Security Camera Permit Requirements in Hillsborough County, Florida

Quick Answer: Hillsborough County requires low-voltage electrical permits for hardwired security camera installations. Notably, unincorporated Hillsborough County does not require residential alarm registration, unlike many Florida jurisdictions. However, Ordinance 04-16 provides for false alarm penalties reported to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department. Cities within the county (Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City) have their own requirements. Installers must hold a Florida DBPR Certified Alarm System Contractor I license.

When Is a Permit Required?

Under Florida Statute 553.793, low-voltage alarm system projects that are hardwired require permits, while wireless systems are generally exempt.

Permit Required

• Hardwired security camera and alarm systems
• Low-voltage systems operating per National Electrical Code Standard 70
• Commercial surveillance installations
• Systems with ancillary video camera components

Permit NOT Required

• Wireless alarm systems including ancillary components
• Maintenance, inspection, replacement, or service of existing wireless systems
• Battery-powered or solar-powered cameras
• Plug-and-play systems with no structural modifications

Uniform Basic Permit Label System

Florida Statute 553.793 establishes a streamlined permit process for low-voltage alarm projects:

How It Works

• Local enforcement agencies provide uniform basic permit labels for purchase
• Cost: Not more than $40 per label per project per unit
• Contractor posts the unused label in a conspicuous place before commencing work
• No notification required to the local enforcement agency before starting work
• Submit Uniform Notice of a Low-Voltage Alarm System Project within 14 days after completion

Contact for Permits

• Hillsborough County Building Services
• Online: Hillsborough County Permits & Records
• Forms: Applications & Forms

Alarm Registration Requirements

Key Difference: Unlike many Florida jurisdictions, Hillsborough County does not require residential alarm registration in unincorporated areas.

Unincorporated Hillsborough County

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) does not mandate alarm registration for residential properties in unincorporated areas. However:

• Ordinance 04-16 provides for penalties for false alarms
• Registration is available voluntarily through HCSO
• Businesses may register surveillance systems for law enforcement coordination

HCSO offers voluntary registration for sharing criminal trend information and updating alarm contacts through their Online Registration Services.

Cities Within Hillsborough County

Individual cities have their own alarm requirements:

City	Registration Required	Contact
Tampa	No mandatory registration	(813) 274-8921
Temple Terrace	Yes	Contact city
Plant City	Check with city	Contact city

False Alarm Penalties

Under Ordinance 04-16, Hillsborough County imposes penalties for false alarms reported to the Sheriff's Department. This ordinance resulted from collaboration between the Board of County Commissioners and Sheriff's Office to ensure deputies can respond to legitimate emergencies.

Payment for False Alarm Fines

False alarm penalties are paid through the Code Enforcement Board (CEB) and Code Enforcement Special Magistrate (CESM) system:

• Online: Pay CEB & CESM Fines
• Mail: Hillsborough County Citizen Boards Support, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602
• Contact: payments-cbs@hcfl.gov or (813) 272-7181
• Payment types: Cashier's check, money order, escrow or trust account checks payable to BOCC

Note: If paying by personal check, there is a 60-day hold before liens are released.

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
Uniform basic permit label	Up to $40 per project	Purchase before starting work
Low-voltage electrical permit	Varies by scope	Apply through county
Uniform Notice submission	Included	Within 14 days of completion
Alarm registration (unincorporated)	N/A - not required	Voluntary
False alarm penalties	Per Ordinance 04-16	Invoiced after incident

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• Permit required for hardwired systems only
• Wireless systems exempt per Florida Statute 553.793
• No mandatory alarm registration in unincorporated areas
• Homeowner can self-install on their own property
• Cannot record audio without all-party consent

Commercial Projects

• Low-voltage electrical permit required for hardwired systems
• Must use licensed CASC contractor
• Must post written notice about video surveillance
• Fire Marshal permits may be required for integrated fire alarm systems
• HCSO offers voluntary registration for business surveillance coordination

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 Hillsborough County Contractors

• No registration advantage: Unincorporated Hillsborough doesn't require residential alarm registration—this simplifies installations compared to nearby counties
• $40 permit label cap: Use Florida's uniform basic permit label system for cost-effective permitting on alarm projects
• 14-day notice deadline: Submit the Uniform Notice within 14 days of completion—missing this creates compliance issues
• City vs. county jurisdiction: Verify if property is in Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City, or unincorporated Hillsborough—requirements differ
• False alarm penalties exist: Even without registration, Ordinance 04-16 penalties apply—educate customers on proper system use
• Voluntary HCSO registration: Recommend business customers register surveillance systems for law enforcement coordination
• Audio warning: Always disable audio or install conspicuous signage—Florida's two-party consent law carries criminal penalties

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Tampa Security Camera Permits
• All Permit Guides

Sources

• Hillsborough County Permits & Records
• Hillsborough County Code - Article VII Burglar, Robbery Alarm Systems
• HCSO Online Registration Services
• Florida Statute 553.793 - Low-Voltage Alarm System Projects
• DBPR - Certified Alarm System Contractor