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How to become a security guard in Florida

Last reviewed August 28, 2026 · Regulator: Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services — Division of Licensing

Florida requires a Class "D" Security Officer License with 40 hours of professional training through a licensed security school. Armed officers add the Class "G" Statewide Firearm License with 28 hours of firearms training.

At a glance

CredentialTrainingExamRenewal
Class "D" Security Officer License
$97.75 total ($45 license + $42 fingerprinting + $10.75 retention)
40 hoursNoEvery 2 years
Class "G" Statewide Firearm License
$164.75 initial (license + fingerprint fees)
28 hoursNoEvery 2 years
4 hrs CE every year

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.

Working armed in Florida

Armed officers (21+) 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. Must be 21+.

Sources

tessura is an independent study and career tool, not affiliated with any state agency. Rules change — always confirm current requirements with the regulator before relying on them.

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