The 30-Second Verdict
SimpliSafe offers the best value for most Florida homeowners — no contracts, cellular backup, and reliable monitoring. ADT is for those who want the legacy brand and professional installation. Ring is ideal for existing Ring camera users.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
ADT
Pros
- Nation's largest security company — strongest brand recognition
- Professional installation
- 24/7 professional monitoring with strong response record
- Insurance discounts often available (5–20%)
Cons
- Requires 3-year contract in most cases
- Monthly cost $30–$65/month — highest of the three
- Equipment cost high with contract, moderate without
SimpliSafe
Pros
- No long-term contract — month-to-month $20–$25/month
- Cellular backup — works when WiFi and power are out (critical for FL hurricanes)
- Strong DIY installation — no professional required
- Fast 24/7 monitoring at competitive price
Cons
- Less brand recognition with some insurers for discounts
- Cameras are a separate add-on (not included in base)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| ADT | SimpliSafe | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Monitoring | $30–$65/month | $20–$25/month |
| Ring Alarm Cost | N/A | $10/month basic, $20/month professional |
| Contract Required | 36-month typically | No contract — month-to-month |
| Cellular Backup | Yes | Yes — critical for FL hurricane outages |
| Equipment Cost | $0–$500+ (varies with contract) | $250–$500 for starter kit |
| Professional Install | Yes — included | DIY — install yourself |
| Florida Hurricane Ready | Yes — cellular, battery backup | Yes — designed for outages |
| Best For | Homeowners wanting professional installation and brand | DIY-capable, no-contract, best value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does home security reduce insurance in Florida?
Most Florida home insurers offer 5–15% discounts for monitored security systems. ADT's brand is specifically recognized by some insurers. Provide your monitoring certificate to your insurer each year at renewal. The discount typically offsets $100–$300 of the monitoring cost annually.
What is the best security system for a Florida vacation home?
Remote monitoring capability is essential for Florida vacation homes. Both SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm allow you to arm/disarm remotely, receive alerts, and view cameras from anywhere. Add water/flood sensors — a burst pipe in an unoccupied Florida home can cause $50,000+ in damage if not caught quickly.