Frequently Asked Questions

Sec 11-15(b) Every person who owns, leases, possesses or operates a security alarm system within the city shall obtain an annual permit issued by the chief of police, through the alarm enforcement officer.”  “Alarm user means any person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, governmental or educational entity or any other entity owning, leasing or operating an alarm system or on whose premises an alarm system is maintained for the protection of such premises.

Please complete the online registration form at Register My Alarm.

You may also contact the Sarasota Police Department False Alarm Reduction Program at (941) 893-2650, Monday through Friday 9am-5pm ET.

The cost of an alarm permit registration or renewal is as follows:

Registration Fee: $35.00

The fees are used to offset the City's administrative costs of the running program.

Yes, they are. Across the nation, the growth of alarm system ownership has resulted in a tremendous number of false alarms. The response to false alarms has created an additional burden on law enforcement agencies. Nationwide, approximately 99% of all alarms police respond to are false. 

Make sure that you immediately report your false alarm to your alarm company, so they can cancel with police dispatch prior to police arrival to your home or business. Ensure that everyone in your household or business has been properly trained on your alarm system. Make sure your alarm system is in good working order and inspected periodically by your alarm company. 

The City wants to substantially reduce the number of false alarms that the police department responds to, thereby freeing up police to respond to emergency calls for service.

No, this ordinance only allows charges for false alarms.

Yes, you can pay online at this website. You will need to use your permit number and pin/password in order to log in.

Sarasota Police Department 

False Alarm Reduction Program

PO Box 2754

Sarasota, FL 34230

No, car alarms do not need to be registered.

Appeal Process: The Alarm User may appeal an assessment of false alarm fine to the Alarm Administrator by setting forth in writing the reasons for the appeal with (15) days of the notice date. Please write or email. The Alarm Administrator will render a decision in writing. Be sure to include the following with your appeal:

⦁ Your name

⦁ Your email address

⦁ The alarm location

⦁ Date of the false alarm

⦁ Your permit number

⦁ Reasons for the appeal

⦁ Any supporting evidence (Including Alarm Company call logs)

Appeals must be sent to:

Sarasota Police Department

False Alarm Reduction Program

PO Box 2754

Sarasota, FL 34230

Or emailed to: sarasotafl@citysupport.org

Yes, the alarm user may file a written request within 15 days of the appeal denial notification to the special magistrate. Hearings may be conducted through submission of written material or in-person.

Failure to pay the alarm fees is a violation of City Ordinance and may result in your account being turned over to a collection agency.

The Alarm Ordinance went into effect on July 3, 2017.

If you received a duplicate alarm invoice, please contact us via email or call us at (941) 893-2650, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET so we can delete the incorrect invoice(s). If you are directed to a voicemail box, please leave a message with your name, address, phone number and the account/permit number in question.

The alarm ordinance is posted online at this website Sarasota Alarm Ordinance.

You can reach the false alarm reduction service desk at (941) 893-2650, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m ET.

Yes, late fees in the form of $100 Civil Penalties are assessed for non-payment.