How to Start a Gated Community in Florida

So you have a community that you would like to secure with a gate, but don't know where to start.  Well FDC is Florida's gated community headquarters.  With over 30 years experience, we have what it takes to get your community secure.  Here are some things to consider when adding gates to your community.

When you add gates to your community, you will need to provide a means for people to enter.  Here are some examples of who whill need to be granted access, and some access control options available.

1. Residents - residents of the gated community will use key codes, access cards, barcodes on their vehicles, remote transmitters, or any combination of these.  RFID (think Epass) is also available.  Here are the advantages/disadvantages of each.

• Codes - Not very secure.  Codes can get out into the community diminishing security instantly.

• Cards - Good security, but requires a stop at the gate with the window down.  Having your window down (with purse or wallet beside you) could be a security risk at some locations.  Having to open a window during a rain storm is another disadvantage.

• Barcodes (Bar Code Labels) - Inexpensive, very secure, card does not have to stop at gate.

• Remote Transmitters - More expensive, but car does not have to stop at gate.

• RFID (Epass) - Expensive, but car does not have to stop at gate.

2. Visitors/Deliveries - Visitors of residents and delivery people may call from telephone entry system to be granted access.

3. Maintenance (pool, yard, meter reader, etc.) - Calling from entry system is not a good option as these services are often provided when residents are not at home.  Usually, time restricted codes that are managed and changed periodically are suitable for allowing access.

4. Emergency Service - Many Florida counties require a siren activated sensor and a KNOX switch to open a gate for emergency vehicles at gated communities.

5. Postal Service - Post office supplied key mechanism will fit into a prepared opening in the telephone entry system.  Mail carriers carry a key that will allow them access to the community.

STACKING DISTANCE - another thing to consider when planning your community gate is the distance from the gate to the street (called stacking distance).  This will determine the number of vehicles that can line up waiting to be granted access to the community.  Ample room to turnaround if access is denied is also another important factor to consider.  You don't want traffic to backup and cars to shuffle around because someone at the front of the line doesn't have the proper credentials to get in, and you don't want the people behind them letting them in just to get them out of the way.

If room permits, it is a good idea to have separate lanes for residents and visitors with different access methods at each.

Gate Design

FDC can add pizzazz to your gated community’s entrance by designing and fabricating an ornamental gate that accents the look and feel of your community. FDC takes great pride in the craftsmanship and artistic abilities of our manufacturing professionals.

Locations Throughout Florida

Locations in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale and Melbourne allow FDC to service the entire state of Florida.

Call 800.321.6487 x.21 or Request a Quote Online!