Security Camera Permit Requirements in Miami-Dade County, Florida
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Miami-Dade County security camera permit guide covering single-family exemptions, $25 alarm registration, false alarm fees, and Florida CASC licensing.
Security Camera Permit Requirements in Miami-Dade County, Florida
Quick Answer: Miami-Dade County exempts single-family residential security camera installations from permits. Commercial and multi-family installations require low-voltage electrical permits. All monitored alarm systems must be registered with the Miami-Dade Police Department for $25 (initial and annual renewal). False alarm fees start at $50 for the second incident. Installers must hold a Florida DBPR Certified Alarm System Contractor I license.
When Is a Permit Required?
Miami-Dade County provides clear guidance on permit requirements through their Low Voltage Permit Exemptions document.
Permit NOT Required
- Burglar/security systems in single-family residences
- Low-voltage systems in duplexes and townhouses
- Wireless alarm systems including ancillary components
- Maintenance, inspection, replacement, or service of existing wireless systems
- Battery-powered or solar-powered camera installations
Permit Required
- Commercial building installations
- Multi-family buildings (condominiums, apartments)
- Installations in commercial spaces within mixed-use buildings
- Systems requiring electrical panel modifications
- Fire alarm system integrations
Note: The single-family exemption specifically excludes condominiums, even if they appear to be single units.
Miami-Dade Alarm Registration Requirement
Under Article XVI of the Miami-Dade County Code, all monitored burglar alarm systems must be registered with the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Registration Fees
| Registration Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial registration | $25 |
| Annual renewal (0 false alarms in prior year) | $15 |
| Annual renewal (1+ false alarms in prior year) | $25 |
Incentive: Customers who maintain zero false alarms receive a $10 discount on renewal—a good selling point for quality installations.
How to Register
Register through the Miami-Dade False Alarm Registration Website or download the Alarm Permit Registration Form.
Alarm Company Responsibility
Licensed alarm companies selling or monitoring systems are required to provide customers with the registration form and Burglar Alarm Ordinance information. Companies cannot charge customers any fee beyond the required $25 registration fee.
False Alarm Fee Structure
A false alarm occurs when police respond to a burglar alarm signal and no emergency or crime is found. Miami-Dade has reduced false alarms by 38% since implementing this ordinance, saving taxpayers $1.7 million.
| False Alarm (Per Registration Period) | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1st false alarm | No charge |
| 2nd false alarm | $50 |
| 3rd false alarm | $100 |
| 4th+ false alarm | $200 each |
Important: No burglar alarm user shall cause, allow, or permit the system to give two (2) or more false alarms in any registration period.
Verification Call Requirement
All residential and commercial intrusion/burglar alarms with central monitoring must have a verification call made to the premises before the monitoring company contacts Miami-Dade Police for dispatch. This requirement does not apply to panic or holdup alarms.
Contact Information
False Alarm Enforcement Unit
- Address: 9105 NW 25th St. #1119, Miami, FL 33172
- Phone: (305) 669-7676
City of Miami vs. Unincorporated Miami-Dade
If your project is within the City of Miami (not unincorporated Miami-Dade County), different rules apply. The City of Miami has its own Alarm Ordinance administered by the MPD Alarm Ordinance Unit.
Always verify whether your job site is in:
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade County (MDPD jurisdiction)
- City of Miami (MPD jurisdiction)
- Another incorporated municipality (Hialeah, Coral Gables, etc.)
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.
Application Process
For Permit-Exempt Installations (Single-Family)
- Verify property type qualifies for exemption (single-family, duplex, townhouse—NOT condo)
- Complete installation per Florida Building Code
- Register system with MDPD False Alarm Unit ($25)
- Provide customer with ordinance information
For Permit-Required Installations (Commercial/Multi-Family)
- Contact Miami-Dade Permitting to confirm requirements
- Submit permit application through Miami-Dade Permits Portal
- Include site plans, wiring diagrams, and contractor license
- Complete installation and request inspection
- Register system with MDPD ($25)
Contact for Permits
- Miami-Dade County Permitting
- Phone: 311 (within Miami-Dade) or (305) 468-5900
- Online: Miami-Dade Permits
Fees and Timeline
| Item | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Low-voltage electrical permit | $50-$200 | Same-day online for licensed contractors |
| Burglar alarm label (commercial) | Included in permit | With permit approval |
| Alarm registration (initial) | $25 | Immediate |
| Alarm registration (renewal) | $15-$25 | Annual |
| Plan review (if required) | Varies by scope | 3-5 business days |
| Inspection | Included in permit | Schedule within 24-48 hours |
Residential vs. Commercial Installations
Residential Projects (Single-Family)
- No permit required for burglar/security systems
- Homeowner can self-install on their own property
- Alarm registration required ($25)
- Verification call required before police dispatch
- Cannot record audio without all-party consent
Commercial and Multi-Family Projects
- Permit required—burglar alarm labels issued
- Must use licensed CASC contractor
- Must post written notice stating video surveillance installed for security
- Camera presence must be clearly obvious to visitors
- Condos require permits even for individual units
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 Miami-Dade Contractors
- Condo exception: Even though condos may look like single-family homes, they require permits—always verify property type
- Same-day permits: Licensed contractors can pull permits online with same-day service—use this efficiency advantage
- $10 renewal incentive: Market quality installation by highlighting the $10 discount for zero false alarms
- Verification call requirement: Ensure monitoring company is compliant with pre-dispatch verification—this is mandatory
- Jurisdiction matters: Always confirm whether the property is in unincorporated Miami-Dade vs. City of Miami vs. other municipalities
- Alarm company registration: You are required to provide customers with registration forms—don't charge extra for this
- 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 Miami-Dade County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Florida and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.
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