Are security cameras legal in your area?

If you are considering upgrading your home security or installing a new security camera system, you might be asking yourself “Are security cameras legal in my area?”. While local laws can differ, in most cases home surveillance is legal when you take a few precautions and make sure you are complying with state laws.

Florida State Laws Allow Home Security Cameras

Florida Statute §810.145 titled “Video voyeurism” makes it illegal to record video of a person without their knowledge in a setting where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The laws do not apply to the following instances of home security:

When visible notice is posted where camera systems are installed.
When the camera systems are visible and immediately obvious.
When the camera system is observing an area where occupants would not expect to have privacy or engage in acts that a reasonable person would keep private.

Florida’s video voyeurism laws are designed to stop people from illegally taping others in compromising situations without their knowledge. Home security cameras, when used properly, do not violate these state laws because they are pointed at your private property on which visitors should not have an expectation of privacy.

Central Florida Laws on Security Cameras

The laws for security cameras can change from city to city and even between counties. Therefore, it is important to work with a licensed security systems provider with knowledge of your area’s regulations regarding video recording of your property. The following is a list of several major cities of the Central Florida area and any applicable laws to security cameras for home and business use.

Volusia County – No county ordinances for home security cameras. Sec. 26-36 requires all late-night businesses, stores, or operations to have a concealed security camera meeting the standards of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Department.

Orange City – None.

Deltona – None.

Deland – None.

Daytona Beach – No city ordinances for home security cameras. Sec. 26-175 requires convenience businesses to have a security camera system capable of recording and retrieving images to assist in criminal identification and apprehension.

Flagler County – None.

Palm Coast – No city ordinances for home security cameras. However, a security camera system capable of recording and retrieving an image in the event of a crime is required at electronic game promotion establishments (Sec. 16-251) and convenience businesses (Sec. 16-228).

Orange County – No city ordinances for home security cameras. Sec. 25-177 requires convenience stores to have a security camera system capable of storing and retrieving an image in the event of a crime.

Orlando – None.

North Central Florida Laws on Home Security Cameras

Neither Alachua County nor Marion County has any county ordinances for or against security camera use on residential or commercial property. The cities of Gainesville and Ocala also do not have any city-specific ordinances for security camera use.

Security Cameras Are Legal in Florida When Used Properly

Even if there are no ordinances against security cameras on your property, you can still commit an illegal act if you do not configure them properly. The cameras should only be facing your property and not recording any areas of your neighbor’s home or yard.

Some neighborhoods or Homeowners Associations may have their own rules regarding home security cameras, so before you install a system it is best to check with your area’s governing body.

For more information on the benefits of home security cameras and full home security systems, call 866-961-7649 for a free home security quote.

If your location is not listed here and you live in Winter Park, Maitland, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Gainesville, Ocala, Palatka, Kissimmee, The Villages, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Ormond Beach, Holly Hill, Port Orange, South Daytona, New Smyrna Beach, Oak Hill, Ocoee, Clermont, Mount Dora, Deland, Debary, Orange City or Volusia County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Marion County, Orange County, Lake County, Sumter County, Flagler County or surrounding areas, contact Security Pro of Florida to learn about the local ordinances and laws regarding the use of security camera systems.

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Are security cameras legal in your Florida home or business?