Security Camera Permit Requirements in Tampa, Florida

Quick Answer: Tampa does not require permits for most residential security camera installations. Commercial projects with extensive wiring may require low-voltage permits through the City of Tampa Building Services. The City of Tampa operates a False Alarm Reduction Program with fees starting after 3 false alarms per year. All installers working for compensation must hold a Florida DBPR Certified Alarm System Contractor I license.

When Is a Permit Required?

Determining permit requirements in Tampa depends on the scope and complexity of your installation:

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 requiring electrical panel modifications
• Large-scale surveillance systems in commercial buildings
• Camera systems combined with access control requiring door hardware modifications

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

Tampa False Alarm Reduction Program

The City of Tampa operates a False Alarm Reduction Program to minimize unnecessary police responses. If your security camera system includes monitoring features that dispatch police, you should understand the fee structure.

Police False Alarm Fees

A false alarm is defined as any alarm activation caused by human error or equipment malfunction requiring police response, with no evidence of an actual crime having been committed.

False Alarms (Calendar Year)	Fee
1-3 false alarms	No charge
4-6 false alarms	$150 per response
7+ false alarms	$300 per response

Fire False Alarm Fees

For systems integrated with fire alarm monitoring:

False Alarms (Calendar Year)	Fee
1-3 false alarms	No charge
4-6 false alarms	$150 per response
7+ false alarms	$300 per response

Common Causes of False Alarms

• Incorrect keypad procedures
• Failure to train authorized users (houseguests, children, pet sitters)
• Failure to secure doors and windows before arming
• Using incorrect keypad codes
• Equipment malfunction or low batteries
• Pet or wildlife motion triggering sensors

Hillsborough County (Unincorporated Areas)

If your project is in unincorporated Hillsborough County (outside Tampa, Plant City, or Temple Terrace city limits), different rules apply.

Hillsborough County Ordinance 04-16 provides for penalties for false alarms reported to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department. Unlike the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County does not require registration of residential alarms.

For permits in unincorporated areas, contact the Hillsborough County Building Services.

Florida Contractor Licensing Requirements

Florida law requires specific licensing for security camera installation work performed for compensation. 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.

Project REC - Register Every Camera

The City of Tampa encourages residents and businesses to voluntarily register security cameras through Project REC (Register Every Camera). This helps Tampa Police identify available camera footage during criminal investigations.

Registration is voluntary and does not give police access to your live video feed. It simply lets investigators know cameras exist at your location for potential evidence requests.

Application Process

If your installation requires a permit, follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine Permit Need

Contact Tampa Building Services to confirm whether your specific installation requires a permit:

• Phone: (813) 274-3100
• Address: 1400 N. Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33607
• Online: Tampa Building and Construction Services

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 Tampa's online permitting portal or in person at Building Services.

Step 4: Schedule Inspection

After installation, schedule an inspection if required by your permit.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost	Timeline
Low-voltage electrical permit	$50-$150	1-3 business days
Plan review (if required)	$50-$100	3-5 business days
Inspection	Included in permit	Schedule within 24-48 hours
Alarm registration	Free	Not required in Tampa
Project REC registration	Free	Voluntary, immediate

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• Typically no permit required for standard camera installations
• Homeowner can self-install on their own property
• No alarm registration required in Tampa
• 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
• Must post visible signage informing of video surveillance
• Healthcare facilities must ensure HIPAA compliance
• Financial institutions have specific federal surveillance guidelines
• Regulated industries may have additional requirements

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
• Violation carries criminal penalties

Areas Where Recording Is Prohibited

• Bathrooms and restrooms
• Changing rooms or locker rooms
• Private offices where employees have reasonable expectation of privacy
• Neighboring properties without consent
• Patient areas in healthcare facilities without HIPAA compliance

Pro Tips for Tampa Contractors

• City vs. County jurisdiction: Verify whether the property is in City of Tampa or unincorporated Hillsborough County—different rules and fee structures apply
• No registration required: Unlike Orlando and Miami, Tampa doesn't require alarm registration, simplifying installations
• Project REC promotion: Recommend voluntary camera registration to customers as a community safety benefit
• False alarm education: Train customers thoroughly on proper system operation to avoid escalating fees
• Audio warning: Always disable audio recording or install conspicuous signage—Florida's two-party consent law carries criminal penalties
• Commercial signage: Tampa businesses should display visible notices informing people they're under video surveillance
• Hillsborough County Ordinance 04-16: Know the county false alarm rules for jobs outside city limits

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Florida Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• All Permit Guides

Sources

• City of Tampa - False Alarm Reduction Program
• City of Tampa - Police False Alarm Payments
• City of Tampa Fire Rescue - Fee Schedule
• DBPR - Certified Alarm System Contractor
• Hillsborough County Government