How to become a security guard in Florida

Every Florida credential

All 9 individual credentials this regulator issues to security workers, from the entry-level card to specialty and instructor registrations. Rows marked ◇ are drafted from the regulator’s pages and await our reviewer’s sign-off.

Steps to get started

1. Complete the 40-hour professional training course at a licensed Florida security school.
2. Submit fingerprints and apply to FDACS for the Class "D" license ($97.75 total).
3. For armed work, add the Class "G" firearm license (28 hours with a Class "K" instructor).
4. Renew every 2 years, FDACS mails a notice 90 days before expiration.

Class "D" Security Officer License: Training must be completed at a licensed security school or training facility.

Class C Private Investigator License: Individual PI license under Ch. 493 (same FDACS Division of Licensing as Class D/G). Requires two years of lawfully gained investigative experience or training (F.S. 493.6203); must work for a Class A agency. Biennial renewal. Class C holders who carry firearms also need a Class G.

Class CC Private Investigator Intern License: Entry-level PI credential; intern works under a sponsoring Class C, M or MA licensee while accruing experience toward Class C. F.S. 493.6203 sets a required course of instruction for interns. Biennial renewal.

Class DI Security Officer Instructor License: Required to teach the Class D security officer training course at a licensed Class DS school. Renewed biennially per F.S. 493.6113(1). Qualification pathways (instructor certification or experience) are in F.S. 493.6301 and Rule 5N-1; veterans' application fee waiver available (F.S. 493.6107(6)).

Class K Firearms Instructor License: Only a Class K licensee may teach the 28-hour Class G firearms course and the 4-hour annual Class G requalification. Renewed every 3 years (F.S. 493.6113(1)); at renewal must submit a current firearms instructor certificate under F.S. 493.6105(6) or proof of having taught at least six 28-hour Class G courses in the prior 3-year period (493.6113(3)(d)).

Class M Manager License (Class AB combined agency): Individual license for the manager of a Class AB (combined private investigative + security) agency. Must be held by the person who manages the agency; license fee is paid at application (F.S. 493.6107(3)). Biennial renewal. Experience prerequisites are in F.S. 493.6203 and 493.6303.

Class MA Manager License (Class A private investigative agency): Individual license for the manager of a Class A private investigative agency or branch under Ch. 493 (same act/agency as guards). Biennial renewal.

Class MB Manager License (Class B security agency): Individual license for the manager of a Class B security agency or branch office; each Class B agency/branch must designate a Class MB (or M) manager who also holds a Class D. Biennial renewal. Experience requirements are in F.S. 493.6303.

Working armed in Florida

Armed officers (18+; 21+ to carry concealed) need the Class "G" license: 28 hours of training with a Class "K" instructor and a 4-hour annual firearms requalification.

Class "G" Statewide Firearm License: 28 hours with a licensed Class "K" instructor plus 4 hours of annual requalification. Applicants must be 18+; carrying concealed on duty requires 21+ (F.S. 493.6115(4)).

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