What are the fines associated with false alarms?
False alarm activations within a permit year will result as follows: Permit year means a twelve-month period beginning on the day and month on which an alarm permit is issued.
| Number of False Alarms | |
| 1-2 | $0.00 |
| 3-5 | $50.00 |
| 6-7 | $100.00 |
| 8-9 | $250.00 |
| 10+ | $500.00 |
**Alarm locations that are not permitted will incur a Civil Penalty of $100 for failure to register upon the occurrence of a false alarm at that location.
Following are suggestions to help you avoid these penalties for excessive false alarm calls:
- Ensure the alarm system installed in your residence or business is properly maintained. This may include routine testing, battery replacement and maintenance, as needed.
- Work closely with your contracted service provider and/or monitoring company whenever you experience malfunctions with your system.
- Know your system. If you have questions or concerns about your system immediately contact your service provider and/or monitoring company.
- Be responsible with your system. If you give someone keys to your residence or business, train them to operate your alarm.
Contact the Sarasota False Alarm Reduction Program anytime you have questions regarding your permit, the Alarm Ordinance, or anything pertaining to your residential or commercial permit. You may call 888-865-9770 or contact the Program on line at sarasotafl@citysupport.org.
Appealing a False Alarm Response Charge
*Submit a written request/statement as to why you feel the charge and/or occurrence should be waived or removed from your account, along with any supporting documentation (police reports, alarm company documentation, etc)
*Submit via email or by using the Contact Us page.
*Be sure to include Permit License #, alarm location address, and incident date(s) in question.
*Submit within fifteen (15) calendar days of the notice imposing the charge.
Appeals are not generally granted as a result of the following:
1. Faulty, defective or malfunctioning equipment supplied by an alarm business.
2. Improper installation or maintenance by an alarm business.
3. Improper monitoring by an alarm business.
4. Alarm activations that occur while alarm technicians are repairing or servicing the alarm system.
5. An occurrence where no evidence of criminal activity, fire, or medical need is present.
6. Mistakes made by private contractors, maids, cleaning crews, visitors, etc.
7. Item(s) within the home or business that move causing motion detectors to activate (i.e. curtains, signs, balloons, etc.).
8. Doors and/or windows that become loose and cause a break in the contacts that activate the alarm system.
9. Caretakers who watch homes or businesses when owners are away and who activate the alarm in error or are not familiar with required codes or passwords.
10. Pets, rodents or wildlife movement in or near the home or business.
11. Alarms caused by Apartment Management Employees.