Alachua County Sheriff's Office

How the Ordinance Works

Every permitted alarm user is allowed one "free" false alarm within a rolling 12 month period, not calendar year. False alarm response fees for permitted alarms are imposed beginning with the second false alarm within a 12-month period, at a fee of $25.00 going up to $400.00.

Fee Schedule

1. For Permitted sites, the first false alarm is free, the second false alarm is $25.00.
2. Third and fourth false alarms: $50.00 each
3. Fifth and sixth false alarms: $100.00 each
4. Seventh and eighth false alarms: $200.00 each
5. Ninth and above false alarms: $400.00 each

Alarms Not Permitted

The fine for a false alarm from a non-permitted alarm system is $200.00. The Sheriff or the City Manager may reduce this amount to $50.00, plus a $25.00 response fee and you must obtain a permit within ten days of the false alarm activation.

An alarm user will be considered in violation of the alarm ordinance if :

• fail to register their alarm system(s)
• fail to pay the imposed false alarm response fees

Alarm Installers

The alarm contractor (installer) is responsible for providing new customers with a permit number at the time of sale or before installation. This number comes from FARU. The contractor must have a permit number to work or service ANY system.

Before placing a residential or non-residential alarm system into service, every alarm system must be Permitted with the FARU.

Contracting and monitoring companies conducting business in Alachua County and the City of Gainesville must register annually. Remember, each jurisdiction has its own ordinance.

Please inform the FARU of any change regarding your alarm company, mailing address, or emergency contact information within 15 days.

Alarm users and/or alarm companies must notify the FARU in writing when there is a takeover or change in ownership.

ALARM PERMITS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE.