The beginning of a career as a security guard in Florida is a definite and mandatory procedure. Obtaining a security guard license ensures you meet all the state regulations and training standards needed to protect people and property safely. Regardless of whether you want to work unarmed or armed, it is important to know the steps required to get licensed in Florida prior to starting work. This guide explains everything required to be licensed and to begin your security career in the Sunshine State.

What Is a Security Guard License?

A security guard license is an official license that enables an individual to work as a professional security guard. It indicates that the person has gone through all the necessary training and background checks by the state or the governing body. This license establishes that the guard possesses the skills, knowledge, as well as trustworthiness to guard people, properties, and assets safely.

This is because a security guard is given a license and therefore is trained on important areas such as surveillance, emergency response, communication, and legal boundaries. It also makes sure that you are fit in respect of age, fitness and character. Most employers require employees to have a valid license before they can be hired to ensure that they are not only law-abiding but also very professional.

Difference Between Armed and Unarmed Security Guard Licenses

Security guards in Florida must have various licenses based on whether they are carrying a weapon or not. The two categories include the Class D license, which is for unarmed guards and the Class G license, which is for armed guards.

The class D license allows you to operate as an unarmed security guard. This license involves a 40-hour training which includes basic security training, Florida laws, emergency procedures, and professional conduct. The unarmed guards are normally assigned in areas such as malls, office complexes, hospitals, and gated communities where no one will require carrying a gun.

The Class G license is for armed security guards who carry firearms on the job. You should have a Class D license first to qualify. Then you do another 28 hours of specialized firearms training that entails training on firearm safety, legal use of force, and live-fire training. The level of responsibility of the armed guards is higher and the security threat may be higher as they may work in an environment with more risk.

Who Needs a Security Guard License in Florida?

The security guard license is required of anyone wishing to work as a security guard in Florida, whether in retail, at events, in corporate offices, in hospitals or in residential communities. This comprises armed guards and unarmed guards. There are a few exceptions in case of active law-enforcing officers or military personnel who are employed in their line of duty but private security guards have to be licensed by the state.

Basic Eligibility Requirements.

In Florida, to be licensed as a security guard, one needs to:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be a citizen of the U.S. or be legally authorized to work in Florida.
• No disqualifying criminal record (background checks and fingerprinting are required)
• Mentally and physically fit to perform the security work.
• Send a photo in the form of a passport and evidence of citizenship or a work permit.

Required Training

All applicants for all security guards are required to undergo 40 hours of formal security guard training, which has to be approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The course includes such topics as emergency response, fundamental medical knowledge, legal powers and restrictions, and the security laws that are specific to Florida.

In case of armed guards (Class G license), it takes 28 hours of firearms training on top. This training will involve firearm safety, legal use of force, live-firing qualification and firearm maintenance. Both the written and practical exams must be successfully completed to get the license.   

How to Apply for the License

The security guard license can be obtained via an online application or at the regional FDACS offices. The application process entails the supply of all the needed documents, fingerprints, background check fees, and application fees of $45 on new licenses. The license is valid for two years, which is renewable before expiry to continue working. 

The steps that one must follow to obtain a security guard license in Florida are as follows: 

Meet Basic Eligibility

You should be 18 years old, be legally eligible to work in the U.S and possess no disqualifying criminal record.

Complete Required Training

Complete a 40-hour Security Officer Course approved by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to obtain the Class D license (unarmed guard). To become an armed guard (Class G license), you have to pass the Class D course and have to enroll in a 28-hour firearms training course after you do so.

Submit Your Application

Use by either applying online or through FDACS. Give a background check by giving your fingerprints, evidence of having done your training and a passport-style photo.

Pay Application Fees

Make appropriate payments, which at the time are 45 to make an initial application and any other fee that could be required to do fingerprinting.

Pass the Examinations and the Background Check.

Pass the FDACS background check and successfully pass the course exams.

Receive Your License

Once approved you will be given your security guard license (Class D or Class G) which is validated for a period of two years.

Conclusion

The process of obtaining a security guard license in Florida entails adhering to a well-established order of procedures in order to achieve the requirements of the state rules and training. This license indicates that you are competent and prepared to protect people and property. You may choose to work unarmed or armed, but you have to do the mandatory training and pass background checks. Maintaining your license is crucial to staying on the legal side of the fence and there are numerous career opportunities in the Florida security industry.     

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