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Security Guard
Total cost: $339.75-$551.75
Governing Authority
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing
Official website →Yes
License Required?
40 hrs
Unarmed Training
28 hrs
Armed Training
$339.75-$551.75
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$97.75
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$42
Training Fee
$100-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$97.75
Armed License Fee
$112
Renewal Fee
$61.75
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Florida requires state-level licensing for security officers through FDACS Division of Licensing under Chapter 493, Florida Statutes. Class D for unarmed, Class G for armed.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
40 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be completed at a Department-licensed training program or school (Class DS licensed facility).
Armed training available
28 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must pass both written and practical firearms proficiency test administered by a licensed Class K instructor
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Class D Security Officer License
Card Name
Processing Time
10-30 days
Valid Period
2 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Security Guard Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $97.75 |
Fingerprint Fee | $42 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $97.75 |
Armed License Fee | $112 |
Renewal Fee | $61.75 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $339.75-$551.75 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required for Class G license holders, even though the license renews on a 2-year cycle.
Renewal Fee
$61.75
Regulatory Board
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Florida does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state security guard licenses.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Florida with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Florida issues a Class D license for unarmed guards (40 hours training) and a separate Class G license for the armed endorsement (28 hours). Uniquely, no CE is required for Class D renewal. The initial application fee of $97.75 is higher than most states.
Florida uses Class D (unarmed) and Class G (armed) license designations.
The 40-hour Class D training is among the highest in the nation.
Armed guards need both Class D and Class G licenses.
Florida does not require continuing education for renewal of the Class D license.
Class G renewal fee includes a $45 application fee plus $16.75 fingerprint retention fee.
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Florida verified against Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing, March 2026.