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How to become a licensed security guard in Florida. State license required. Unarmed training: 40 hours. Armed training: 28 hours. Total initial fees: $339.75-$551.75. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
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)
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 licensed school or training 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
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Class D Security Officer License
Card Name
Processing Time
10-30 days
Valid Period
2 years
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
| 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 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Florida.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#41 of 51
Cost
#36 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$31,320
25th percentile
Median
$36,090
-6% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$40,640
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
95,350 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Security Guards (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+35,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
137,700
per year (avg.)
1.0M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–15 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for security guard licensing exams.
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Florida requires state-level security guard licensing. Unarmed training requires 40 hours. All licensing is managed through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) - Division of Licensing.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.