Getting a valid security license in Florida is compulsory for anyone looking to start their career as a security guard in this state. However, the process of obtaining a valid license might get confusing for people who are not already familiar with it. There are different types of security licenses available here, allowing you to take on security jobs of different natures.

All of these licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This article aims to provide readers with a clear understanding of the Florida security license application process from start to finish.

Different Types of Security Licenses Available in Florida

There are three main types of security licenses offered by FDACS to Florida residents. They include:

• Class C: Private Investigator License
• Class D: Unarmed Security Personnel
• Class G: Armed Security Guards

Most people looking to take on security roles aim for Class D and G licenses. The key difference between the two is the holder’s eligibility to carry a firearm at the job site. It means that while a class D license is enough for you to take on a security job at a mall, you need to have a class G license to get into higher-stakes roles, such as executive protection or armed patrol.

Eligibility Requirements for a Florida Security Guard License

In order to be eligible for a class D security license in Florida, you must meet the following conditions:

• At least 18 years of age
• You have to be a US citizen or a legal resident
• You must display a state-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license)
• You must not have a criminal history that can disqualify you

To be eligible for a class G license, you either need to have a class D first or you can apply for both simultaneously, given that you meet all of the Florida class D security license requirements.

Factors That Can Disqualify You From Florida Security Guard License Eligibility

You need to be aware of a few major reasons that can result in your immediate disqualification from all security licenses in Florida. The following is a breakdown of the most common ones:

Criminal Record

Having a criminal record that displays a bad or immoral character can result in your disqualification from FDACS’s security licenses. The most common convictions that reflect badly on your morals are:

• Theft
• Burglary
• Some drug-related charges
• Violent Crimes

Each individual with a criminal history is treated as a separate case, where their particular circumstances are taken into account. In some cases, you might be able to claim eligibility again after a certain waiting period or by completing a rehabilitation program.

Mental Health Problems

Individuals who have a history of being admitted to a mental hospital can be deemed unfit for the FDACS Security License in Florida. Such individuals are required to present an official certificate issued after a proper medical evaluation that declares them fit to obtain a security license.

Dishonorable Discharge From Service

People who have been dishonorably discharged from the US armed forces are generally disqualified from obtaining a security license in Florida. This rule does not apply to the individuals who retired with honor or were regularly discharged under normal conditions.

Incomplete Application or Wrong Information

Providing false information can disqualify you straight away and might provide grounds for a legal case against you. Similarly, providing incomplete information also disqualifies your application.

No Proof of Training

You are required to complete a certified 40-hour training course from an FDACS-approved institution before applying for the class D license. A Class G license requires an additional 28-hour firearm training course. Applicants are required to submit their training certificates along with their applications, or FDACS will simply not consider their applications. 

Training Requirements for a Security License in Florida

All applicants applying for a class D security license must complete a 40-hour security guard training in Florida in advance from a licensed security training school. This course mainly covers scenarios including:

• Radio communications
• Event security
• Crime scene protocols
• Medical and emergencies
• Report writing
• Policies and procedures
• Ethics and integrity

For those who wish to get a class G license, it is mandatory to get an additional 28-hour firearm handling course certification before applying for the license. This course mainly covers:

• Mechanical firearm training
• Handle, clean, and store the firearm safely
• Hands-on weapon handling exercises
• Range safety and range commands
• On-target training

Step-by-Step Florida Security License Application Process

The following steps explain in detail what you need to do to apply for your security license in Florida:

Step 1: Make Sure You Meet The Eligibility Criteria

It is critical that you meet the above-discussed eligibility requirements before applying for your security license. For example, you need to get a valid photo ID first if you don’t already have one.

Step 2. Complete The Training Course Required For Your Intended License

Once you know that you are eligible for the license, enroll in a recognized training school and get your security guard training certificate. For a class G license, you will also have to complete a firearm training course.

There are two ways in which you can get your training completed:

• Physical Training: Most people opt for physical training at any of the FDCAS-recognized training schools across Florida.
• Online Training: Some institutions also offer the facility of online training under strict guidelines. However, keep in mind that you may still be required to visit the facility for security verification and some other purposes.

Step 3. Applying For The License

Once you get your training certificate, you can then apply for the FDACS security license. There are three ways you can apply for the license:

• Through mail
• By physically visiting any of the FDACS regional offices
• Online Application

Here is how each of the above methods works out:

Applying by mail

You need to send out your completed application along with all the supporting documents and training certificate to the following address:

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Division of Licensing

P.O. Box 5767

Tallahassee, FL 32314-5767

It is recommended to also include your proof of fingerprint submission if you want your application to be processed smoothly without delays.

Submitting Application at The Regional Office

You can submit your license application physically at a regional office, but keep in mind that they might not entertain you on a walk-in basis. Make sure to schedule your appointment beforehand through the FDACS website.

Online Application Procedure

This is by far the fastest method to submit your application for a security license to FDACS. You need to visit their official Division of Licensing portal and submit your application there. Make sure to keep the following documents handy before starting your application:

• A digital copy of the training certificate you just completed
• Confirmation that you submitted your fingerprints (you can use a Livescan provider for that)
• A valid credit or debit card for fee payment ($97.75 in total for a class D license)

Once your application is successfully submitted, and you manage to get the background security check clearance (notified through email by FDAcS), you can expect the license to arrive in 5 to 10 working days.

Security License Cost in Florida

A class D security license in Florida has a typical application fee of $45. Add fingerprint processing and retention fees ($42 and $10.75, respectively) to it, and the total becomes $97.75. You still need to include the training program fee that is required to get your compulsory training certificate. Roughly speaking, one can expect to pay anywhere from a hundred to $200 for a class D security license in Florida.

The application fee for a class G license in Florida is $112. It is safe to estimate a total of $150 to $300 expenditure after adding fingerprinting and training program fees.

Conclusion

You need to get a valid security license in Florida in order to work as a professional security guard. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) issues security licenses of different tiers to individuals with specific training certificates. If you are interested in getting a class D or class G license to get into the lucrative security career, look no further than Security in Florida as your trusted training partner.

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