms: For each year of claimed experience
- Job Lists: 5 jobs per year for each year of experience claimed
- Employment Verification: Can substitute for job lists if employed by FL licensed contractor
- Reference Letters: 3 notarized letters if self-employed (registered contractor)
Financial Requirements
EF and EG licenses require:
- Net Worth: $10,000 minimum for the business entity
- Positive Net Worth: Applicant must demonstrate financial stability
Examination
Both licenses require passing two open-book, computer-based exams:
| Exam | Duration | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Technical/Safety | 5 hours | 105 questions |
| Business | 3 hours | 55 questions |
Application Process
- Complete ECLB 8: Certified Electrical Contractor Exam Application
- Submit documentation: W-2s, job lists, or employment verification
- Pay application fee: $316.25 to DBPR
- Await approval: ECLB reviews application (can take weeks)
- Schedule exam: Pay $78.75 to testing vendor after approval
- Pass exams: Complete both Technical/Safety and Business exams
Warning: The ECLB has strict requirements. One missing document or incorrect field can delay approval by months.
Continuing Education
Certified and Registered Alarm Contractors must complete 7 hours of continuing education for renewal:
- 1 hour Workers' Compensation
- 1 hour Workplace Safety
- 1 hour Business Practices
- 1 hour Florida Laws & Rules
- 2 hours False Alarm Prevention
- 1 hour Florida Building Code Advanced Module
Licenses renew every two years.
FASA/BASA Card
Your contractor license (EC, EF, EG, EY, or EZ) also serves as your FASA/BASA (Fire Alarm System Agent/Burglar Alarm System Agent) card. You don't need a separate card if you hold one of these licenses.
When Permits Are Required
Florida requires permits for most alarm system installations:
| Installation Type | Permit Required? |
|---|---|
| Residential burglar alarm | Usually Yes |
| Commercial alarm system | Yes |
| Alarm monitoring only (no installation) | No |
| Wireless DIY systems (professional install) | Varies by county |
| New construction | Yes (part of building permit) |
Major Florida Cities
Miami-Dade County
Strict permit requirements and enforcement. All alarm installations require permits. The county has an alarm permit/registration requirement for end users as well.
Broward County
Permits required for alarm installations. Has false alarm reduction program with fines for excessive false alarms.
Orange County (Orlando)
Building permits required for alarm system installations. The county also requires alarm user permits.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
Permits required for commercial and most residential alarm installations.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
Alarm installation permits required. The city has a false alarm ordinance with escalating fees.
False Alarm Ordinances
Most Florida cities have false alarm ordinances that affect your customers:
- Property owners must register alarm systems
- Fines for excessive false alarms (often after 2-3 per year)
- System may be placed on "no response" list for repeat offenders
As the installing contractor, inform your customers about these requirements and ensure proper system setup to minimize false alarms.
Working Without a License
Unlicensed alarm contracting in Florida carries serious penalties:
- First offense: Up to $5,000 fine
- Repeat offense: Up to $10,000 fine
- Potential criminal charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Contracts may be void
- Liability exposure for any incidents
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install SimpliSafe or Ring Alarm without a license?
DIY systems installed by homeowners don't require licensing. However, if you're paid to install them professionally, you need an EG license for burglar alarms.
Do I need an EF if I only do burglar alarms?
No. The EG license covers burglar alarms, access control, and CCTV. You only need EF if you want to install fire alarms.
Can my technicians work under my license?
Yes, but they may need to be registered as alarm agents. Check current ECLB requirements for employee registration.
How long does the licensing process take?
Plan for 2-4 months from application to license issuance. Incomplete applications can add months to the process.
Contact Information
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board
Phone: (850) 487-1395
Website: MyFloridaLicense.com
Related Florida Guides
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Looking for burglar alarm and security system opportunities in Florida? LVN Signal tracks construction permits and bids across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and throughout the state.
Last updated: February 2026. Florida licensing requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the ECLB and DBPR before beginning work.
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