A false alarm occurs when a signal from your burglar alarm system is met with a response by the police when no emergency or threat of a crime actually occurred.

Responding to false alarms can consume thousands of personnel hours at a cost to taxpayers and place the safety of citizens truly in need of law enforcement response in jeopardy.

  • After two false alarms within the registration/renewal year: $50
  • After three false alarms within the registration/renewal year: $100
  • After four false alarms within the registration/renewal year: $200
  • Each additional false alarm within the registration/renewal year: $200

An alarm user shall not be fined more than $200 for false alarms that occur at the same premises in any 24-hour period.

False Alarm Classes

Classes are available to educate alarm system users on provisions of the False Alarm Ordinance and proper maintenance and use of their alarm systems.

Call 305-669-7676 to learn how you can benefit from false alarm classes.

False Alarm Appeals

An alarm is not false if the alarm user proves that:

  • The alarm was activated based upon a reasonable belief that an emergency or actual or threatened criminal activity requiring immediate response existed.
  • The alarm was activated by lightning or an electrical surge that caused physical damage to the system.
    (requires testimony from a licensed alarm system contractor who conducted an on-site inspection and personally observed the damage to the system)
  • There was a power outage of four or more hours, causing the alarm to activate upon restoration of power.
    (requires written documentation by Florida Power & Light or other applicable provider)

Additionally, an Alarm Dispatch Request that is canceled by the alarm monitoring company prior to the arrival of emergency responders is not considered a false alarm.

When considering whether to file an appeal of a false alarm assessment, please note that the following will be considered false alarms by the Administrative Officer assigned by the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller hearing the case:

  • Faulty, defective or malfunctioning equipment supplied by the alarm business
  • Improper installation or maintenance by the alarm business
  • Improper monitoring by the alarm business
  • Alarm activations, which occur while alarm technicians are repairing, servicing or testing the alarm system
  • An occurrence where no evidence of criminal activity is present
  • Mistakes made by private contractors, maids, cleaning crews, realtors, etc.
  • Improper maintenance of the alarm system by the alarm owner (including neglect of backup power/battery supplies)
  • Items within the home or business which move and cause motion detectors to activate, i.e., curtains, signs, balloons, plants, pets, etc.
  • Glass break detectors, which activate due to noises or sounds other than actual glass breakage
  • Doors and/or windows that become loose and cause a break in the contacts, which activate the alarm
  • Caretakers who watch homes or businesses when owners are away
  • Pets, rodents, wildlife

This list is intended as a guide to assist you in deciding whether to appeal a false alarm assessment or to contact your alarm company for further discussion. It is not intended to cover every situation where an appeal may be denied.

Cases involving crimes or criminal attempts will be heard if the incident was documented within 10 business days of the activation.

We may request a written statement or report from a registered alarm company representative, which details the reasons for the false alarm.