The Class "G" Statewide Firearm License is what lets a Florida security officer carry a firearm on duty. It is not a concealed weapon license, and it does not stand on its own. Here is what FDACS and Chapter 493 require.
You need a Class D (or another qualifying license) too
Under F.S. 493.6115, only Class "C," "CC," "D," "M," "MA," and "MB" licensees may carry a firearm on duty, and any of them who does must also hold a Class G. For security officers, that means a Class D plus a Class G. The Class G stays in effect only while you are employed under one of those licenses. A concealed weapon license does not exempt you.
Eligibility
- Age: FDACS says you must be at least 18 to apply. Carrying concealed on duty is different: a Class D licensee must be 21 or older, and even then only under the conditions in F.S. 493.6305, such as limited special assignments or nonuniform bodyguard and executive protection work.
- Citizenship: you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident alien. Unlike the Class D, work authorization alone is not enough.
- Firearms eligibility: you must not be prohibited from buying or possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Health certificate: the application includes a health certificate completed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.
Training: 28 hours with a Class K instructor
F.S. 493.6105(5) requires 28 hours of range and classroom training taught by one or more licensed Class "K" firearms instructors:
- No more than 20 hours may be in an online classroom (live, with identity and attendance verified)
- 8 hours must be in-person range training, including safe handling and storage of firearms
FDACS says the course covers legal aspects of firearm use, operational safety and mechanics with a written exam, and firearms qualification, where you fire 144 rounds (48 practice rounds plus two 48-round qualification cycles). The application requires training completed within the preceding 12 months.
Certified law enforcement and correctional officers may qualify for a training waiver.
Fees
From the FDACS new license fee schedule:
- License fee: $112 (paid with the application)
- Fingerprint processing: $42
- Fingerprint retention: $10.75
- Total: $164.75
If you apply for the Class D at the same time, you submit only one set of fingerprints and one processing and retention fee.
Temporary Class G
FDACS may issue a temporary Class G case by case (F.S. 493.6115(12)) if you have finished the training, passed the criminal history check, and your employer certifies you as mentally and emotionally stable through a qualifying psychological test, a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist evaluation, or a qualifying DD 214, all within the previous 12 months. The processing fee is $15, for a total of $179.75.
What you may carry
Approved firearms include a .38 revolver, a .380 or 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a .357 revolver with .38 ammunition only, a .40 handgun, or a .45 ACP handgun. You may carry no more than two firearms, and only the type and caliber you qualified with. If you fire your weapon on duty, you and your agency must report it to FDACS within 5 working days.
The 4-hour annual requalification
Every year of the license, you must complete at least 4 hours of requalification training with a Class K instructor, for each type and caliber you carry (up to two calibers in one class, at the instructor's discretion). FDACS requires a passing score on a 48-round course of fire; fail three attempts and you are sent for remedial training. Send proof to FDACS when you finish, by mail, fax, or email.
Missing it is serious (F.S. 493.6113(3)(b)):
- Missed in year one: your license is automatically suspended, and you must retake the full 28-hour course before it can be reinstated.
- Missed in year two: you must retake the full 28-hour course before the license can be renewed.
Renewal
The Class G renews every two years, online or by mail, with your Certificate of Firearms Proficiency showing the annual training. The renewal fee is $112 plus a $16.75 fingerprint retention fee. Late renewals within 3 months add a late fee equal to the license fee, and after 3 months you must reapply.
tessura is not affiliated with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
How tessura helps
The annual requalification date is the one that suspends licenses, so it is worth tracking separately from your renewal. tessura's free credential wallet stores your Class D and Class G, can check them against the state's public records when you add them, and emails reminders at 60, 30, and 7 days before each date. Guards never pay.