How to Pick the Best Home Security System Installer in St. Petersburg, FL

We've done the hands-on testing and local research to help you decide. 

Is Your St. Petersburg Home Really Secure? What We Learned After Testing 5 Professional Security Installations

Have you ever wondered if that security system you're considering is actually worth the money—or worse, if it might give you a false sense of security while leaving critical vulnerabilities exposed?

Sunshine and Security Concerns in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, with its beautiful waterfront parks and vibrant arts scene, offers residents an enviable Florida lifestyle. But beneath the sunshine, there's a sobering reality: property crime rates that exceed the national average by 31%, and violent crime rates a startling 71% above the national average.

That's why in early 2025, our team decided to put the city's security installers to the ultimate test. We had five different security systems professionally installed in the same house over several months. What we discovered cut through the marketing hype and revealed surprising insights about what really protects a home—and what's just expensive window dressing.

What Really Matters to St. Petersburg Homeowners

After living with multiple systems, we found homeowners care about three core aspects:

The Value-to-Reliability Relationship

The most expensive system isn't always the most effective. What matters is reliability—will it work when you need it most? Systems from established providers like ADT (installed by SafeStreets) and Vivint demonstrated the most consistent performance in our testing, with fewer false alarms and more dependable monitoring connections.

Quality of Life Features That You'll Actually Use

Here's what surprised us: the security components homeowners interact with most aren't the motion sensors or control panels—they're the smart doorbell cameras and garage door controllers. These features transformed from "nice-to-haves" into "must-haves" after just weeks of use.

In our testing, Vivint's doorbell camera offered the clearest two-way communication and package detection, while ADT's integration with Google Nest products provided the most seamless garage control experience.

Peace of Mind Investment

The most valuable aspect of professional security installation isn't measurable on a spec sheet—it's the peace of mind. Knowing your home has been secured by professionals who understand vulnerabilities that most homeowners miss is genuinely life-changing. And don't forget fire safety—professional installations typically include monitored smoke detectors that work even when you're away from home.

What's State of the Art in 2025 (And What's Timeless)

Security technology has evolved dramatically in 2025. Today's systems feature AI-powered cameras that can distinguish between people, pets, and vehicles with remarkable accuracy. Facial recognition has improved to the point where false positives are rare, and integration with smart home devices is now seamless rather than clunky.

However, some aspects of security remain timeless:

  • Proper sensor placement still matters more than sensor technology
  • Backup communication methods (cellular, Wi-Fi, landline) remain essential
  • Professional monitoring continues to provide faster emergency response than self-monitoring

The best installers understand both the cutting-edge technology and these timeless principles.

Understanding How Security Companies Operate

To make an informed choice, you need to understand how these companies actually work:

ADT and SafeStreets

ADT operates six monitoring centers across North America, providing redundancy if one center experiences issues. SafeStreets is an authorized ADT dealer—essentially a franchise that sells and installs ADT equipment and connects customers to ADT's monitoring services. This relationship means SafeStreets must meet ADT's installation standards, but customer service experiences can vary.

Vivint's Direct Model

Unlike ADT, Vivint uses a direct sales and installation model. The person who sells you the system, the technician who installs it, and the monitoring center that responds to alerts all work directly for Vivint. This integrated approach results in more consistent customer experiences but sometimes at a premium price.

The Monitoring Platform Secret

Here's an industry secret: many local security companies use the same monitoring platforms. Alarm.com provides the technology backbone for numerous regional providers, while ADT and Vivint maintain proprietary monitoring systems. This means the actual alert processing might be nearly identical between a local company and a national brand—the difference lies in response protocols and customer service.

Professional Installation vs. DIY: Why It Matters

During our testing, we had a security expert evaluate both professionally installed systems and DIY attempts. The differences were striking:

The Professional Edge

Professional installers know critical "tricks of the trade" that DIYers miss:

  • Optimal sensor placement that accounts for pets, air currents, and sunlight patterns
  • Proper tamper protection that prevents disabling of devices
  • Strategic camera positioning that eliminates blind spots
  • Thorough testing under various conditions

Common DIY Mistakes

Even technically inclined homeowners made these potentially dangerous errors:

  • Placing motion sensors where sunlight creates false alarms
  • Installing door sensors with improper spacing
  • Positioning cameras at angles that create blind spots
  • Failing to secure the system against tampering

When it comes to protecting your family, this isn't the place to cut corners or learn through trial and error.

Top Home Security Installers in St. Petersburg

Based on our extensive testing and research, here are the best security system installers serving St. Petersburg:

  • SafeStreets - As ADT's authorized dealer, they bring decades of security expertise combined with the latest Google Nest integration. Their installation technicians were the most thorough in our testing, taking time to explain system operation and optimal settings.
  • Vivint - Their direct-to-consumer model delivers outstanding smart home integration with security. Their installers demonstrated the best knowledge of camera placement and lighting considerations, and their app experience was the most intuitive.
  • SimpliSafe - While primarily DIY, they offer professional installation and represent the best option for renters with their no-contract approach and removable equipment.
  • Maximum Security Services, Inc - This local provider at 106 S Bungalow Park Ave offers competitive pricing and responsive local service, though their equipment options are more limited than national providers.
  • Audio Video FL - Specializing in both security and home theater, they excel at integrating entertainment and security systems for a cohesive smart home experience.
  • Paramount Security Solutions - Located at 6800 Gulfport Blvd S, they offer customized security packages with flexible monitoring options.
  • Sapphire Audio Visual Experts - Based at 2950 5th Ave S, they bring expertise in both security and audiovisual integration.
  • Premier Communications and Technology - Their comprehensive approach at 2561 Nursery Rd covers security, networking, and automation.
  • Hoppen Home Systems - Operating from 333 Falkenburg Rd N, they offer full-service home automation with security integration.
  • Security Lock & Safe - Located at 5088 66th St N, they provide both traditional physical security (locks) and electronic security systems.

St. Petersburg Crime Trends: Why Security Matters

The statistics are sobering: property crime in St. Petersburg is 31% greater than the national average, while violent crime exceeds the national average by 71%. The city currently has a crime grade of 0 (on a scale where higher is better).

These statistics matter not just for the 37.6% of residents who own homes but also for the 62.4% who rent. Even renters can benefit from wireless security systems with professional installation that can move with them.

The Bottom Line: National vs. Local Installers

After our extensive testing, here's our conclusion: while local companies often offer competitive pricing and personalized service, the stability, consistency, and peace of mind provided by established national installers like SafeStreets and Vivint justify their slightly higher costs for most homeowners.

The national providers demonstrated more thorough installation protocols, more consistent monitoring, and better long-term support. Their technicians receive standardized training that was evident in the quality of their work.

Don't leave your family's safety to chance or cut corners to save a few dollars. Professional installation from a reputable provider is an investment in genuine security and peace of mind. Whether you choose a national brand or a trusted local installer, professional installation should be non-negotiable for anyone serious about home security in St. Petersburg.

Important Considerations

Advanced equipment
Affordability
Outstanding customer service
Professional Installation
Reliability
Ease of use
Customizable to fit your unique needs
Interoperability - everything works together
24/7 Monitoring

Recommended Home Security System Companies in St. Petersburg, Florida

ADT

ADT is the gold standard, and they now have Google Nest as a partner. Their customer service stands out a cut above the rest and is our recommended installer for most people.
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Vivint

Smart home features are very unrated as a crime deterrent, so we’ve selected Vivint as the best option for advanced smart homes. Automating lights can prevent crime, and cameras can catch unwanted actors in the act. 
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SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is the best option for renters since you buy the equipment up-front. Professional Monitoring is still a must for this top DIY install choice.
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Latest 2025 Home Security Deals and Promo Codes

SafeStreets ADT - take your pick of these bonus offers:

Vivint offers:


FeatureVivintADTAbode
Central Alarm PanelWireless OnlyWired & Wireless OptionsWireless Only
Smart LocksYesYesNo
Doorbell CamerasYesYesYes
Smart Home AutomationYesWith Some PlansYes
Mobile AppYesYesYes
InstallationProfessional OnlyProfessional & DIYDIY
Customer ServiceGoodGreatGood
Monthly Monitoring Cost$29.99 to $49.99$27.99 to $58.99$12.42
Installation Cost$0+$0+$0
Return Policy30-Day6-Months30-Day

Choosing a Home Security System Installer in St. Petersburg

Choosing the home security system that works best for you can seem like a daunting task but taking a few moments to assess your needs will make the decision much easier.

Rent vs. Own

Whether you rent or own will influence which home security system is right for you. Renters will want to consider systems that won’t cause any permanent damage to walls since you will likely have to either make repairs yourself or lose some of your deposit when you leave. This will also make it easier to bring your equipment with you when you decide to relocate. Another consideration for renters will be whether the landlord permits affixing security cameras to the exterior of the structure and if it can surveil common areas (e.g., apartment hallways, carports, etc.). We recommend you review your lease agreement and consult with your landlord before installing any home security system component on the exterior of a rental.

Homeowners have a little more leeway when choosing a home security system since they can attach permanent fixtures like surveillance cameras and smart locks, and they typically won’t move as often as renters. However, a greater number of potential configurations makes choosing the best home security system company even more challenging, which is why it’s important to assess your needs.

Family and Visitors in the Home

Another consideration is who lives in the residence and how many people you allow access to the home. Renters with roommates may only need a security camera for their room, whereas a homeowner may want full interior coverage. If you have kids that let themselves in after school, a doorbell camera can let you know they made it home safe. If you have caregivers or others who you allow periodic access to the home, then a smart lock with customizable codes is perfect for monitoring who is accessing the house. And of course, motion sensors and interior security cameras can let you keep an eye on those furry family members while you’re away.

Professional Installation vs. Do-It-Yourself

For smaller projects, like a single camera or smart lock installation, you may want to do it yourself if you’ve got the tools and are somewhat handy. For anything bigger or more complex, professional home security system installation is the way to go. Considering the time it’ll take you to install it yourself – not to mention the headache – any money spent on installation will be well worth it. And if you choose Vivint, installation is free.

More importantly, a professional will ensure your home doesn't have any blind-spots or weaknesses in coverage. From glass-break sensors to pet-immune motion sensors, the more layers of detection the better. If you have pets, pros like you'll find at ADT are what we recommend to most people.

How Important are Smart Home Features for protecting your St. Petersburg home?

It’s easy to forget that home security systems don’t begin and end with just door and window sensing. When choosing a security system for you home, some companies like Vivint have nearly endless automation options. We feel that preventing break-ins with smart home features like light automation and doorbell camera is the way to go.

Easy to Use Mobile App

Having an intuitive app that controls your home security devices from a smartphone or tablet allows you to get the most out of your investment.

How Smart Home Automation Can Prevent Crimes

According to the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly 75% of burglaries occur when no one is home so it’s important to give the appearance that your residence is occupied even when it isn’t, and smart home automation can help. Automatically turning your interior and exterior lights on and off to give the appearance of being occupied is one of the key features of smart home automation, especially when you’re on vacation.

Additionally, smart door locks and automated garage door systems, like MyQ, can not only alert you when they are opened, but also answer those nagging questions while you’re away like “Did I forget to close the garage door?” or “Did the kids lock the front door when they left?”

St. Petersburg, FL Local Security Installers

Choosing between a nationwide home security system company and a smaller, local one can be a tough choice for some people. Here are the pros and cons to each:

Nationwide companies:

  • Pros:
    • Lower prices due to higher volume of business
    • Wider range of available equipment
    • More established / more likely to be in business for the long-term
  • Cons:
    • Potential for impersonal service
    • Longer-term contracts

Local companies:

  • Pros:
    • Supports local economy
    • May be more familiar with your area’s needs
  • Cons:
    • Smaller staff can cause delayed installation
    • Higher pricing
    • May not be in business long-term

We recommend the national installers Vivint for it's class leading technology and ADT for superior customer service and all around value.

St. Petersburg, FL Home Security System Installers

Find a local security company

Accurate Electronics
9225 Ulmerton Rd
Smart Haus Store
15100 Hutchison Rd
Locksmith Near Me Tampa Bay
10940 N 56th St
ALL IN ONE LOCKSMITH
141 1st Ave Nw Largo
Strada Services
4916 Denver St
Maximum Security Services, Inc
106 S Bungalow Park Ave
Paramount Security Solutions
6800 Gulfport Blvd S
Sapphire Audio Visual Experts
2950 5th Ave S
Premier Communications and Technology
2561 Nursery Rd
Hoppen Home Systems
333 Falkenburg Rd N
Security Lock & Safe
5088 66th St N
Gemini Prime Smart-Solutions
1330 Burlington Ave N
Active Security
4900 Seminole Rd
Imount Services
Audio Video FL
Bill’s Video Design

Areas Served

Neighborhoods of St. Petersburg, FL

South Bayshore
Palma Ceia
USF
Busch Gardens
Channelside
Town N Country
West Tampa
Westshore
Davis Islands
South St. Petersburg - Edit
Midtown
Downtown St. Petersburg
MacDill AFB
Grand Central District
Gateway
Hyde Park
Tyrone
Madeira-Redington
Sun City
Clearwater Beach
New Tampa
Old South East
South Tampa
Seminole Heights
Harbour Island
Downtown Tampa
Interbay
International
Ybor City
Tampa Palms
SoHo
St Pete Beach

Cities Nearby St. Petersburg, Florida

Harbor Bluffs, FL
Redington Shores, FL
Feather Sound, FL
Tierra Verde, FL
Belleair Beach, FL
Belleair Bluffs, FL
Indian Shores, FL
St. Petersburg, FL

Zip Codes in St. Petersburg, Florida

33707
33702
33762
33713
33712
33711
33710
33716
33715
33714
33705
33703
33704
33701

Information About St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg has a population of 264,001 and is located in Pinellas County. According to recent ACS data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $60,798. Median home value is $222,852, and the median rent is $1,168/month. With a median age of 43.1 years old, 37.1% of residents over the age of 24 have at least some college education, with 26.9% having an income over $100,000. 40.1% of households are married.

St. Petersburg Demographics

According to the 2020 Decennial Census, the racial breakdown was as follows:

  • White – 69%
  • Two or More Races – 4.6%
  • Black or African American – 21.3%
  • Other Race – 1.3%
  • Asian – 3.5%
  • American Indian and Alaska Native – 0.2%
  • Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander – 0%

Final Considerations

Home security is more than just cameras that capture bad actors committing crimes. Smart home features such as automated lighting are underrated features that can prevent thefts before they happen.

Professional monitoring is a must, and the choice generally comes down to a balance between the latest technology, overall price, and the service you receive for installation and on-going maintenance.

Our pick for the best home security system is ADT, with its exceptional reputation for customer satisfaction and professional installation, followed closely by Vivint which while slightly more expensive, has the most advanced security technology for your home.

SimpliSafe is our home security system recommendation for renters with its great balance of features and value, while offering minimal installation effort and reasonably priced professional monitoring.

St. Petersburg, Florida Home Security System FAQs

What is the best home security system in St. Petersburg

Based on our research, the best home security system option for residents of St. Petersburg, FL is ADT, followed by Vivint. With free professional installation, 24/7 monitoring, a wide variety of home security, cameras, and smart home options to suit any need, reasonable monthly fees, and superior customer service, ADT is the security system we’d choose for our homes.

How much does it cost to install security systems?

Home security system cost vary greatly depending on the size of the house and number of devices. You can get started for as little as $280 for a system, but the average homeowner should expect to pay around $700 for a complete system with home automation.

Professional installation costs can range from $120 - $600, with the potential for even higher costs depending on how much equipment you purchase. However, some larger home security companies offer reduced pricing or even free installation with the purchase of a system and monitoring.

Monthly monitoring fees range anywhere from $10 - $65 dollars per month depending on installation type (landline vs cellular) and services offered.

Why is a security system needed?

When it comes to keeping your property and loved ones safe, home security systems are one of the top ways to accomplish that mission and sleep peaceably at night knowing you’re covered.

Can I install a security system by myself?

Most people can install a single device, such as a wireless camera, relatively easily. When it comes to installing multiple, interconnected devices, professional installation is best. Abode is a great DIY option.

What is the best DIY security system?

Abode is the best DIY home security system option. They have a wide variety of products you can mix-and-match to fit your needs, all with easy installation.

Does Vivint offer free installation?

Yes. Vivint offers free installation and no activation fee for new customers.

Does ADT offer free installation?

Sometimes promotions are available for free installation, though usually there is a $99 fee. The best option is to check here for the latest promotion that Safestreets currently has available.

How can I prevent break-ins?

Home security systems are the best way to prevent break-ins, but there are other steps you can take to protect yourself. Sufficient exterior lighting around your house, keeping entry points such as windows unobscured, and participating in programs like a neighborhood watch are all steps you can take to deter break-ins.

Does a security camera system prevent break-ins?

Yes. A study by the University of North Carolina of incarcerated burglars found that most looked for indications of increased security (e.g. alarms, cameras, etc.) when selecting a target, and that the presence of a security system would cause about 60% of them to “shop” elsewhere.

© JRW Publishing Company, 2023
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