Security guard license · FL
How to get a security guard license in Florida
Florida licenses security officers through the Division of Licensing at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Anyone working as a security officer needs a Class D license; carrying a firearm also takes a Class G license.
This page summarizes Florida's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing before you apply.
Credential: Class "D" Security Officer License
Oldest check on this page: 2026-09-24
Who can apply
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Minimum age
Verified 2026-09-24You must be at least 18.
Official wording
Be at least 18 years old.
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Class "D" Security Officer License Requirements -
Work authorization
Verified 2026-09-24You must be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident alien, or authorized to work in the U.S. by USCIS.
Official wording
Be a citizen or legal resident alien of the United States or have been granted authority to work in this country by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Class "D" Security Officer License Requirements -
Fingerprints
Verified 2026-09-24Every applicant submits a full set of legible fingerprints.
Official wording
The law requires every applicant for a private investigative, security or recovery license to submit a complete set of legible fingerprints.
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Submitting Fingerprints Electronically (FAQ)
Training
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Before you apply
Verified 2026-09-24At least 40 hours of professional training from a school licensed by FDACS.
Official wording
You must submit proof of successful completion of a minimum of 40 hours of professional training provided by a security officer school or training facility licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Class "D" Security Officer License Requirements -
Military training
Verified 2026-09-24Relevant U.S. Armed Forces training or education can satisfy the training requirement.
Official wording
If you received relevant military training or education during service in the United States Armed Forces, in accordance with Rule 5N-1.119(4), Florida Administrative Code, proof of such training or education is sufficient to satisfy the training requirement.
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Class "D" Security Officer License Requirements
Fees
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New Class D license
Verified 2026-09-24$97.75 in total: $42 fingerprint processing, $10.75 fingerprint retention and a $45 license fee.
Official wording
"D" Security Officer Not Applicable $42 $10.75 *$45 $97.75 $15
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Chapter 493 license fees (new licenses) -
Veterans
Verified 2026-09-24Veterans who apply within 24 months of discharge have the initial application or license fee waived (a copy of the DD214 is required).
Official wording
*The initial application and/or license fee for a veteran as defined in s. 1.01, F.S. shall be waived if he or she applies for a Class "C", "CC", "D", "DI", "E", "EE", "K", "M", "MA", "MB", "MR" or "RI" license within 24 months after being discharged from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. Copy of DD214 is required.
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Chapter 493 license fees (new licenses)
Renewal
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Renewal fee
Verified 2026-09-24$45 license fee plus $16.75 fingerprint retention to renew a Class D.
Official wording
"D" Security Officer $45 $16.75 $15
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Chapter 493 renewal license fees -
Renewal notice
Verified 2026-09-24FDACS mails a renewal form about 95 days before the license expires.
Official wording
Approximately 95 days prior to the expiration date of your license, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will mail you a renewal application form
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Renewing Your Private Security License
If you want to carry a firearm
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Class G license
Verified 2026-09-24A Class D officer who carries a firearm must also hold a Class G license.
Official wording
Only Class “C,” Class “CC,” Class "D," Class “M,” Class “MA” and Class "MB" licensees are permitted to bear a firearm, and any such licensee who bears a firearm must also have a Class “G” license.
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Class "G" Statewide Firearm License Requirements -
Minimum age
Verified 2026-09-24You must be at least 18 to apply for a Class G license.
Official wording
To apply for a Class "G" license, you must be at least 18 years old.
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Class "G" Statewide Firearm License Requirements -
Citizenship
Verified 2026-09-24Class G applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent legal resident aliens.
Official wording
You must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident alien to qualify for a Class "G" license
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Class "G" Statewide Firearm License Requirements -
Firearms course
Verified 2026-09-2428 hours of classroom and range training before applying.
Official wording
An applicant for a Class “G” license must submit proof of having completed an initial course of instruction that includes 28 hours of classroom and range training pertaining to the use of firearms in connection with duties regulated under Chapter 493, Florida Statutes (F.S.).
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Class "G" Statewide Firearm License Requirements -
Written exam
Verified 2026-09-24A written exam covers the legal and operational parts of the course.
Official wording
A written examination will be administered covering the portions of the curriculum dealing with legal use and operational/mechanical training.
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Class "G" Statewide Firearm License Requirements -
Every year
Verified 2026-09-24Four hours of requalifying training each year.
Official wording
To maintain licensure, the Class “G” license holder must complete four hours of requalifying training each year
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Class "G" Statewide Firearm License Requirements -
Class G fee
Verified 2026-09-24$164.75 for a new Class G, including a $112 license fee.
Official wording
"G" Statewide Firearm License Not Applicable $42 $10.75 $112 $164.75 $15
From Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Chapter 493 license fees (new licenses)
Sources
- Class "D" Security Officer License Requirements, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing
- Submitting Fingerprints Electronically (FAQ), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing
- Chapter 493 license fees (new licenses), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing
- Chapter 493 renewal license fees, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing
- Renewing Your Private Security License, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing
- Class "G" Statewide Firearm License Requirements, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing
Changes to this page
- First published from FDACS Class D and Class G requirement pages and the Chapter 493 fee schedules.
This page summarizes Florida's official security guard licensing rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing before you apply.
Spotted a rule that changed? Tell us at the address below and we'll re-check the official source.