Florida Security Guard Training

Unarmed

• New FL Security Guard Training: No Security Guard Experience
• Rookie FL Security Guard Training: 0-12 Months on Duty
• Pro FL Security Guard Training: >1 Year on Duty

Armed

• New FL Security Officer Training: No Security Guard Experience
• Rookie FL Security Officer Training: No additional requirements your first your on duty as a security guard.
• Pro FL Security Officer Training: >1 Year on Duty

In Florida, you can be either an unarmed (Class D) or armed (Class G) security guard. You must first become an unarmed security guard before you can be an armed security guard.

Florida New Unarmed Security Guard Training & Fees Quick Info

Security guards are called security officers in Florida. The terms security officer and security guard are used interchangeably.

Florida New Unarmed Security Guard Training Requirements

• FL Security Guard License Type: Security Officer Class D License
• FL Security Guard License Length: 2 years
• FL Security Guard Fingerprinting & Background Fees: Sheriff’s office = $35+, Division of Licensing = $42 and Live Scan = $55+
• Security Guard Application Fee: $0
• Security Guard Application License Fee: $45 (only if application approved)
• Security Officer Courses before You Apply for a Security Officer License: 24 hours (Cost varies $170 to $360)

Temporary Security Guard License

You may work as an unarmed security officer after you submit your completed Class D application.  If your application is deemed incomplete, an Error or Omission letter will be sent to you and your employer.  Your employment must be terminated until the problems outlined in the letter are resolved.

Florida New Class D Security Guard Training & Fees Detailed Info

In FL you are considered a security officer if your job consists of providing the security services listed below, you must get either a Class D (unarmed) or Glass G (armed) security guard license:

• Acting as a bodyguard
• Guarding property
• Transporting prisoners
• Guarding armored cars
• Attempting to prevent theft, misappropriation or concealment of property or other valuables
• Seeking the return of such stolen valuables

Type of Security Guard License Required & Issuing Authority

• Security Guard License Type: Security Officer Class D License
• Security Guard License Length: 2 years
• Security Guard Licensing Authority: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Licensing
• Security Guard Licensing Website: Division of Licensing
• Security Guard Licensing Phone Number: (850) 245-5691
• Security Guard Licensing Address: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Post Office Box  6687, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6687
• Security Guard License Laws: Chapter 493, Florida Statute

Temporary Security Guard License

You may work as an unarmed security officer after you submit your completed Class D application.  If your application is deemed incomplete, an Error or Omission letter will be sent to you and your employer.  Your employment must be terminated until the problems outlined in the letter are resolved.

Security Guard Training Requirements & Fees

• Security Officer Courses before You Apply for a Security Officer License: 24 hours with cost set by training school.
• Security Officer Classes within 180 Days After You Submitted Your Application for a Security Officer License: 16 hours with cost set by training school.

Florida doesn’t control the cost of the training courses. Security officer-training providers set their own prices. We’ve seen prices ranging from $170 to $360.

To become a Security Guard/Security Officer in the State of Florida, must complete all 40 hours of the Florida Security Guard License Certification Courses at a licensed security school by a licensed security instructor  which is regulated by the Florida Division of Licensing.  DS (for Class D School) is used as an abbreviation for licensed security schools, and DI (for Class D Instructor) is used as an abbreviation for licensed security instructor.

Security Guard Training Exemptions

You are exempt from taking the required Florida State security officer training if you:

• Are a currently employed law enforcement officer, correctional officer or correctional probation officer certified by FDLE Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission. A copy of your valid ID card issued by your employing law enforcement agency is sufficient to satisfy the training requirement.
• Have successfully completed a training program approved by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission for certification as a law enforcement officer, correctional officer or correctional probation officer. A copy of your certificate of completion is sufficient to satisfy the training requirement.
• Qualify for a Class DI Security Officer Instructor license. Proof of such qualification is sufficient to satisfy the training requirement.

Security Guard Background Check & Fingerprinting Fees

• Sheriff’s office = $35+
• Division of Licensing = $42
• Live Scan = $55+

To get fingerprinted for your security officer background check, you can use one of the following methods:

• County Sheriff:  Find out if your local of sheriff’s office  offers fingerprint scanning, what times the service is offered and whether or not you need to schedule an appointment.
• Division of Licensing Regional Offices:  Check this list of regional offices to see if one is near where you live. Call to see if you need to schedule an appointment.
• Live Scan: Check this list of Live Scan offices. Call to see if you need to schedule an appointment.

Keep your receipt for payment and the photocopy of your fingerprints. These documents have your Transaction Control Number (TCN) and name on them. You need this number and the exact name to pay by credit card for your fingerprinting service online at the Civil Applicant Payment System, or CAPS website within 30 days of having them taken, if you can’t pay at the sheriff’s office or the Live Scan office. If you pay for your fingerprints online, keep a copy of the receipt for your online payment. You also need to submit copies of all these documents with your Security Officer application.

Note: Submit your Security Officer application to the Division of Licensing within 90 days of being fingerprinted. For the fee you paid, the FBI allows two fingerprint submissions within the first 180 days. If the Division of Licensing has a problem with your fingerprint submission for any reason and it doesn’t get your security officer application until after 90 days from your fingerprinting, the Division of Licensing may not have enough time to analyze the problem and let you know to submit a second set of fingerprints within the 180-day time frame. In this case, you’d have to pay for another set of fingerprints.

Security Guard Application & License Fees

• Security Guard Application Fee: $0
• Security Guard Application License Fee:  $45
• Payment Types Accepted: Money order, cashier’s check and company check
• Payable To: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service

Security Guard Other Requirements

In order to be a security officer in Florida, you:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be a citizen or legal resident alien of the US or been granted authority to work in the US by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Must have a current residential address. P.O. boxes aren’t considered residential addresses.
• Must provide residential address history for the past 5 years
• Must provide employment history for the past 5 years. If you were a student or unemployed, list the time periods for each.
• Must provide incident details if you’ve been in the military and have ever been court-martialed, fined, or discipline under UCMJ or service regulations
• Must provide complete information about your arrest(s) and include certified copies of court dispositions.  A determination of your eligibility cannot be made until all documentation is received and a complete criminal history record check has been completed. This process takes 1-3 months.
• Must provide a copy of the court document restoring your capacity, if you have ever been adjudicated incapacitated (determined by the court to be incapable of taking care of yourself) .
• Must provide evidence of successful completion of a drug rehabilitation program and three letters of reference, one of which should be from your sponsor in the program, if you have a history of controlled substance abuse
  • If you have ever been involuntarily placed in a treatment facility for the mentally ill under Chapter 394, FS, or similar laws of another state, you must provide a copy of the court document restoring your competency.
  • If you have ever been diagnosed with a mental illness, you must provide a statement from a psychologist or psychiatrist licensed in Florida attesting that you are not currently suffering from a mental illness that precludes you from performing the duties of an unarmed security officer.
  • If you are currently abusing a controlled substance, you are not eligible for licensure.
  • If you have a history of alcohol abuse, you must provide evidence of successful completion of an alcohol rehabilitation program and three letters of reference, one of which should be from your sponsor in the program
• Must have successfully completed a minimum of 40 hours of professional training provided by a Security Officer School or Training Facility licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Security Officer Uniforms and Identification Cards

Your security officer uniform varies according to where you work.  Your security guard uniform is any distinctive clothing that identifies you as part of the security team at your company.  At a vacation resort, you might simply wear the resort’s specified polo shirt and shorts or jacket and pants. For other types of businesses, you might wear other types of uniforms. Regardless of the uniform type, your Class D Security Officer’s uniform must have at least one patch or emblem visible at all times clearly identifying the employing agency and your name. Florida prohibits your uniform to have a 5-pointed star badge as this badge is reserved for use by sheriffs and deputy sheriffs.  Your uniform badge or insignia can’t be indistinguishable from a sheriff’s badge at a distance of twenty feet.

As a Class D Security Officer you may only perform your duties in plain-clothes status on a limited special assignment basis and only when duty circumstances or special requirements of the client necessitates.

You should also carry with you at all times you’re on duty your security officer license card with your photo on it.

Security Guard Application Process

To be an unarmed security officer in FL, download and complete the forms in the Florida Division of Licensing’s Application Instructions for Class D Security Officer License and Chapter 493, Florida Statutes booklet. A summary of the process on how to be a security guard in FL is:

1. Completely fill out the Application for the Class D Security Officer.
2. Obtain your notarized signature on the Class D Security Officer form.
3. Submit your application packet to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Regional Office nearest you – or mail it to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Post Office Box 6687, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6687. Your application packet should include:

• Your complete Security Guard application with your notarized signature
• Proof of Work Authorization, if you’re not a US Citizen
• A passport-type color photograph
• A legible set of fingerprints on a fingerprint card provided by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service; fingerprints must be done by a law enforcement agency
• Your $45 Class D Security Officer License fee
• Your $42 fingerprint card-processing fee; you do not need to submit a fingerprint card or processing fee if you have submitted a card and fees within the last six months

Fees must be paid by money order, cashier’s check or company check made payable to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service.

Florida New Class D Security Guard Training Course Outlines

24 Hour Security Officer Training Class

Security Officer Legal Issues and Liability  (2.5 hours)

• Florida criminal laws relative to common crimes, such as theft, assault, battery, robbery, and burglary
• Limitations of arrest authority (citizen arrest; retail theft)
• Legal use of force and Chapter 776, Florida Statutes
• Security officer response to crimes in progress
• Guidelines for when a client requests a security guard to perform a search

Security Officer Basic Emergency First Aid  (2.0 hours)

• Provides security guards with the basics of first aid techniques so that security officers will be able to service a victim’s needs until professional assistance arrives.
• Basic first aid instructions on various injuries; wounds and shock;  emergency response requirements
• Provide information about the Florida Good Samaritan Act
• Orientation to blood borne pathogens

Emergency Procedures  for Security Officers (1.5 hours)

• Fire and bomb threat evacuations
• Natural disaster preparation and responses (hurricane and floods)
• Major electrical failure

Security Guard Ethics and Professional Conduct  (2.0 hours)

• Describe what professional conduct is for a security officer
• Code of Conduct or Code of Ethics (defined)
• Uniform and personal grooming
• Effective assertiveness
• Discipline
• Readiness:  Shift work and sleep adjustment
• Alertness
• Honesty
• Developing rapport with management, employees and guest
• Sexual Harassment
• Internet, Cell Phone and Text-Messaging Etiquette

Access Control for Security Officers (1.0 hour)

• People
• Vehicular
• Basic Technology
• TWIC Definition

Security Officer Patrol Techniques (1.50 hours)

• Define patrolling
• Purposes for patrol
• Types of patrols
• Identify required equipment for a security officer
• Mobile patrol and vehicle safety (defensive driving techniques)
• Preventative patrols and fire watches
• Fixed post duties and vehicle control

Security Guard Observation Techniques and Report Writing (3.0 hours)

• Observation techniques
• Field note-taking, prerequisite to good reporting
• Report elements: the six interrogatives defined  (who, what, when, where, why and how)
• Characteristics of a good report (clear, neat, complete, brief, accurate, prompt)
• Procedure (outline, draft, final product)
• Importance of proofreading
• Sample reports common to the security industry
• Punctuation and capitalization
• Grammar guidance
• Introduce student to bullet-style outline

Interviewing Techniques for Security Officers (1.0 hour)

• Explain what an interview is
• Explain the difference between interview versus interrogation
• Explain the styles of interviewing
• Provide an understanding of how to develop rapport with the  victim, witness, or suspect
• Explain how to motivate the person being interviewed
• The interview approach
• Explain how to end an interview
• Define deceptive cues

Fire Detection, Suppression and Life Safety  (1.5 hours)

• Mission of the security officer regarding fires
• Definition of fire, highlighting the necessary ingredients
• Responsibilities of security officer regarding, fire prevention, safeguarding of others and fire extinguishing
• Procedures for controlling small fires
• Fire extinguishing methods (cooling, smothering, starving)
• Use of extinguishing agents, including list of extinguishing agents and identification of extinguishers and relative markings
• Sodium fires
• Acids
• Explain s. 877.15, Florida Statutes, failure to control or report a dangerous fire
• Life safety issues, such as:
  • Life safety plans
  • Fire detection, location and intensity
  • Evacuation

Crime and Accident Prevention Techniques and Practices (2.0 hours)

• Methods of prevention (thefts by use of lock, inspection or alarm technology)
• Methods of prevention (injury, eliminating hazards and reporting)
• Methods of prevention.  Securing company equipment, property and reporting deficiencies
• CCTV

Crime and Accident Scene Protection (1.0 hour)

• Definition of a crime/accident scene
• Value of crime/accident scene integrity (to investigators, etc.)
• Duties of the first security officer on the scene:
  • Determines what makes up the crime/accident scene
  • Isolating and protecting the crime/accident scene
• Methods to protect the crime/accident scene
• Evidence preservation
• Contamination of evidence
• Chain of custody
• Identifying witnesses

Terrorism Awareness  (2.0 hours)

• Definition and history of terrorism
• National Threat Levels
• Types of terrorist attacks
• Role of Security Officer
• Recognition and response to potential terrorist activities

24 Hour Class D Security Guard Exam

The exam is allotted 1 hour of the 24 hour of security guard training. The exam consists of 100 questions, as follows, with a passing grade of 75 percent. No more than 50 percent of the questions for each core topic may be true or false.

• Chapter 493, F.S. and Chapter 5N-1, F.A.C. (8 Questions)
• Legal Issues; Liability 1(0 Questions)
• Basic Emergency First Aid (8 Questions)
• Emergency Procedures (7 Questions)
• Ethics and Professional Conduct (8 Questions)
• Access Control (6 Questions)
• Patrol Techniques (7 Questions)
• Observation Techniques and Report Writing (11 Questions)
• Interviewing Techniques (6 Questions)
• Fire Detection, Suppression and Life Safety (7 Questions)
• Crime and Accident Prevention Techniques and Practices (8 Questions)
• Crime and Accident Scene Protection (6 Questions)
• Terrorism Awareness (8 Questions)

Not Getting or Losing Your Class D Security Guard License

Security Guard License Suspension, Revocation, or Issuance Refused

In Florida, things that can prevent your security guard license from being approved or renewed and get your security officer license suspended or revoked.

Reasons for Suspension or Denial of Florida Security Guard License

When the Florida Division of Licensing finds any violations of Chapter 493, it may do one or more of the following:

• Deny an initial or renewal application for a security officer license
• Issue a reprimand to the security officer
• Impose on the security officer an administrative fine up to $1,000 per offense

Class D or Class G Application WILL BE DENIED

Your Florida security officer application will be denied for any one of the following reasons:

• Have been convicted of a felony in any state or of a crime against the United States, which is designated as a felony, or convicted of an offense in any other state, territory, or country punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year, unless and until Civil Rights have been restored and a period of 10 years has passed since final release from supervision. Proof of restoration of Civil Rights must be submitted with this application.
• Are currently serving a suspended sentence on a felony charge or on probation for a felony charge.

Class D or Class G Application MAY BE DENIED

Your Florida security officer application may be denied for any one of the following reasons:

• Have a history of being arrested for crimes of violence and/or found guilty of (or had adjudication withheld for) directly related crimes.  This includes, but is not limited to: trespassing, breaking and entering, burglary, robbery, forgery, criminal mischief or theft, assault, battery, stalking, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, sexual battery, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, aggravated stalking, resisting an officer with violence.
• Have demonstrated a lack of respect for the laws of this state and the nation.
• Have an outstanding bench warrant or capias.
• Are currently in a pre-trial intervention or deferred prosecution program

The Division of Licensing is responsible for enforcing the provisions of Chapter 493 and initiating administrative action when violations occur. The following are examples of violations that are prohibited by law and may result in administrative action such as a fine, probation, revocation or suspension of license.

• Impersonating a law enforcement officer or representative of the state
• Using force or acts of violence except in the lawful protection of the licensee or another from physical harm
• Conducting security officer duties without a Class D Security Officer License
• Carrying a firearm without a Class G Statewide Firearm License
• Performing security duties in a uniform which does not have at least one clearly visible patch or emblem identifying the employing licensed security agency
• A security officer who does not possess an identification card and license while on duty
• Commission of a crime directly related to the license held, such as theft

FL Rookie Unarmed Security Guard Training & Fees Quick Info

Even though you have just completed security training to get a security officer, you must get additional training within 180 days.

FL Security Officer Classes within 180 Days After You Submitted Your Application for a Security Officer License

• Hours: 16
• Cost: Varies by security license training provider

Glass G Application Process

Follow the instructions in the Unarmed Security Guard post to get your Class D Security Officer license.

Florida Rookie Class D Security Guard Training & Fees

Florida Rookie Class D Security Guard Training  needs to be completed within 180 Days After You Submitted Your Application for a Security Officer License. The security guard training is:

• Hours: 16
• Cost: Varies by security class training provider

16 Hour Course B for Class D Security Officer Training Class

Public Relations for Security Guards (1.0 hour)

• Private security/law enforcement relations
• Firefighter and EMT interaction
• Relations with the media
• Community relations
• Courtesy and etiquette issues

Courtroom Procedures for Security Officers (1.0 hour)

• Explain the security officer’s role as a witness in both criminal and civil court
• Explain the roles of the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney and jury
• Explain the security officer’s rights as a victim/witness
• Identify the types of questions a witness may be asked
• Use of reference records
  • Value of good notes and reports
  • Use of security records in court
• Explain subpoena, deposition and pretrial hearing
  • Who is required to attend
  • Discussing the case, dos and don’ts
• Courtroom testimony issues
• Preparation
  • Giving testimony
  • Courtroom demeanor
• Fundamentals of Personal Security 2.0 hrs.
• Explain the proper use of cognitive and affective skills – calmness, courtesy, patience, and self-control
• Provide an awareness of the types of weapons that might be used against a security officer – batons, chemical weapons, knives, guns, etc.
• Responding to violent crimes
• Defusing hostility, de-escalation techniques
• Evasive tactics
• Weapon safety awareness
• Review the security officer’s use of weapons as outlined in Chapter 493, Florida Statutes
• Explain the steps to be followed when responding to a potentially violent situation

Interpersonal Communications for Security Officers (2.0 hours)

• Perception factors – appearance, body language, tone of voice
• Clarifying verbal and written communication (speaking well)
• Demonstrate professional communication
• Identify the effects of threats or challenges which are directed toward the security officer
• Identify the effects of threats or challenges that are directed toward a citizen by the security office

Professional Communications for Security Guards   (0.5 hour)

• Two-way radio use and procedures
• Telephone etiquette
• Other professional communication techniques

Traffic Direction for Security Officers  (1.0 hour)

• General responsibilities of traffic controllers
• Areas where security officers may direct traffic
• Position and posture in directing traffic
• Identify practical hand signals
• Identify safety equipment
• Use of the whistle
• Use of the flashlight
• Use of traffic cones and flares

Crowd Control for Security Officers  (1.0 hour)

• Types of crowds (peaceful, hostile, demonstration, etc.)
• Characteristics of crowds
• Identify methods for directing flow of crowd traffic
• Teamwork among security officers in crowd control situations
• Crowd control techniques
  • Interaction procedures
  • Effective assertiveness
  • Issuing directives
  • Eliciting cooperation
  • Identifying Agitator
• Effective security officer behavior in crowd control situations
• Riot and protest preparation

Special Problems for Security   (4.0 hours)

• Fundamentals of understanding unique behavior
  • Dealing with disabilities
  • Emotionally distressed
  • Elderly
  • Juveniles
  • Street people (trespassers)
• Controlled substances
  • Identification and recognition
  • Dealing with people under the influence
• OSHA first responders duties (such as hazardous materials)
  • How to read and understand labels
  • Responding to hazardous materials incidents
  • Security officer safety and accident prevention
• Violence in the workplace
  • History and scope of the problem
  • Awareness of potential violence
  • Security actions to prevent workplace violence
• Physical security measures
• Detection of abnormalities
• Reporting incidents
  • Responding to violent behavior
  • Role of crisis management and trauma teams (security officer’s role in providing assistance)

Terrorism Awareness for Security Guards   (2.50 hours)

• Dynamics of a Terrorist Attack
• Proactive Counter Intelligence and Operational Security (OPSEC)
• Physical Security and Access Control
• Bomb Incident Response
• Mail Screening
  • Biological/Chemical
  • Explosive
• Types of Attacks and Responses (BENICE)
  • Biological
  • Explosive
  • Nuclear
  • Incendiary
  • Chemical
  • Energetic
• Samples of Florida Incidents

Florida Rookie Class D Security Guard Training 16 Hour Class D Security Guard Exam

The exam is allotted 1 hour of the 16 hours of security guard training. The exam consists of 70 questions, as follows, with a passing grade of 75 percent. No more than 50 percent of the questions for each core topic may be true or false.

• Public Relations 6 (Questions)
• Courtroom Procedures 6  (Questions)
• Fundamentals of Personal Security  (8 Questions)
• Interpersonal Communications (8 Questions)
• Professional Communications (4 Questions)
• Traffic Direction (4 Questions)
• Crowd Control  (4 Questions)
• Special Problems for Security (20 Questions)
• Terrorism Awareness (10 Questions)

Florida Pro Class D Security Guard License Renewal, Registration Renewal, Updates & Replacements

Security Officer Application Renewal

• Renew Every: 2 years
• Fee: $45
• Payment Types Accepted: Certified check, money order and cashier’s check
• Payable To: Florida Division of Licensing

Name Changes

If you’re a security officer and you change your name for any reason, you must inform the Division of Licensing by submitting to it a written request and a copy of the legal document evidencing your name change. You can have a revised license printed for a fee of $15, payable by check or money order to the Florida Division of Licensing. If you prefer, you may keep your current license until it is time to renew. At time of renewal, remember to send your written request and a copy of the legal document evidencing your name change with your renewal application and we will issue your renewal license with your legal name.

FL Security Guard License Renewal

You can renew your license if it has not been expired for more than 3 months. A late fee of $45 is required in addition to the renewal license fee of $45. If the license has been expired for longer than 3 months, you must re-apply for a new license.

Mail Class D License Renewals To

Division of Licensing
Post Office Box 9100
Tallahassee, Florida 32315-9100

Florida New Glass G Security Guard Training & Fees Detailed Info

Florida New Armed Class G Security Guard Training Summary

• FL Armed Security Guard License Type: Class D Security Officer License
• FL Range and Classroom Armed Security Guard Training Required: 28 hours
• Training Provided By: Licensed Class K FL Firearms Instructor
• Armed Security Training Taken: Within the preceding 12 months

In Florida to be an armed security guard that carries a firearm in the performance of your security duties, you must obtain a Class G Statewide Firearm License. The firearm must be required by your employing agency and must be carried openly. You will need to do a physical medical test and pass as well a firearm proficiency course that includes a written portion and a target-shooting portion in order to qualify for the Class G Security Officer license. You must have a valid Class D Security Officer License in order to obtain the G License.

Florida New Glass G Security Guard Training Requirements & Fees

In order to qualify for the Class G Security Officer license, you must have successfully completed 28 hours of range and classroom training provided by a licensed Class K Firearms Instructor within the preceding 12 months. The firearms instructor will issue you a Certificate of Firearms Proficiency (Form DACS-16005) upon completion of the firearms training. A copy of this certificate must be included with your application. Your firearms training includes lessons such as weapons instruction, marksmanship, gun safety, gun care and maintenance, hand-to-hand combat techniques, rules of engagement and use of deadly force, and 28-hours of Range and Class

• If you are certified by FDLE’s Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission (CJSTC) as a law enforcement officer or correctional officer and you are currently employed in either of these capacities, a copy of your valid ID card issued to you by your employing law enforcement agency will satisfy the training requirement.
• If within the preceding 12 months you have successfully completed a training program approved by the CJSTC for certification of graduates as law enforcement officers or correctional officers, a copy of your certificate of completion from that program will satisfy the training requirement.
• If you qualify for a Class “K” Firearms Instructor License, a copy of one of the law enforcement or security firearms instructor certificates listed in this section will satisfy the training requirement.

FL Armed Security Guard Other Requirements

• Unless otherwise approved by the Division of Licensing, a Class D licensee who has been issued a Class G license may carry a .38 caliber revolver; or a .380 caliber or 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol; or a .357 caliber revolver with .38 caliber ammunition only. If an armed security officer’s duties require a firearm such as a shotgun, etc., a written waiver must be obtained from the Division prior to its use. Waivers must be requested by the licensed agency and will be granted only upon a showing of sufficient need.
• No licensee may carry more than two firearms upon her or his person when performing her or his duties. A licensee may only carry a firearm of the specific type and caliber with which she or he is qualified pursuant to the firearms training referenced in s.493.6115 (8), FS.
• Pursuant to section 493.6115, FS, a Class D Security Guard licensee can bear a firearm only if they also have a Class G license.
• A Class D licensee who has also been issued a Class G license must keep their firearm in a holster and in plain view at all times.
• A Class D Security Officer who also possesses a Class G license may carry a firearm only when the duty assignment requires armed security and only while on the post of duty. Section 493.6115(3), F.S.
  • Example: A Florida Class D Security Officer who also has a Class G license and is normally assigned to an armed post is assigned, temporarily, to an unarmed post. He may not carry his firearm on the temporary assignment.
  • Example: The same security officer, while serving on his usual armed post, may not wear his firearm when he leaves his assigned post for other than duty purposes, such as for lunch, or when traveling to or from home. During such non-duty periods, the firearm must be removed and secured.
  • Example: A Security Officer without a Class G license may not be assigned a vehicle that contains a shotgun.
  • Example: A Security Officer without a Class G license may not be assigned to a perimeter gate guard shack where firearms are kept in a locked gun rack if the officer is issued keys to the gun rack.

Firearms and Ammunition

Class D licensees, who also have a Class G license, can only use standard (factory) ammunition of a type and load, which is appropriate for their location and duty requirements. Use of the following type ammunition by an armed security officer is prohibited:

• Glaser-type or any other pre-fragmented-type bullets
• Exploding bullets
• Full metal jacket (fmj)/full metal case (fmc) bullets except in semiautomatic firearms
• Teflon-coated (ktw-type) or any other type of armor piercing bullets
• Full wadcutter bullets (except on firing range)
• Reloads (except on firing range)

Florida Class G Security Guard License Renewal

To maintain your Class G armed security guard license in Florida, you must maintain your firearm permit and required range and classroom training.

Florida Class G Security Guard License Renewal

Mail your Class G security license renewal application to:
Division of Licensing
Post Office Box 9100
Tallahassee, Florida 32315-9100

Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Renewals

Mail your concealed weapon and firearm license renewals to:

Division of Licensing
Post Office Box 3030
Tallahassee, Florida 32315-3030