Fla. Stat. § 553.793 — Florida Code / Title XXXIII / Chapter 553 / Part IV / Section 553.793
553.793 Streamlined low-voltage alarm system installation permitting.
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section, the term: (a) “Contractor” means a person who is qualified to engage in the business of electrical or alarm system contracting pursuant to a certificate or registration issued by the department under part II of chapter 489. (b) “Low-voltage alarm system project” means a project related to the installation, maintenance, inspection, replacement, or service of a new or existing alarm system, as defined in s. 489.505, including video cameras and closed-circuit television systems used to signal or detect a burglary, fire, robbery, or medical emergency, that is hardwired and operating at low voltage, as defined in the National Electrical Code Standard 70, Current Edition, or a new or existing low-voltage electric fence. The term also includes ancillary components or equipment attached to a low-voltage alarm system or low-voltage electric fence, including, but not limited to, home-automation equipment, thermostats, closed-circuit television systems, access controls, battery recharging devices, and video cameras. (c) “Low-voltage electric fence” means an alarm system, as defined in s. 489.505, that consists of a fence structure and an energizer powered by a commercial storage battery not exceeding 12 volts which produces an electric charge upon contact with the fence structure. (d) “Wireless alarm system” means a burglar alarm system or smoke detector that is not hardwired.

(2) Notwithstanding any provision of law, this section applies to all low-voltage alarm system projects for which a permit is required by a local enforcement agency. However, a permit is not required to install, maintain, inspect, replace, or service a wireless alarm system, including any ancillary components or equipment attached to the system.

(3) A low-voltage electric fence must meet all of the following requirements to be permitted as a low-voltage alarm system project, and no further permit shall be required for the low-voltage alarm system project other than as provided in this section: (a) The electric charge produced by the fence upon contact must not exceed energizer characteristics set forth in paragraph 22.108 and depicted in Figure 102 of International Electrotechnical Commission Standard No. 60335-2-76, Current Edition. (b) A nonelectric fence or wall must completely enclose the outside perimeter of the low-voltage electric fence. The low-voltage electric fence must be 2 feet higher than the perimeter nonelectric fence or wall. (c) The low-voltage electric fence must be identified using warning signs attached to the fence at intervals of not more than 60 feet. (d) A low-voltage electric fence is allowed in any area unless the area is zoned exclusively for single-family or multifamily residential use. An area is not considered to be zoned exclusively for single-family or multifamily residential use if the area is within more than one zoning category. (e) The low-voltage electric fence shall not enclose the portions of a property which are used for residential purposes.

(4) This section does not apply to the installation or replacement of a fire alarm if a plan review is required.

(5) A local enforcement agency shall make uniform basic permit labels available for purchase by a contractor to be used for the installation or replacement of a new or existing alarm system at a cost of not more than $40 per label per project per unit. The local enforcement agency may not require the payment of any additional fees, charges, or expenses associated with the installation or replacement of a new or existing alarm system. (a) A local enforcement agency may not require a contractor, as a condition of purchasing a label, to submit any information other than identification information of the licensee and proof of registration or certification as a contractor. (b) A label is valid for 1 year after the date of purchase and may only be used within the jurisdiction of the local enforcement agency that issued the label. A contractor may purchase labels in bulk for one or more unspecified current or future projects.

(6) A contractor shall post an unused uniform basic permit label in a conspicuous place on the premises of the low-voltage alarm system project site before commencing work on the project.

(7) A contractor is not required to notify the local enforcement agency before commencing work on a low-voltage alarm system project. However, a contractor must submit a Uniform Notice of a Low-Voltage Alarm System Project as provided under subsection (8) to the local enforcement agency within 14 days after completing the project. A local enforcement agency may take disciplinary action against a contractor who fails to timely submit a Uniform Notice of a Low-Voltage Alarm System Project.

(8) The Uniform Notice of a Low-Voltage Alarm System Project may be submitted electronically or by facsimile if all submissions are signed by the owner, tenant, contractor, or authorized representative of such persons. The Uniform Notice of a Low-Voltage Alarm System Project must contain the following information: UNIFORM NOTICE OF A LOW-VOLTAGE ALARM SYSTEM PROJECT Owner’s or Customer’s Name Owner’s or Customer’s Address City State Zip Phone Number E-mail Address Contractor’s Name Contractor’s Address City State Zip Phone Number Contractor’s License Number Date Project Completed Scope of Work Notice is hereby given that a low-voltage alarm system project has been completed at the address specified above. I certify that all of the foregoing information is true and accurate. (Signature of Owner, Tenant, Contractor, or Authorized Representative)

(9) A local enforcement agency may coordinate directly with the owner or customer to inspect a low-voltage alarm system project to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards. If a low-voltage alarm system project fails an inspection, the contractor must take corrective action as necessary to pass inspection.

(10) A municipality, county, district, or other entity of local government may not adopt or maintain in effect any ordinance or rule regarding a low-voltage alarm system project that provides additional requirements beyond those set out in this section for the installation or maintenance of a low-voltage alarm system project or that is otherwise inconsistent with this section.

(11) A uniform basic permit label shall not be required for the subsequent maintenance, inspection, or service of an alarm system that was permitted in accordance with this section.

History: s. 2, ch. 2013-203; s. 1, ch. 2015-50; s. 1, ch. 2017-52; s. 2, ch. 2022-124; s. 1, ch. 2024-207.