General Information
The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 301 on April 1, 2000.
Responding to false alarms results in a cost of emergency service personnel, time and equipment each year.In addition, when officers are responding to false alarms, they may be delayed in responding to true emergencies or situations in which a crime has actually occurred.
False Alarm Reduction Office (FARO)
FARO was created to administer County Ordinance 301. The ordinance allows for the issuance of permits, establishes fees, provides penalties for violations, and establishes a system of administration.
FARO's main function is to encourage alarm users and alarm businesses to maintain the operational reliability and properly use alarm systems and to reduce or eliminate false alarm dispatch requests.
Documents
These downloads are presented in PDF and RTF formats. Please ensure that you have the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to ensure compatibility.
Online Form
False Alarm Permit/Alarm Company Online FormPlease fill out the Online False Alarm Permit/Alarm Company Form above. If you would like to print the form, please see the document below.
If you would like to receive a permit number via email, please fill out the Online Form. The permit number is required to make online False Alarm payments.
Print Forms/Documents
Invoice/Fine Payments
False alarm invoices can be paid in person, or online. We accept payments in the form of cash, check, money order, and credit/debit card.
MAILED PAYMENTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:
Indian River County Sheriff's Office
Att: False Alarm Unit
4055 41st Avenue
Vero Beach, Florida, 32960
Online Payments
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express accepted.
A convenience fee of 3.95%, with a $2.50 minimum, will be applied to each transaction.
False Alarm Training Video
Frequently Asked Questions
- How was the fine structure developed?
Samples of effective ordinances were reviewed and a fine structure that serves as a deterrent for habitual offenders was established. The emphasis of the False Alarm Reduction Program is not to collect fines but to educate the alarm users before they have an opportunity to develop habits that could effect the operation of their alarm system.
- When will I be charged for a false alarm?
Only if the Sheriffs Office responds and finds the alarm to be false. A false alarm is defined as; "any signal that elicits a response by law enforcement personnel and which there is no evidence of criminal activity to justify a law enforcement response". If the alarm dispatch is cancelled by the alarm company before the officer arrives on scene, it shall not be considered a false alarm.
- Where does the money for fines and permits go?
Although paid to the Indian River County Sheriffs Office, all monies received are placed into the Alarm Ordinance Trust Fund. This fund pays for the educational seminars, Alarm Awareness Schools, and the execution of the Alarm Ordinance only. This ensures that the Ordinance is self supporting and requires no tax money.