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Click a link below to see answers to frequently asked questions about false alarms.
Does my alarm system have to be registered?
Residential or non-residential (business or commercial) alarm systems must be registered annually if they are monitored, or have interior/exterior indicators (flashing lights, sirens, etc.) that can be seen or heard outside of the alarmed location by others, encouraging an alarm dispatch request.
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Do I have to register my car alarm?
No, vehicles are exempt unless they are permanently affixed to one location.
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What is the registration fee for a residential & non-residential (commercial or business) alarm location?
A fee of $25.00 shall accompany each application for all operating systems within unincorporated Miami-Dade County. All locations must pay the $25.00 fee at least once. Should the location have NO false alarms within the previous calendar year, the registration fee will be waived for the subsequent year.
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Can I register my alarm if my alarm company is not registered with FAEU?
No. Remember, both your alarm company and alarm monitoring company must be registered with the FAEU!
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Who is required to obtain a permit to do business in Miami-Dade County?
Alarm contractors who install, maintain, alter, sell, service or monitor residential and/or non-residential alarm systems.
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Where does the money go that is collected from fees and fines?
Funds collected under this section shall be applied to the operational costs and enforcement of this ordinance, to reduce the number of false alarms received by Miami-Dade County, and to reduce the time spent by Miami-Dade Police handling false alarm calls.
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Can I appeal a false alarm assessment?
Yes. Alarm response fines may be appealed to the Clerk of the Court within 20 days of the issuance of the citation.
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Appeals for fines and reinstatement of police services will be heard by the Clerk of the Court for any reason. However, when considering whether to file an appeal, please note that the following will be considered a false alarm by the Administrative Officer hearing the case:
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Faulty, defective or malfunctioning equipment
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Improper installation or maintenance of equipment
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Improper monitoring by an alarm business
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An occurrence where no evidence of criminal activity is present
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Mistakes made by private contractors (maids, cleaning crews, etc.)
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Alarm activations which occur while alarm technicians are repairing or servicing the alarm system
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Items within the home or business, which move and cause motion detectors to activate (curtains, signs, balloons, etc.)
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Glass break detectors which activate due to noises/sounds other than actual glass breakage
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Doors and/or windows that become loose and cause a break in the contacts which activates the alarm
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Caretakers who watch homes or businesses when owners are away
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Pets, rodents, or wildlife
Cases involving crimes or criminal attempts will be heard, however, the incident must be documented within ten business days of the activation. The False Alarm Administrator may request a written statement or report from a registered alarm company representative, which details the reasons for the false alarm.
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What are some of the benefits of the false alarm reduction program to our community and citizens?
The false alarm reduction program establishes alarm monitoring and reporting procedures, and alarm user education requirements, thereby ensuring alarm company compliance with the State of Florida licensing requirements to conduct criminal history background checks on all of their employees engaged in the sale, installation, monitoring or maintenance of alarm systems. These program components are designed to protect and educate the consumer and to ensure a higher quality of alarm system installations, thereby contributing to the overall reduction of false alarms. It also allows police to respond to citizens who are in need of actual police assistance.
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