How to Get Your Security License in Florida
Private security guards perform a variety of duties depending on their specific jobs. Those duties may include: protecting a private company's property and the people in the building, serving as personal bodyguards to people who could be in danger, helping prevent theft, working as part of an armored car team and other similar jobs.
In the state of Florida, the steps to become a security professional are clear and straightforward. Training requirements vary depending on whether you will be an armed or unarmed guard. If you have other law enforcement background or a military background, you may receive credit for that training and experience.
Meet Basic Qualifications
To apply to become a security professional, you must be:
- 18 or older
- A U.S. citizen or legal resident alien, or been granted permission to work in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Pass Background and Fingerprint Checks
It's reassuring to know that security guards must pass background checks to look for illegal activity or arrests in their own backgrounds. This includes fingerprinting to complete a more detailed background check.
You must pay to be fingerprinted. The cost for fingerprinting services as of April 2019 is $42, plus a fingerprint retention fee of $10.75. It's important to have your fingerprints retained on file in case you need them again. Typically, fingerprints are valid in Florida for 12 months, although some agencies will require a new set of fingerprints with any application.
Take Training Required for License
The initial license required is called Class D. This is for unarmed security guards, but even if you want to get a license to be an armed guard, which is a Class G license, you still must start with the Class D license.
Class D Training: The training for a Class D license is a 40-hour course. In the past, it was a two-part course consisting of Part A and Part B, but this was replaced by the 40-hour course in August 2018. The material covered is the same; it's just handled in one course instead of the two. Be sure you take training from a school or trainer that is licensed by Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, to offer such training.
Class G Training: To become licensed to carry a firearm as a security guard, you must complete Class D training first, and then Class G training. This is a 28-hour course that covers the legal use of firearms, safety and mechanical training, and practice in using firearms. Class G license holders must also take four hours of training annually to retain their licenses.
Training Exceptions: If you are already employed in certain jobs or have a military background, you may be credited for some or all of the required training. For example, the following are usually exempt from the training:
- Current law enforcement and correctional officers, or those who took the training within the past 12 months to become one
- Federal law enforcement officers
- Veterans whose military background included similar types and amounts of firearms training.
Apply For Your License
You can apply for your license online or in person. Apply online at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing. There you will also find directions for applying in person. To apply, you will need:
- Two forms of identification, including one photo ID
- Proof of fingerprinting
- Proof of required training
- Licensing fee of $45 for Class D license or $112 for Class G license (or $127 if you're requesting a temporary Class G license, too).
References
- Security Guard Training HQ: Security Guard Training in Florida
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Private Security Licenses
- Fresh From Florida: Private Investigation, Security, Recovery: New License Fees
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Licensing: Class "G" Statewide Licensing and Firearms Requirements
Resources
Tips
- Law enforcement officers can waive the training requirement. Law enforcement officers must supply a photocopy of their law enforcement I.D. card with their application.
Warnings
- A poor photograph could delay your application. You can obtain a passport-style photograph at drugstores, passport offices and photography studios for a fee. If you are taking your own photograph, use a plain background. Do not include other people in the picture.
Writer Bio
Barbara Bean-Mellinger is a freelance writer who lives in the Washington, D.C. area. She has written on business topics for bizfluent.com, afkinsider.com, Harbor Style Magazine, the Charlotte Sun and more. Barbara holds a B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh and has won numerous awards in B2B and B2C marketing.