Jobsite security cameras are one of the smartest investments you can make, but only if you use them the right way. In Georgia, Texas, and across the Southeastern U.S., the rules around surveillance vary just enough to create confusion. And confusion can be where costly mistakes happen.
This guide is here to keep you in the clear. Whether you’re protecting tools from theft, documenting job progress, or making your site safer, we’ll walk you through what’s legal, what’s not, and how to cover your bases like a pro.
Public vs. Private, You Need to Know Where the Line is
Before you mount your first camera, let’s get something straight, where you install it matters. You’re generally in the clear when filming open job sites, exterior zones, or parking areas. These are public-facing spaces with no expectation of privacy. But once you venture indoors or into semi-enclosed areas, like break trailers, locker rooms, or restrooms, you need to pause and reassess.
The law hinges on a simple idea: does someone expect privacy in that space? If yes, surveillance without consent can lead to legal issues, no matter how well-meaning your intentions. That’s why it’s critical to think through every placement. Even areas like a quiet corner of a trailer might qualify as “private” under certain conditions.
Georgia Surveillance: Stay Visible, Stay Safe
Georgia gives businesses some leeway when it comes to video monitoring, but you need to be smart about how you use it. Recording is fine in public and semi-public areas as long as you’re steering clear of places where privacy is expected. Think: common spaces like loading docks or hallways outside job trailers.
What trips people up most often isn’t the video, it’s the audio. Georgia’s one-party consent law allows you to record a conversation as long as one person involved knows it’s being recorded. That might be you. Still, it’s best to be up front about any kind of monitoring, especially in areas your team uses for breaks or meetings.
If you’re placing cameras in these shared spaces, written employee notice is recommended. Better yet, fold this into your onboarding process. A quick policy overview and a signature go a long way toward building trust, and protecting your business.
Clear Boundaries are a Must in Texas
Texas plays by similar rules but with slightly higher stakes. Public space surveillance? No problem. But stray into private territory, like locker rooms or enclosed trailers, and you could be violating Texas Penal Code § 21.15, which covers invasive visual recording.
One of the key things to remember in Texas is that “permission” isn’t just a best practice, it’s your safety net. If your team doesn’t know they’re being recorded, especially in mixed-use spaces, you could be setting yourself up for complaints or worse. Texas also follows the one-party consent rule for audio, but that doesn’t override physical privacy boundaries. Cameras still can’t go where people expect to be unobserved.
Include your surveillance policies in employee handbooks. Make signage visible. And if you’re unsure whether a particular setup is legal, talk to a local expert before you install.
Across the Southeast: Follow These Core Principles
If you’re operating in multiple states, the nuances can get tricky. But some core ideas apply almost everywhere in the Southeastern U.S. First, never place surveillance in spaces where privacy is reasonably expected. This rule is nearly universal.
Second, know your state’s stance on audio. Some, like Florida, require all parties to consent before recording a conversation. Others don’t. Still, the safest approach is full transparency, make it known when and where surveillance is active.
Finally, create a standardized policy that applies to all your sites. This saves you from having to reinvent the wheel every time you open a new location or onboard a new team. Simplicity keeps you compliant.
Secure Your Site Without Crossing the Line
The goal here isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble, it’s about setting up a system that works well and earns trust. So what does that look like?
It starts with visibility. Your signage should be impossible to miss. At entrances, on fences, inside trailers, everywhere someone might reasonably ask, “Am I being recorded?” If the answer is yes, the signs should already be there. Then, think about placement. Avoid installing cameras near medical tents, bathrooms, or any spot used for changing clothes. Even if you don’t intend to capture private moments, the mere possibility can put you at risk. Next, get your policies in writing. New hires should read and acknowledge your surveillance policy during onboarding. That signed document might just be what protects you in the future.
And don’t set it and forget it. Conduct audits every few months. Are the cameras still in the right spots? Is footage being stored properly? Who has access? These are the details that separate responsible setups from risky ones. For added peace of mind, consider using a centralized video management platform. These tools not only help you stay organized, they make it easier to track footage, manage access, and maintain an audit trail if a dispute arises.
Surveillance That’s Smart, Legal, and Trusted
Security cameras are a game-changer on jobsites, but only when used responsibly. In an industry where trust and transparency matter just as much as tools and tech, staying on the right side of the law sends a clear message: you’ve got nothing to hide and everything to protect.
Whether you’re covering a lot in Atlanta, a site in Houston, or several properties across the Southeast, the rules may vary, but your approach doesn’t have to. Be consistent. Be clear. Be proactive.
You’re not just building structures. You’re building a reputation. Let EyeQ help you protect both.
