State guides
Guides
Written from primary sources (state statutes, regulations and the licensing agency's own publications), and each one cites them.
Across states
States that don't require a security guard license (2026)
20 states don't license unarmed guards themselves. Where a city, your company or a state registration fills the gap, and what armed work needs.
8 min read · Updated September 27, 2026Security guard license for veterans: which states give military credit (2026)
Where military service replaces guard training, speeds up an application, waives fees or lowers the armed age, and where it counts for nothing. 22 states.
6 min read · Updated September 27, 2026Florida
How to get a Class D security license in Florida (2026)
Every step to a Florida Class D security officer license: the 40-hour course, fingerprints, the $97.75 in fees, how to apply, and when you can start work.
7 min read · Updated September 27, 2026Florida Class D license renewal: fees, deadlines, late rules
How to renew a Florida Class D security officer license: the 2-year cycle, the $61.75 renewal cost, online renewal, late fees, and the 3-month cutoff.
5 min read · Updated September 27, 2026Florida Class G license requirements (2026 guide)
What Florida requires for a Class G statewide firearm license: the 28-hour Class K course, the $164.75 fee, annual 4-hour requalification, and renewal rules.
7 min read · Updated September 27, 2026What a Florida security license costs in 2026 (Class D and G)
Every state fee for a Florida Class D and Class G security license: first-time and renewal costs, fingerprint fees, late fees, and military fee waivers.
5 min read · Updated September 27, 2026Florida's $15 minimum wage: what security officers should know
Florida's minimum wage hits $15.00 an hour on September 30, 2026. What it means for hourly security officers: overtime, pay checks, and what to do if underpaid.
5 min read · Updated September 27, 2026Florida security license for veterans: military police credit (2026)
How Florida veterans can use military police service in place of the 40-hour Class D course (Rule 5N-1.119), the Class G path, and which fees are waived.
5 min read · Updated September 27, 2026California
How to get a guard card in California (2026 step-by-step)
Every step to get your California security guard registration: the 8-hour course, the exam, Live Scan fingerprints, fees, and how long it actually takes.
7 min read · Updated August 26, 2026California guard card renewal: deadlines, fees, and the 60-day trap
When to renew your California security guard registration, what it costs, what happens if you are late, and the annual training you must finish first.
5 min read · Updated August 26, 2026BSIS security guard training requirements, explained (8 + 32 + 8)
The full California security guard training schedule: the 8-hour pre-licensing course, 32 hours in your first six months, and 8 hours every year after.
6 min read · Updated August 26, 2026Powers to Arrest study guide: what the California exam actually tests
A study guide for the Powers to Arrest section of the California security guard exam, private person arrest, detention vs. arrest, use of force, and the questions that trip people up.
8 min read · Updated August 26, 2026What a California guard card really costs in 2026
Every fee itemized: training course, exam, Live Scan fingerprints, BSIS application, and renewals, plus the hidden costs of letting your card lapse.
4 min read · Updated August 26, 2026Connecticut
Connecticut armed security officer: blue card, pistol permit and training (2026)
Armed guards in Connecticut need a state pistol permit plus the $62 blue card: age 21, an 8-hour firearms course and a yearly refresher. Steps and costs.
6 min read · Updated September 27, 2026Connecticut security officer license (guard card): training, working while pending, cost and renewal (2026)
Connecticut guards take 8 hours of training and pay $100 for a 5-year DESPP license, and can work while it is pending. Military waiver, blue card, renewal.
7 min read · Updated September 27, 2026