FALSE ALARM REDUCTION UNIT

Laurie Weber
(772) 220-7140
alarms@sheriff.martin.fl.us


On September 27th, 2005 the Martin County Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance titled The Martin County False Alarm Reduction Ordinance. This allows the County to impose a fine against businesses and homeowners for False Alarms. Click here for The Martin County False Alarm Reduction Ordinance.

The ordinance was designed to minimize the number of false alarms and help offset the cost of deputy response to false alarms. The ordinance places responsibility on the alarm user to prevent false alarms.

What is a False Alarm?
A false alarm occurs when the alarm system is activated and the Sheriff’s Office responds, but there is no evidence of criminal activity. This includes alarms activated by mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or negligent or intentional misuse, where no indicated emergency existed, which results in any response by the Sheriff’s Office.

Preventing False Alarms
*Educate the members of your home or business on how to manually operate the alarm system and what to do if the alarm is accidentally set off
*Close all windows and doors before turning on alarm
*Keep pets out of rooms with motion sensors.
*Check for drafts that can move plants, curtains, signs, holiday decorations and other items in motion sensor areas. Fans, heaters, air conditioners, open windows, etc. can all cause drafts.
*Don’t try to beat the system. If you need to re-enter after arming the system, disarm and start over.

If you accidentally set off your alarm:
*Don’t panic!
*Enter your disarm code carefully.
*If you subscribe to service with an alarm company, do not leave the premises until you have talked to them.

Fees for Alarm Systems
To register your alarm and receive a permit = $20.00 for the 1st year
Click here for the Alarm Permit Application.

Alarm operators who experience no false alarms during a permit year will have their alarm permit renewal fee reduced to $10.00 for the following year provided that the permit is renewed prior to the expiration of the current permit.

Failure to renew annually with the Tax Collector's Office may result in a $125.00 fine.

Alarm Fees

*First and Second is $25.00 each*
*Third and Fourth is $50.00 each
*Fifth and Sixth is $75.00 each
*Seventh and Eighth is $100.00 each
*Ninth and above is $150.00 each

If the alarm operator has a valid alarm permit, there is no fine for the first false alarm

A non-permitted alarm system or alarm system with a revoked permit will result in a $200.00 fine in addition to the alarm fine.

All fines are due within 45 days of the date of issuance on the invoice.

False Alarm Reduction Class
As a way of curbing the fees of your false alarm, an Alarm Reduction class will be offered. By attending this class, you will be given a certificate, which will in turn dismiss one false alarm fine for one year.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does my alarm system have to be registered?
Residential or non-residential alarm systems must be registered annually if they are monitored or have exterior indicators (flashing lights, sirens, etc.) that can be seen or heard outside of the alarmed location by others, encouraging an alarm dispatch request.

Do I have to register my car alarm?
No, vehicles are exempt unless they are permanently affixed to one location.

What is the registration fee for a commercial or business alarm location?
A fee of $20.00 shall accompany each application for alarms on residential, Residents and businesses within the unincorporated areas of Martin County are subject to this ordinance.

Complete this form and return it with the permit fee of $20.00 to the address below:

If you do not have a monitored alarm, click below on the
False Alarm Permit Form!
Complete this form and return it with the permit fee of $20.00 to:

Martin County Tax Collector's Office
False Alarm Reduction Unit
3485 SE Willoughby Blvd.
Stuart, Fl 34994
(772) 320-4775

Checks should be made payable to:
The Martin County Tax Collector