The Florida state legislature appears to be close to passing a bill that will make it easier and less expensive for companies to sell and install alarm systems. The legislation was spurred on by lobbyists from big-name , including ADT Security and AT&T.
The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Jason Brodeur, and it eliminates local government regulations currently in place regarding the installation of . Instead of these local regulations, there would instead be statewide laws that would allow alarm companies to buy permits in bulk and then expedite the installation process once the alarms were sold to customers. Local jurisdictions, including cities and counties, would be prohibited from charging more than $55 for a permit, under the proposed legislation.
Also, under the proposed law, sales representatives for alarm companies would no longer be required to meet certain licensing standards. This would only apply to the individuals that are not directly involved with the installation of the. This provision would be most relevant to telecom companies that have expanded into the role of home alarm and security equipment providers, and don’t want to have to obtain licensing for storefront and kiosk-based employees.
“The net result will allow consumers to have their alarm systems installed quicker and easier,” said Stephanie Smith, a spokeswoman for AT&T, told the Orlando Sentinel. It is reported that AT&T views the provision of security monitoring services as a prime growth opportunity and a chance to develop new products and services that could total revenues of over $1 billion per year.
Certain local governments and other officials have found fault with the proposed legislation, saying it will lead to a number of compliance issues as a result of showing oneparticularly industry favoritism. The bill has seen a positive reaction in the legislature, with all votes in both the House and Senate being unanimously in favor of passing the provisions of the legislation.
It is anticipated that while the alarm bill will lower costs for , it will raise costs for local governments. For example, in Miami the cost of a permit for the installation of a home security or home alarm system is generally about $220, but that fee would have to be reduced significantly, to $55 by 2015, if the legislation goes into effect.
While some have complained this is just another step by the Florida legislature to eliminate regulations in favor of big business lobbyists and supporters, Rep. Brodeur says the goal is to make it easier for families and individuals to gain access to in order to adequately protect themselves, their property and their families.
“This year, we have voted on several bills to help standardize processes statewide, and I feel it is time to do the same for alarm permitting,” Broduer told the Orlando Sentinel.
Tim Eveler
Author & Public Relations – Tim has been working in sales for the home security systemindustry over twelve years. He’s held positions at large home security companies and in charge of working with the team to create our security system reviews.