Security Camera Permit Requirements in Orlando, Florida

Quick Answer: Orlando does not require permits for most residential security camera installations. Commercial projects involving hardwired systems with conduit through walls may require a low-voltage electrical permit from Orange County. All alarm systems (including monitored cameras) must be registered with the City of Orlando, and installers must hold a Florida DBPR Certified Alarm System Contractor I license.

When Is a Permit Required?

Understanding when you need a permit in Orlando depends on the installation type and complexity:

Permit Typically NOT Required

• Wireless security camera systems on residential or commercial property
• Plug-and-play camera systems with no structural modifications
• Surface-mounted cameras with exposed low-voltage wiring
• Battery-powered or solar-powered camera installations
• DIY installations on your own residential property

Permit Typically Required

• Commercial installations with wiring run through walls, ceilings, or conduit
• Systems integrated with fire alarm or building automation systems
• Installations in historic districts or properties with zoning restrictions
• Large-scale surveillance systems requiring electrical panel modifications
• Camera systems combined with access control requiring door hardware changes

Per Florida Statute 553.793(2), wireless alarm and security systems are generally exempt from local permitting requirements, which includes most modern wireless camera installations.

Orlando Alarm Registration Requirement

Important: While permits may not be required for the camera installation itself, the City of Orlando requires mandatory registration of all alarm systems that trigger police response.

Registration Details

The City of Orlando Alarm Ordinance (Chapter 41) was implemented in 1999 to address false alarm activations. If your security camera system includes:

• Motion-activated alerts that dispatch police
• Integration with a monitoring service
• Any feature that generates police response

You must register with the City of Orlando False Alarm Reduction Program.

False Alarm Fee Structure

Account Type	False Alarms (12-month period)	Fee
Residential	1-3 false alarms	No fine
Residential	4-6 false alarms	$50 per alarm
Residential	7+ false alarms	$100 per alarm
Commercial	1-2 false alarms	No fine
Commercial	3-4 false alarms	$50 per alarm
Commercial	5+ false alarms	$100 per alarm
Unregistered Alarm	Any activation	$50 per activation

Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements

Florida law requires specific licensing for security camera installation work performed for others. This is separate from permit requirements.

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.

Who Needs the License?

• Any contractor installing security cameras for compensation on another's property
• Companies providing monitored surveillance services
• Businesses installing commercial security systems

Exemptions: Homeowners may install cameras on their own property without a contractor's license.

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

Orlando Camera Registration Program

The City of Orlando offers a voluntary camera registration program called Orlando Connect. This is separate from the mandatory alarm registration.

Benefits of Orlando Connect

• Registration takes less than one minute
• Helps Orlando Police identify available camera footage during investigations
• Does NOT give police access to your live video stream
• Investigators can easily request video evidence if an incident occurs nearby

Register your cameras at Orlando Connect Portal.

Application Process

If your installation requires a permit, follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine Permit Need

Contact Orange County Building Safety Division to confirm whether your specific installation requires a permit:

• Phone: (407) 836-5550
• Address: 201 S. Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
• Online: Orange County Building and Permitting

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Site plan showing camera locations
• Wiring diagrams (for hardwired systems)
• Equipment specifications
• Contractor license number (Florida CASC)

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit through Orange County's online permitting portal or in person at the Building Safety office.

Step 4: Register Your System

After installation, register with the City of Orlando Alarm Registration if the system is monitored.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost	Timeline
Low-voltage electrical permit	$50-$150	1-3 business days
Alarm system registration	Free	Immediate
Orlando Connect camera registration	Free	Immediate
Plan review (if required)	$50-$100	3-5 business days
Inspection	Included in permit	Schedule within 24-48 hours

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• Typically no permit required for standard camera installations
• Homeowner can self-install on their own property
• Alarm registration required if monitored
• Must comply with HOA rules if applicable
• Cannot record audio without all-party consent

Commercial Projects

• More likely to require permits for extensive wiring
• Must use licensed CASC contractor
• Orange County Sec. 25-177 requires convenience stores to have security camera systems
• Must post visible signage informing of video surveillance
• ADA compliance may apply to camera placement in accessible areas

Important Legal Considerations

Florida Recording Laws

Video Recording: Florida law allows video recording in public spaces and on your own 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 being recorded
• Security cameras with audio must have clear notification signage
• Disable audio recording features or obtain explicit consent

Areas Where Recording Is Prohibited

• Bathrooms and restrooms
• Changing rooms or locker rooms
• Private areas where individuals have reasonable expectation of privacy
• Neighboring properties without consent

Pro Tips for Orlando Contractors

• Verify registration first: Always confirm the customer's alarm system is registered before completing installation to avoid $50 per-activation fines
• Orange County vs. City of Orlando: Permits go through Orange County, but alarm registration is through the City of Orlando—don't confuse the two
• Orlando Connect program: Recommend voluntary camera registration to customers as a community safety benefit
• Document false alarm protocols: Provide customers with written instructions on preventing false alarms to avoid escalating fines
• Audio warning: Always disable audio or post conspicuous signage—Florida's two-party consent law carries criminal penalties
• Weather exemptions: During severe weather (hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes), false alarms are typically excused by OPD

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• All Permit Guides

Sources

• City of Orlando - Register Your Security Alarm
• City of Orlando - False Alarm Reduction Program
• Orlando Code of Ordinances - Chapter 41 False Alarms
• DBPR - Certified Alarm System Contractor
• Orlando Connect Camera Registration