Florida DBPR
I was recently driving in south Florida and noticed this sign. I felt that I had to explain to consumers that a state license is required to install security cameras and burglar alarms among other low voltage items.
Electrical an alarm work done improperly can cause severe harm to both life and property. Be sure you hire only licensed contractors. This type of work is so complex that Florida has developed stringent licensing requirements for those individuals providing these services. Florida licensed electrical and alarm contractors are educated and Tested to ensure the level of expertise and intern your safety. Most people do not know this but Florida law requires an electrical or alarm system license for:
*The installation and monitoring of all burglar and fire alarm systems.
*Limited energy systems such as low-voltage electrical wiring in home entertainment and fiber optics when wired throughout its structure. This means security cameras with wiring ran thru your attic or walls.
*Most electrical work or wiring other than simply pluging in a power cord into existing electrical outlet.
Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
Beware of contractors for purporting to be the fastest or the cheapest, because hiring them may result in poor workmanship, inferior materials or unfinished jobs. Such claims are also warning signs of unlicensed activity.
* unlicensed individuals often targeted the uninformed and inexperienced as well as the elderly.
* unlicensed individual’s frequently travel in unmarked vehicles, soliciting door-to-door, posting signs on streets with markers so to give the illusion that your going to get a great price because you might be dealing straight with the installer.
* They often give a post office box address instead of the street address.
* They demand large payments upfront ask for cash payments ,ask for a full payment before the work is completed and convince homeowners to get the necessary building permits.
To verify a contractors license call 1-850-487-1395 or go to the departments website at www.myfloridalicense.com
Don’t put the safety of your family or business in the hands of a hand written sign on the street.
