False Alarm Reduction Program - Alarm Registration

*NOTICE* 

UPDATE - As of February 18, 2026, we continue restructuring this program, seeking to partner with a false alarm management company to better serve you.  We are optimistic this program will re-launch within 6 months.  Please continue checking this webpage for updates.  The requirement to register your alarm and pay the associated fee has been suspended until such time we re-launch this program.  Thank you for your patience!!!    

False Alarm Reduction Program
Thank you for partnering with our police department to enhance safety in our Island City!  The purpose of this program is to reduce preventable alarm activations and preserve police resources for actual public safety incidents.  This webpage will assist you in registering your alarm, and also with understanding the importance of this program, proper alarm system management, and our associated ordinance.  

Alarm Registration Required by City Ordinance
Section 7-3(b) of our City’s Code of Ordinances tells us, “No person shall use an alarm system without first obtaining a permit from the City for such alarm system, and paying the registration fee or renewal fee as prescribed in the City’s Consolidated Fee Schedule”. 

One exemption exists for self-monitored alarm systems.  Section 7-3(a) says, “Self-monitored alarm systems are exempt from permit requirements unless one (1) false alarm occurs at the property where the alarm is installed. Should one (1) false alarm occur that prompts a police response at a property of this nature, the exemption is forfeited indefinitely, and the requirements of this Chapter shall apply to the alarm user.”  A self-monitored alarm system is defined as, “an alarm system that is managed and monitored by a property owner or alarm user without the involvement of an alarm company.”

Authorized Third Party Alarm Management Partner
The City of Wilton Manors partners with [partner TBD], a professional third-party alarm management company, to administer and manage our False Alarm Reduction Program. [Partner TBD] assists with alarm registrations, renewals, alarm tracking, billing, compliance, and public education on behalf of the city.

Alarm Registration Prompt
To register your alarm using [Partner TBD] authorized webpage, click HERE.  

Why We Have a False Alarm Reduction Program
Alarm systems are an important public safety tool. However, most alarm activations in Wilton Manors are false.  Up to 80% of all alarm activations in our City are determined to be false alarms.  That means four out of every five alarm calls require officers to respond where no emergency exists.

False alarms:

• Divert officers from real emergencies;
• Delay response to crimes in progress and medical calls;
• Consume hundreds of patrol hours annually;
• Increase public safety costs; and
• Reduce proactive policing efforts.

The purpose of this program is to reduce preventable alarm activations and preserve police resources for actual public safety incidents.

Program Objectives
This program focuses on prevention and education first, while holding repeat offenders accountable.  The False Alarm Reduction Program is designed to:

• Reduce unnecessary police dispatches;
• Improve alarm system reliability;
• Promote responsible alarm management by alarm users;
• Ensure compliance with Section 7 of the City Code;
• Preserve law enforcement resources; and
• Enhance community safety.

Alarm User Responsibilities
Chapter 7 - Alarm Systems of our Code of Ordinances provides the standards of this program and also details the responsibility of alarm users.  Some of these responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Maintaining alarm equipment in proper working condition;
• Providing accurate emergency contact information;
• Updating registration information within 30 days of changes;
• Providing the permit number to the monitoring company;
• Deactivating an alarm within 30 minutes after activation;
• Responding (or having a representative respond) when requested by police; and
• Not activating an alarm except for legitimate emergencies. and
• Others as prescribed in ordinance.

For a list of all responsibilities and standards, click HERE Version Options False Alarm Reduction Program - Alarm Registration Headline to review Chapter 7 – Alarm Systems of our Code of Ordinances.  Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in fines and enforcement action.

False Alarm Fine Schedule
To encourage compliance and reduce repeat false alarms, the City uses a graduated fine structure. Fines are assessed based on a permit year that is defined as, “the one-year period beginning the day and month on which the alarm permit is issued”. Continued excessive false alarms may result in additional enforcement measures as permitted under City Code up to and including our police department no longer responding to your property for alarm related calls for service.

 

What Is a False Alarm?
A false alarm occurs when an alarm signal prompts a police response and no evidence of criminal activity or emergency is found.  Common causes include but are not limited to:

• User error;
• Improper installation;
• Equipment malfunction;
• Low batteries; and
• Untrained users.

How You Can Prevent False Alarms
The majority of false alarms are preventable.  You can help reduce unnecessary police responses by:

• Ensuring professional installation;
• Scheduling regular maintenance;
• Replacing batteries as needed;
• Securing doors and windows before arming;
• Training all users on proper operation;
• Immediately contacting your alarm company if activated accidentally; and
• Keeping emergency contacts current.

Why This Matters
At minimum, every false alarm response requires:

• At least two officers;
• A full building or perimeter check; and
• Time diverted from emergency calls.

Reducing false alarms means:

• Faster response times to true emergencies;
• Better use of taxpayer resources;
• Increased public safety; and
• Stronger community trust.

Together, we can reduce preventable alarms and ensure officers are available when they are truly needed.

Alarm System Installation - Do I need a building permit to install my security alarm system?
Low voltage alarm systems that are hardwired are regulated by the Florida Building Code and F.S. 553.793.  Wireless security alarm systems that are installed by some companies,  and even property owners themselves, are not required to have a building permit.  If you have questions as to whether a building permit is required for the installation of your alarm system, please contact our Community Development Services Department at (954) 390.2180.

Alarm Registration Prompt
To register your alarm using [Partner TBD] authorized webpage, click HERE.  Center/View/189