Alarm Ordinance

City of Fort Walton Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8.02 — Alarm Systems (as amended by Ord. No. 2090, §3(Exh. A), adopted 1-25-22). This page is a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the official Code of Ordinances.

Definitions

An alarm system is any device or combination of devices intended to signal an unauthorized entry, fire, or other emergency — whether monitored by an alarm company, self-monitored, or audible only. A false alarm is an activation to which police or fire personnel respond that is not caused by an actual or attempted burglary, robbery, fire, or other genuine emergency (§8.02.00).

Alarm Permit Required

Anyone operating an alarm system within the City must first obtain an Alarm Permit. Operating a system without a valid permit is a violation and may result in a fine (§8.02.01).

Display & Presentation

The current alarm permit, or satisfactory evidence of it, must be available at the alarm site and presented to City staff on request. Failing to present a valid permit when asked is treated as a separate violation (§8.02.02–.03).

Operational Reliability & Rules for Use

Alarm systems must be installed, maintained, and operated so they do not generate false alarms from faulty equipment, improper installation, or user error. Users must follow the City's rules for arming, testing, and promptly canceling accidental activations with the monitoring company or responding agency (§8.02.10–.11).

False Alarms

Police Services tracks alarm activations and applies escalating fines once a permit exceeds a set number of false alarms within a rolling 12-month period. A pattern of excessive false alarms can lead to suspension of response or revocation of the permit. The property owner or alarm user bears the burden of showing an activation was not a false alarm (§8.02.12, §8.02.125–.126).

Appeals

A person cited for a false alarm violation may appeal the citation to the City's Board of Adjustment, following the procedure and time limit stated on the citation (§8.02.13).