Security Camera Permit Requirements in Orange County, Florida

Quick Answer: Orange County requires low-voltage electrical permits for security camera installations per County Code Section 9-86(a). Alarm systems must be registered with the Orange County Sheriff's Office False Alarm Reduction Unit. Orange County also has a unique requirement: all convenience stores must have security camera systems under Sec. 25-177. Installers must hold a Florida DBPR Certified Alarm System Contractor I license.

When Is a Permit Required?

Per Orange County Code Section 9-86(a), an electrical permit is required to perform any electrical construction, install any electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment, or make any extensions or changes to existing systems.

Low-Voltage Permit Required For

• Security systems and burglar alarms
• Closed circuit TV (CCTV) systems
• Data cabling installations
• Phone and speaker wire installations
• Cable TV installations

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
• Systems explicitly exempted by statutory requirements

Applying for a Low-Voltage Electrical Permit

Application Process

1. Complete the Electrical Permit Application
2. Specify the type of low-voltage work (security systems, CCTV, etc.)
3. Submit via Fast Track online system
4. Pay applicable fees
5. Receive permit via email upon approval

Contact Information

• Orange County Permitting (Sub-Trades)
• Phone: (407) 836-5564
• Address: 201 S. Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
• Online: Orange County Building Safety

Orange County Alarm Registration

Under Orange County Code Chapter 28, Article 5, alarm users must register their systems with the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Registration Requirements

• Complete the Alarm User Registration Form
• List contacts who can respond to the business/residence if owner is unavailable
• Contacts must be capable of resetting the system
• Contacts must be able to act as an agent to assist law enforcement

Contact - False Alarm Reduction Unit

• Phone: (407) 836-3969
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Payment Portal: securityalarms.ocso.com

False Alarm Fee Structure

The False Security Alarm Ordinance aims to allocate Sheriff's Office resources more efficiently. Orange County established registration fees, reinstatement fees, and service fees effective January 1, 2013.

For the current fee schedule, contact the False Alarm Reduction Unit at (407) 836-3969 or download the False Alarms Brochure.

Convenience Store Camera Requirement

Unique to Orange County: Under Section 25-177 of the Orange County Code, all convenience stores are required to have a security camera system capable of storing and retrieving images in the event of a crime.

This creates a steady market for security camera installations in convenience stores throughout unincorporated Orange County.

HOA and Right-of-Way Installations

For security camera installations in HOA entrance areas or public rights-of-way, special requirements apply:

• Association must obtain a Right-of-Way Utilization Permit
• Low Voltage Electrical Registration required
• Use Agreement may be required between homeowners and HOA

Download the Use Agreement for Security Cameras (HOA) form.

City of Orlando vs. Unincorporated Orange County

If your project is within the City of Orlando, different requirements apply. Orlando has its own False Alarm Reduction Program with separate registration and fee structures.

Always verify jurisdiction:

• Unincorporated Orange County: Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) jurisdiction
• City of Orlando: Orlando Police Department jurisdiction
• Other municipalities: Winter Park, Apopka, Ocoee, etc. have their own requirements

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	Fast Track same-day if complete
Alarm registration	Contact OCSO for current fees	Required before monitoring
Right-of-Way Utilization Permit (HOA)	Varies	Additional review time
Inspection	Included in permit	Schedule after completion

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• Low-voltage permit required for hardwired systems
• Wireless systems typically exempt per Florida Statute 553.793
• Homeowner can self-install on their own property
• Alarm registration required with OCSO
• Cannot record audio without all-party consent

Commercial Projects

• Low-voltage electrical permit required
• Must use licensed CASC contractor
• Convenience stores MUST have camera systems (Sec. 25-177)
• Must post written notice about video surveillance
• Camera presence must be clearly obvious to visitors

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 Orange County Contractors

• Convenience store opportunity: Sec. 25-177 mandates cameras in convenience stores—target this market segment for steady work
• Fast Track permits: Use Orange County's online system for same-day permit issuance when applications are complete
• Jurisdiction verification: Confirm whether property is in unincorporated Orange County vs. City of Orlando vs. other municipalities
• HOA installations: Right-of-Way permits and Use Agreements add complexity—build extra time into quotes for entrance camera projects
• Registration contacts: Ensure customers list reliable emergency contacts on the alarm registration form—this is a requirement
• Audio warning: Always disable audio or install conspicuous signage—Florida's two-party consent law carries criminal penalties
• OCSO contact: (407) 836-3969 for alarm registration questions

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

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

Sources

• Orange County Electrical Permit
• Orange County Sheriff's Office - Security Alarms
• Orange County Division of Building Safety
• DBPR - Certified Alarm System Contractor