Minnesota Security Camera Laws for 2025: What You Need to Know Now

Minnesota's legal landscape for commercial surveillance is nuanced, blending state wiretapping statutes with specific industry regulations and local ordinances. For businesses looking to invest in commercial security systems, understanding the rules that govern camera placement, audio recording, and data handling is essential to maintain legal compliance.

This guide explores the specific legal requirements and best practices for businesses, covering key topics related to Minnesota laws on security cameras, installation, and monitoring.

How to Select a Commercial Surveillance System in Minnesota

There are several decisions to make when selecting a video surveillance system for your business. Some key factors to consider when evaluating the options include:

• Camera type and coverage
• Video quality and storage
• Real-time monitoring and alerts
• Integration with access control
• Audit and reporting tools
• Scalability and support

It is especially important, particularly in Minnesota, for businesses to understand what they can and cannot do to ensure their employees’ safety, while also protecting both company assets and personnel privacy.

Minnesota Surveillance Camera Laws Explained 

The core principle that governs video surveillance in Minnesota, as in most states, is the reasonable expectation of privacy.

Surveillance Laws for Public vs. Private Spaces

In general, it is legal for a commercial entity to install security cameras to record activities in public-facing or “common” areas where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes spaces like:

• Store aisles and sales floors
• Lobbies and waiting areas
• Parking lots and exterior entrances
• Common workspaces 

However, surveillance is strictly prohibited in areas where individuals have a high and reasonable expectation of privacy, such as:

• Restrooms
• Locker rooms or changing areas
• Employee breakrooms intended for private use (some exceptions based on context)

Any violation of privacy in these areas can lead to civil and criminal liability in Minnesota.

Posting Clear Signage and Notices

While not always explicitly required for video-only surveillance in commercial spaces, posting clear and conspicuous signage is considered a best practice for complying with security camera installation laws in MN at the federal, state, municipal, and organizational levels. For example, some higher education systems in Minnesota have policies requiring signs to inform the public that video surveillance is in effect. Anoka County even has its own specific policy that mandates  "conspicuous notice" be posted near public entrances!

Industry-Specific Surveillance Camera Laws for Minnesota

Certain commercial sectors in Minnesota, particularly those that care for vulnerable populations, have strict, detailed state laws governing electronic monitoring.

Senior Care and Assisted Living Facilities

Minnesota statute § 144.6502 governs electronic monitoring in licensed nursing homes, assisted living, and boarding care homes. Specifically:

• Resident-Initiated Monitoring: The law authorizes a resident or their representative to conduct "electronic monitoring" (audio, video, or both) in their private room or living unit.
• Mandatory Consent: Monitoring requires written consent from the resident and any roommates. If a resident lacks capacity, a resident representative may consent, provided the resident has not affirmatively objected.
• Facility Notice: Facilities must post a sign at each public entrance stating that "Electronic monitoring devices, including security cameras and audio devices, may be present to record persons and activities". The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) provides detailed guidance on this process here.

Childcare and Daycare Facilities

In a move to improve child safety measures, the Minnesota state legislature has approved a new law (pending approval by the House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee) that mandates security cameras in all childcare facilities, with some exceptions. The law requires cameras in classrooms and common areas, and it very clearly outlines where cameras can and cannot be placed in these facilities (e.g., no cameras in bathrooms or where children are dressed). This will drastically change the scope of security camera installations for this space.

Minnesota Data Handling Requirements

Beyond camera placement, commercial businesses must also carefully manage other touchpoints, such as the data collected by their surveillance systems, to remain compliant with state and local rules.

Minnesota Data Retention and Destruction Laws

Minnesota statute § 325E.319 addresses video security systems maintained by a business in a way that relates to specific individuals. This statute focuses on data security and destruction, requiring businesses to securely destroy or wipe video data when it is no longer needed or when the system reaches the end of its useful life. Given this statute, best practice suggests that businesses should implement and document clear data retention policies — for instance, keeping footage for 30, 60, or 90 days — and then securely overwriting it.

Local Registration Requirements

Some Minnesota cities impose specific registration or notification requirements on businesses that operate surveillance systems.

In Minneapolis, businesses that obtain or renew a commercial license (e.g., liquor, entertainment, or transient merchandise licenses) are required to register their on-site surveillance cameras. This information is submitted to the city on a specific form as part of the licensing process.

Audio Recording in Minnesota

One of the biggest compliance pitfalls for commercial surveillance systems is the use of audio recording alongside video.

Minnesota is a "one-party consent" state for recording private conversations. This means a conversation can be recorded legally if at least one party to the conversation has given their consent.

Commercial Implication: While one-party consent applies, in a commercial setting, using security cameras that record audio covertly (without the knowledge or consent of all recorded individuals) is highly risky. To avoid potential wiretapping violations and liability for recording private employee or customer conversations, security professionals specializing in security camera monitoring laws for Minnesota almost universally recommend that businesses:

1. Disable the audio function on all interior and exterior commercial surveillance cameras.
2. If audio recording is necessary (e.g., at a customer service counter), ensure a clear, explicit notice is posted and, ideally, obtain explicit consent.

Do You Need a License to Install Security Cameras in Minnesota?

A license is generally required to install security cameras in Minnesota, especially if the installation involves low-voltage or electrical work, or if it is part of work for an alarm system company. Minnesota requires either a contractor or electrical contractor license for companies and individuals who install alarm systems, fire alarms, and video surveillance systems. 

Beyond legal compliance, having a licensed commercial security integrator like Security 101 install your system ensures:

1. Knowledgeable installation with proper camera placement to keep your organization secure and compliant.
2. Safe installation to protect against electrical issues and camera failure.
3. Recourse through your state licensing entity if the installer does a poor job.
4. Protection against scammers, fraud, and criminals who use security camera installation as a cover.

Lawful Use of Video Surveillance in Minnesota

Consistent monitoring is an important part of a plan that protects your employees and property. However, complying with Minnesota’s laws to avoid penalties and costly liabilities is just as important as an airtight coverage plan.

To ensure your organization is abiding by the law, it is key to closely collaborate with an expert security professional, competent in protecting businesses with sophisticated video surveillance technologies and who knows in depth the specific laws and regulations at the state and local level in Minnesota (Minneapolis).