Access Control Permit Requirements in Hillsborough County, Florida

Quick Answer: Access control system installations in Hillsborough County may require a low voltage electrical permit depending on the scope of work. Contractors must hold a valid Florida alarm system contractor license (EG or EF) or Certified Limited Energy Systems Specialty license issued by DBPR. Residential low voltage work under $5,000 performed by non-owners may be exempt.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control?

In Hillsborough County, permit requirements for access control systems depend on the project scope:

Permits Required

• Commercial access control system installations
• New construction access control integration
• Systems requiring electrical work beyond low voltage
• Access control tied to fire alarm or life safety systems
• Large-scale residential installations exceeding $5,000

Potential Exemptions

Per Hillsborough County regulations, the installation or repair of a low-voltage system in an existing single-family residence does not require a permit when:

• The work is performed by the property owner, or
• The work is performed by a non-owner and the total cost of labor and materials does not exceed $5,000

However, contractors should verify current exemption rules with the county as regulations change. When in doubt, contact Development Services at (813) 272-5600.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Florida requires state-level licensing for alarm and low voltage work. Hillsborough County follows state licensing requirements administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

License Options for Access Control Work

License Type	Scope	Best For
EG - Alarm System Contractor II	All alarm systems except fire	Access control, burglar alarms, CCTV
EF - Alarm System Contractor I	All alarm systems including fire	Full-service alarm contractors
ES - Limited Energy Specialty	Systems not exceeding 77 volts	Low voltage specialists

EG License Requirements

• Experience: At least 40% of qualifying experience must be in alarm systems other than fire
• Net Worth: $10,000 minimum net worth for business entity
• Examinations: Pass the Alarm System Contractor II exam and Business exam
• Continuing Education: 4 hours required for renewal including false alarm prevention

Employee Certification (BASA)

Employees installing access control under an EG contractor must obtain Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) certification:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Complete 14 hours of board-approved training
• Pass FDLE fingerprint and background check
• No substance abuse commitments within last 3 years
• No related criminal convictions within last 3 years
• 6 hours CE every two years

For complete Florida licensing information, see our Florida Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for an Access Control Permit

Step 1: Determine If Permit Is Required

Review the exemption criteria above. For commercial work or larger residential projects, assume a permit is required.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

For permitted work, gather:

• Access control system plans and specifications
• Door hardware schedules
• Wiring diagrams
• Equipment cut sheets
• Copy of contractor license

Step 3: Submit Through HillsGovHub

All Development Services applications in Hillsborough County are submitted through the HillsGovHub online portal. This includes low voltage electrical permits for access control work.

Step 4: Pay Fees

Low voltage permits in Florida are capped at $40 per project under state law. This applies to access control, structured cabling, and similar low voltage work.

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

After installation, schedule your inspection through HillsGovHub to obtain final approval.

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Development Services	(813) 272-5600
HillsGovHub Portal	hcfl.gov/hillsgovhub
DBPR Licensing	(850) 487-1395

Permit Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost
Low Voltage Permit Fee	Up to $40 (state cap)
Plan Review (if required)	Varies by project
Re-inspection Fee	Varies

Timeline Expectations

Stage	Typical Duration
Permit Issuance (simple)	1-3 business days
Plan Review (commercial)	5-10 business days
Inspection Scheduling	2-5 business days

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Single-family home installations under $5,000 may be exempt from permits
• Smart locks and basic keypad systems often fall under exemptions
• Multi-unit residential (apartments, condos) typically requires permits
• Integration with fire alarm systems requires additional permits

Commercial Access Control

• All commercial installations require permits
• Plans must comply with Florida Building Code
• May require architect or engineer sealed drawings for larger projects
• ADA compliance required for access control at public entrances
• Integration with fire alarm for door hold-open devices requires coordination

Common Access Control Project Types

Access control work in Hillsborough County typically includes:

• Card Reader Systems: Proximity, smart card, and mobile credential readers
• Biometric Access: Fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scanners
• Video Intercom: Door stations with two-way communication
• Electric Locks: Maglocks, electric strikes, and motorized locks
• Gate Access: Vehicle and pedestrian gate control systems
• Elevator Control: Floor access restriction systems

Pro Tips for Hillsborough County Access Control Permits

Based on contractor experience in this jurisdiction:

• Verify exemptions first: Call Development Services at (813) 272-5600 to confirm whether your project qualifies for an exemption
• Document everything: Even for exempt work, keep records of scope and costs in case of questions
• Coordinate with fire alarm: If access control integrates with fire systems (door holders, egress release), ensure Fire Marshal involvement
• Use HillsGovHub: The county has moved to online permitting—learn the system at HillsGovHub Help
• Maintain BASA cards: Ensure all technicians have current Burglar Alarm System Agent certification
• Plan for ADA: Commercial projects must address accessibility requirements at controlled entrances

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Hillsborough County before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Florida and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

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Related Resources

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• More Permit Guides