Florida Alarm Contractor License Check for Homeowners

Florida alarm contractors are licensed by the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. An Alarm System Contractor I can install fire and burglar alarms, while an Alarm System Contractor II covers alarms other than fire. Verify the license on DBPR's license search, and check whether your city requires alarm registration.

Who licenses home alarm and security systems providers in Florida

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board (ECLB). The ECLB licenses electrical and alarm contractors. Alarm classes include Certified Alarm System Contractor I (EF), Registered Alarm Contractor I (EY), Certified Alarm Contractor II (EG) and Registered Alarm Contractor II (EZ). Certified licensees can work anywhere in Florida; registered licensees only where they hold a local license. Search the license number or name on DBPR's license search.

Check a license →

Key facts for Florida

Florida's Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board licenses and regulates both electrical and alarm contractors.
Under Florida law, an Alarm System Contractor I's business includes all types of alarm systems, and an Alarm System Contractor II's includes all types other than fire.
A registered residential alarm system contractor in Florida is limited to burglar alarms in single-family homes, quadruplexes and mobile homes.
Florida burglar alarm agents must complete at least 14 hours of training within 90 days of hiring, including at least 2 hours on preventing false alarms.
A Florida alarm contractor must get an FDLE fingerprint and criminal background check for each burglar alarm system agent it employs.
Florida law requires monitoring companies to try twice to confirm a burglar alarm with the owner or occupant before calling police, unless the alarm has a working video or audio sensor.
Miami, Orlando and Jacksonville require alarm users to register or hold a permit, while Tampa says permits are not required.

What do the Florida alarm license classes mean?

Florida Statutes 489.505 defines the classes (text of the law). An Alarm System Contractor I works on all types of alarm systems for all purposes, including fire. An Alarm System Contractor II works on all alarm types other than fire.

On the board's FAQ, certified classes are EF (Contractor I) and EG (Contractor II). Registered classes are EY and EZ. A certified license works statewide. A registered license works only in the counties or cities where the contractor holds a local license.

There is also a registered residential alarm system contractor class, limited to burglar alarms in single-family homes, quadruplexes and mobile homes.

What training and screening do Florida alarm technicians need?

Florida Statutes 489.518 sets rules for burglar alarm system agents, the employees who install and service systems (text of the law). They must be at least 18, complete at least 14 hours of training within 90 days of hiring, including CCTV and access control and at least 2 hours on preventing false alarms.

The law bars someone convicted within the last 3 years of a crime directly related to the business from working as an agent. The contractor must get an FDLE fingerprint and criminal background check for each agent.

How does a Florida monitoring center handle an alarm?

Under Florida Statutes 489.529, a monitoring company must try to confirm a burglar alarm by call, text or other electronic means before contacting police. If the first attempt fails, it must try a second time (text of the law).

Confirmation is not required if the alarm has a working visual or audio sensor that lets the monitor verify the signal. Keep your call list current so the monitor reaches someone who can answer.

Who handles alarm permits in Florida cities?

Florida cities and counties write their own alarm rules. The City of Miami requires a permit that runs October 1 through September 30. Orlando has required registration with its police department since 1999. Jacksonville requires every alarm, monitored or not, to be registered with the sheriff's office. Tampa says alarm permits are not required, though it runs a false alarm program.

How to choose a provider in Florida

Search the contractor on DBPR and confirm an active EF, EG, EY or EZ license.
If your system includes fire alarms, make sure the contractor holds a Contractor I class.
If the license is registered, confirm it covers your city or county.
Ask how the company screens and trains its technicians.
Ask how the monitoring center confirms alarms and whether your system has video or audio verification.
Register the alarm with your city or sheriff if required.
Read the monitoring term and cancellation terms, and keep the three-day cancellation form if you sign at home.

Home alarm and security systems in Florida cities

Questions people ask

Who licenses alarm contractors in Florida?

The Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. It licenses both electrical and alarm contractors.

What is the difference between EF and EG?

EF is a certified Alarm System Contractor I, which covers all alarm types including fire. EG is a certified Alarm System Contractor II, which covers all alarm types other than fire.

Can a registered alarm contractor work anywhere in Florida?

No. A registered contractor can work only in the counties or cities where the contractor holds a local license. Certified contractors can work statewide.

Will my alarm company call me before calling police?

For burglar alarms, Florida law requires the monitoring company to try to confirm the alarm with you, and try a second time if the first attempt fails, unless the alarm has working video or audio verification.

Are Florida alarm technicians background checked?

Florida law requires the contractor to get an FDLE fingerprint and criminal background check for each burglar alarm system agent it employs.

Do I need to register my alarm in Florida?

It depends on your city or county. Miami, Orlando and Jacksonville require it. Tampa says permits are not required.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

How do you check a home alarm contractor's license in Florida?