Anyone who works as a security officer in Florida needs a state license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing. Most people start with a Class D license to work unarmed, then add a Class G license if they want to carry a firearm on duty.
This 2026 guide covers who qualifies, how Class D and Class G compare, the training you need, current FDACS fees, how to apply, and how to renew. Every rule here is based on Chapter 493, Florida Statutes.
Types of Security Licenses in Florida
Two license classes cover nearly every security officer job in the state:
- Class D – Security Officer License: Required for anyone who performs security officer services, such as patrolling, access control, or protecting people and property. Class D officers work unarmed. Start here with our Class D security license course.
- Class G – Statewide Firearm License: An add-on that lets a licensed officer carry a firearm on duty. Security officers must hold a Class D (or apply for both at once) to get a Class G. See our Class G armed security course.
Other classes, such as Class C (private investigator), Class B (security agency), and Class K (firearms instructor), are not needed to work as a guard.
Class D vs Class G: Florida Licensing Requirements Compared
| Requirement | All licenses (general) | Class D (unarmed) | Class G (armed) |
| Minimum age | 18 | 18 | 18 (21 to carry concealed on duty) |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or USCIS-authorized | Citizen, permanent resident, or work authorization | Citizen or permanent resident only |
| Prerequisite | None | None | Class D (held or applied for together) |
| Training | Varies by class | 40 hours at a licensed Class DS school | 28 hours with a Class K instructor |
| Firearm eligibility | Not required | Not required | Must be legally allowed to own a firearm |
| State fees | Fingerprint fees: $52.75 | $97.75 total | 164.75total(112 if fingerprints already filed with Class D) |
| Work while pending? | Varies by class | Yes, once a complete application is filed | No, unless a temporary Class G is approved |
| Valid for | 2 years (individual licenses) | 2 years | 2 years |
| Annual training | Varies by class | None | 4-hour firearms requalification every year |
Florida Security License Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Class D license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be of good moral character
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, or hold valid USCIS employment authorization
- Have no disqualifying criminal, substance abuse, or mental health history (see below)
For a Class G, you must also hold or apply for a Class D, be a citizen or permanent resident (work authorization alone is not enough), and be legally allowed to own a firearm. You can apply at 18, but you must be 21 to carry a concealed firearm on duty.
What Can Disqualify You From a Florida Security License?
FDACS runs a state and FBI background check on every applicant. The most common reasons for denial are:
- Felony conviction: Denied until your civil rights are restored and 10 years have passed since final release from supervision. If adjudication was withheld, the wait is 3 years. Class G applicants also need their firearm rights restored.
- Crimes related to security work: Such as violence, theft, burglary, or fraud. FDACS reviews these case by case.
- Recent drug or alcohol issues: A drug conviction, substance abuse commitment, or two or more DUIs within the past 3 years, unless you show you completed rehabilitation.
- Mental health adjudication: Being declared incapacitated or involuntarily committed, unless your capacity has been legally restored.
- Firearm prohibitions (Class G only): Anything that bars gun ownership under state or federal law, including a dishonorable military discharge or certain domestic violence records.
- False or incomplete applications: Misrepresentation is grounds for denial. Always disclose every arrest and plea, even if adjudication was withheld.
If FDACS formally denies your application, you generally must wait 1 year before reapplying for the same license.
Training Requirements for a Florida Security License
Class D: 40 Hours
Class D applicants must complete 40 hours of training at an FDACS-licensed Class DS school and pass the course exam. The course covers legal authority and liability, patrol and access control, report writing, emergency response, and ethics.
You can train in person or online. Online training counts only if it is taught live, with the instructor verifying your identity and attendance. Choose our in-person Class D course or live online Class D course.
Class G: 28 Hours
Class G applicants must complete 28 hours of firearms training taught by a licensed Class K instructor. Up to 20 hours can be live online, but 8 hours must be in-person range training. The course covers use-of-force law, safe handling and storage, and a live-fire qualification. Learn more about our 28-hour Class G course.
How to Apply for a Security License in Florida
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check the requirements and disqualifiers above before paying for anything. FDACS fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Step 2: Complete Your Training
Finish the 40-hour Class D course. If you want to work armed, also complete the 28-hour Class G course. Many students take both and apply for both licenses together.
Step 3: Get Fingerprinted Electronically
Use an approved electronic (Livescan) fingerprint provider and keep your receipt. If you apply for Class D and Class G together, you only need one set of fingerprints.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
You will need the completed application form, your training certificate, a passport-type color photo taken within the last 6 months, proof of fingerprint submission, and payment. You can apply in three ways:
- Online (fastest): Through the FDACS Division of Licensing. Start from the official Class D requirements page or Class G requirements page.
- By mail: FDACS Division of Licensing, P.O. Box 5767, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5767.
- In person: At an FDACS regional office. Book an appointment first.
Step 5: Start Working and Receive Your License
Once FDACS has your complete Class D application, you can start working for a licensed security agency while it is processed. Class G applicants cannot carry a firearm on duty until the license is issued. FDACS mails your license once approved.
Security License Cost in Florida (2026)
| FDACS fee | Class D | Class G | Both together |
| License fee | $45.00 | $112.00 | $157.00 |
| Fingerprint processing | $42.00 | $42.00 | $42.00 |
| Fingerprint retention | $10.75 | $10.75 | $10.75 |
| Total state fees | $97.75 | $164.75 | $209.75 |
Training tuition is extra and set by each school. Fingerprint vendors also charge a small service fee. Recent veterans who apply within 24 months of an honorable discharge can have the license fee waived by submitting a DD Form 214.
Fees reflect the FDACS fee schedule as of October 2026 and may change.
How to Renew Your Florida Security License
Class D and Class G licenses are valid for 2 years. FDACS mails a renewal notice about 90 days before expiration, but renewing on time is your responsibility.
- Class D: Renew online through the FDACS Class D renewal portal. No annual training is required. If your license has been expired for 1 year or more, you must retake the 40-hour course.
- Class G: Complete a 4-hour firearms requalification every year for each firearm type and caliber you carry, then renew through the FDACS Class G renewal portal. Missing the first-year requalification automatically suspends your license. Our Annual G Requal class covers this requirement.
- Late renewals: You cannot work between expiration and renewal. Late renewal (with a possible fee) is allowed for up to 3 months. After that, you must apply as a new applicant.
Active-duty service members, their spouses, and recently discharged veterans may qualify for a renewal fee waiver.
Conclusion
Getting a security license in Florida comes down to meeting the eligibility rules, completing state-approved training, submitting electronic fingerprints, and filing a complete application with FDACS. Start with a Class D, add a Class G when you are ready for armed work, and keep up with your renewals.
All Florida Security Services is a licensed security training school in Port St. Lucie with more than 27 years of experience. Register for classes or call (772) 595-5335 to get started.
FAQs
Can I work while my application is processing?
Yes, for Class D. Once FDACS has your complete application, you can work for a licensed security agency while it is processed. For Class G, you cannot carry a firearm on duty until the license is issued. FDACS may approve a temporary Class G case by case, which requires an employer-certified psychological evaluation and a cleared background check.
How long does it take to get a Florida security license?
It depends on how complete your application is and how quickly your background check clears. Complete online applications move fastest. FDACS estimates about one to three months for a Class G once the application and background check are complete. For a Class D, the wait usually won’t hold you back: once FDACS receives your complete application, you can start working for a licensed security agency while it is processed.
Can I take the Class D course online?
Yes, as long as the course is taught live by a licensed school and the instructor verifies your identity and attendance. Pre-recorded, self-paced courses do not qualify.
What happens if I fail the training exam?
You cannot apply for license until you pass training. Most schools let you review the material and retake the exam.
Can felons get a security license in Florida?
Possibly. FDACS must deny the application until your civil rights are restored and 10 years have passed since final release from supervision (3 years if adjudication was withheld). Class G applicants also need their firearm rights restored.
