Not a government site. Always confirm with the licensing board before you apply. About us

State License Requirements
Menu

How to get a Security Officer license in Florida

Florida licenses security guards statewide through the Division of Licensing.1 For the Security Officer (Class "D") license you need at least 40 clock hours1 of education, a passing score on the School final examination for the 40-hour course (170 questions)2 and a criminal background check3. The board lists $45 for the initial license4. You renew every 2 years5.

Last checked · 24 official sources

Who issues it

Division of Licensing

Training and experience

Training: at least 40 clock hours1

Exam

School final examination for the 40-hour course (170 questions)2

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $454
Fingerprint and state background check: $424

Renewal

Every 2 years5

From another state

Temporary license or permit6 Details

On this page
  1. Florida security guard licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Security Officer license
  4. Requirements for a Security Officer license
  5. How much a Security Officer license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Statewide Firearm License
  9. Manager of a Security Agency
  10. Security Agency (Main Office)
  11. City and county rules
  12. Check a license or report a problem
  13. Laws and rules
  14. Rule changes since January 2024
  15. Common questions
  16. Security guard licenses in other states

Florida security guard licenses

Florida issues 4 security guard credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Security Officer (Class "D")Security services: bodyguard protection, guarding property, transporting prisoners, armored car services, and preventing theft or misappropriation of valuables. A Class D officer must own or work for a Class B agency (or be exempt in-house staff holding D only to obtain G).7Training 40 clock hours1Yes2$454
Statewide Firearm License (Class "G")Add-on license allowing a Class D, M or MB licensee to carry an approved firearm (openly unless an exception applies; max two firearms) when the employing agency requires it.7Training 28 clock hours8Yes8$1124
Manager of a Security Agency (Class "MB")Manages a Class B security agency or branch office, directing Class D employees. A Class M licensee, or a Class D licensee licensed 2+ years, may be designated manager instead.9Experience 2 years9No9$5010
Security Agency (Main Office) (Class "B")Business license for a private security agency at one location; each branch needs a Class "BB" (or "AB") license.7––$5010

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Florida security guard licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 4)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old38
Background check
Background check required3
Fingerprints required1112
Applicants list all convictions and pleas; good moral character required; drug/alcohol and mental-incapacity disqualifiers apply.10

How to apply

Renewal

Renew online
fdacs.gov1

From another state

Route
Temporary license or permit
What the board says
Only during a declared state of emergency: out-of-state security personnel licensed at least 1 year in a state with substantially similar standards (or active certified police) may work temporarily, sponsored by a Florida Class "B" agency; rifles and shotguns prohibited.6
Conditions
Operate only for the duration of the declared emergency and extensions.6
Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
Outside declared emergencies there is no reciprocity for security licenses: Florida's reciprocity rule (5N-1.121) covers only private investigators following leads from their home state. Out-of-state guards apply for a Florida license and meet the same training and fingerprint requirements.14

2. Every license level except Security Agency (Main Office) (Class "B")

Fees

FeeAmountPaid to
Fingerprint and state background check$424Division of Licensing
Fingerprint Retention Fee (initial, biennial license)$10.754Division of Licensing
Duplicate or replacement license$15412Division of Licensing

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years5

3. Security Officer (Class "D") and Statewide Firearm License (Class "G")

Fees

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.

4. Security Officer (Class "D") and Manager of a Security Agency (Class "MB")

Requirements

Residency or citizenship
U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or USCIS work authorization.19

5. Statewide Firearm License (Class "G") and Manager of a Security Agency (Class "MB")

Requirements

Social Security number
SSN or alien registration number on application.10

Who needs a Security Officer license

Security services: bodyguard protection, guarding property, transporting prisoners, armored car services, and preventing theft or misappropriation of valuables. A Class D officer must own or work for a Class B agency (or be exempt in-house staff holding D only to obtain G).7

Work that does not need this license:

  • Unarmed in-house security employed exclusively on the employer's premises (employer-employee relationship) is exempt from ch. 493.15
  • Also exempt: on-duty or approved off-duty law enforcement officers, unarmed church/place-of-worship security officers, volunteer armed security at places of worship, and contractors serving only U.S. federal agencies.15

Requirements for a Security Officer license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training
At least 40 clock hours1
40 hours of professional training at an FDACS-licensed Class "DS" security officer school (in person or live online), per the Security Officer Training Curriculum Guide.1
Who may teach it: Class "DS" school/training facility with Class "DI" instructors; live online allowed only under 5N-1.140(1)(f) controls.16
Alternative: Certified (or CJSTC-trained) law enforcement, correctional or correctional probation officers; qualifying Class DI instructors; and relevant military training satisfy the training requirement.1
Exam
School final examination for the 40-hour course (170 questions)2
Given by: Administered by the licensed Class "DS" school (no state exam vendor)2
Passing score: 128 of 170 correct2
Social Security number
Application must give a Social Security number or alien registration number.10
Business requirements
Must own or be employed by a Class "B" security agency or branch.17
Also required
Uniform with an agency patch visible at all times (limited plain-clothes assignments allowed).18
Also required
License must be carried while on duty.5

How much a Security Officer license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$454Division of LicensingNot refundable
Total (new Class D)$97.7512Division of Licensing–

Each line is a separate charge, except the line “Total (new Class D)”, which is the board’s own combined figure for other charges; do not add it to the other lines.

How to apply

  1. Complete the 40-hour security officer course at an FDACS-licensed Class "DS" school and print your training certificate.1
  2. Get fingerprints scanned (FDACS regional office, sheriff or Livescan vendor) and keep the TCN receipt; apply within 90 days of the scan.11
  3. Apply online, in person at a regional office (by appointment), at an appointed tax collector office, or by mail with form 16007, a passport-type color photo and the $45 license fee.1 laso.fdacs.gov1
  4. Once the complete application is filed you may start work for a licensed agency; stop immediately if denied.10
Apply online
laso.fdacs.gov1
Temporary or provisional license
Work may begin on filing a complete application (no separate temporary license).10

Renewal and continuing education

When it expires
Renewed biennially; FDACS mails a renewal form about 95 days before expiration.19
Renewal fee
$454
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $454 (renewal filed after expiration but within 3 months)
Renewal Fingerprint Retention Fee: $16.754 (every renewal (not a late fee))
If it expires
No renewal 3 months or more after expiration; a new application and fees are required. No regulated work between expiration and renewal.20
If expired 1 year or more, the 40 hours of training must be repeated.16

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Florida Security Officer (Class "D") license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Statewide Firearm License

Add-on license allowing a Class D, M or MB licensee to carry an approved firearm (openly unless an exception applies; max two firearms) when the employing agency requires it.7

Requirements

Education or training
At least 28 clock hours8
28 hours of classroom and range firearms training taught by Class "K" instructors (no more than 20 hours online; 8 hours in-person range).8
Who may teach it: Class "K" firearms instructors.10
Alternative: Waivable for certified law enforcement/correctional officers (or CJSTC training within 12 months), federal officers with agency firearms training, or holders of a listed firearm instructor certificate.8
Exam
Written exam in the 28-hour course plus firearms qualification (144 rounds)8
Given by: Class "K" instructor (course exam)8
Residency or citizenship
U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident alien only (work authorization is not enough); must not be prohibited from possessing firearms.8

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$1124Division of LicensingNot refundable
Total (new Class G)$164.7512Division of Licensing–
Temporary license or permit$154Division of Licensing–

Each line is a separate charge, except the line “Total (new Class G)”, which is the board’s own combined figure for other charges; do not add it to the other lines.

How to apply

  1. Hold or apply for a Class D (or M/MB) license.7
  2. Complete the 28-hour firearms course with a Class "K" instructor and print the training certificate.8
  3. Submit form 16008 with fingerprints and the $112 license fee at a regional office or by mail (no application fee).8
Temporary or provisional license
Temporary Class G license available ($15 processing fee).4

Renewal

Renewal fee
$11221
Continuing education
At least 4 hours each renewal period20
Required topics
Annual requalification: review of initial curriculum and a 48-round cycle of fire; separate course of fire per caliber.8
Approved courses
Taught by a Class "K" licensee.20
Exemptions
Waivable for certified law enforcement/correctional officers with annual LE requalification, federal officers, listed certificate holders, or LEOSA-compliant training.8
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $1124 (renewal filed after expiration but within 3 months)
Renewal Fingerprint Retention Fee: $16.7521 (every renewal (not a late fee))
If it expires
No renewal 3 months or more after expiration; a new application and fees are required. No regulated work between expiration and renewal.20
Missing the first-year 4 hours automatically suspends the license until initial training is repeated.20

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Renewal fees are waived for active-duty service members and spouses, veterans within 2 years of active duty (honourable discharge), and qualifying surviving spouses.20

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Manager of a Security Agency

Manages a Class B security agency or branch office, directing Class D employees. A Class M licensee, or a Class D licensee licensed 2+ years, may be designated manager instead.9

Requirements

Experience
At least 2 years9
2 years of lawfully gained, verifiable, full-time security experience or training.9
Substitute: Up to 1 year may be criminal-justice college coursework or law-enforcement training; or 1 year security + 1 year managerial/supervisory; or relevant military training.9
Exam
Not required9
Also required
Must submit an experience statement on the FDACS form.10

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$5010Division of LicensingNot refundable
Initial license fee$7512Division of Licensing–
Total (new Class MB)$177.7512Division of Licensing–

Each line is a separate charge, except the line “Total (new Class MB)”, which is the board’s own combined figure for other charges; do not add it to the other lines.

How to apply

  1. Document 2 years of qualifying experience on the experience affidavit.9
  2. Submit the manager application with fingerprints and fees to a regional office or by mail.9
Temporary or provisional license
May begin manager duties on filing a complete application.10

Renewal

Renewal fee
$7521
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $754 (renewal filed after expiration but within 3 months)
Renewal Fingerprint Retention Fee: $16.7521 (every renewal (not a late fee))
If it expires
No renewal 3 months or more after expiration; a new application and fees are required. No regulated work between expiration and renewal.20

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Initial application and license fees waived for veterans applying within 24 months of discharge (DD214).9

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Security Agency (Main Office)

Business license for a private security agency at one location; each branch needs a Class "BB" (or "AB") license.7

Requirements

Residency or citizenship
Non-citizen owners need USCIS documentation authorizing them to own and operate the agency (an employment authorization card is not enough).3
Insurance
Commercial general liability, combined single limit of at least $300,000, FDACS as additional insured; cancellation automatically suspends the license.22
Business requirements
At least one physical office in Florida; license posted there.3
Business requirements
Designate at least one licensed manager (Class M, MB, or a Class D licensed 2+ years) per location.3
Business requirements
Fictitious names need prior FDACS authorization and a fictitious-name filing.5

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$5010Division of LicensingSole proprietor and each partner or corporate officer. Not refundable
Fingerprint and state background check$4212Division of LicensingSole proprietor and each partner or corporate officer
Initial license fee$4504Division of Licensing–
Duplicate or replacement license$104Division of Licensing–
Class "BB" branch office license$1254Division of LicensingEach branch office

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

  1. Set up a Florida office, designate a licensed manager, and buy $300,000 general liability insurance naming FDACS.22
  2. Submit the agency application with the $50 application fee and fingerprints for the owner and each partner/officer, plus the certificate of insurance.13
  3. Pay the $450 license fee when FDACS approves; get a local business tax receipt where the office is located.12

Renewal

How often
Every 3 years5
Renewal fee
$45021
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $4504 (renewal filed after expiration but within 3 months)
If it expires
No renewal 3 months or more after expiration; a new application and fees are required. No regulated work between expiration and renewal.20
Renewal must include a certification of insurance.20

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Security Agency (Main Office) (Class "B")No city or county guard license; a security agency may need a city and county occupational license (local business tax receipt) in each place it has a physical office.23

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a security guard in Florida, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Florida is on the Florida license lookup page.

Look up a license
fdacs.gov7
File a complaint
licensing.fdacs.gov7

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • March 10, 2025: New rule 5N-1.150: tax collectors appointed by FDACS may accept new Class "D" applications and take fingerprints/photos.24
  • October 30, 2024: Fee rule 5N-1.116 last amended (current application, license, exam and fingerprint fees).4

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Security Officer license in Florida?

The rules set at least 40 clock hours1 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

Can I transfer my security guard license to Florida?

The Division of Licensing publishes this route for the Security Officer license: temporary license or permit6. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Security Officer license in Florida?

Every 2 years5. The renewal fee is $454.

Security guard licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Class D Security Officer License RequirementsFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Fla. Admin. Code R. 5N-1.140 Security Officer trainingFlorida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code (flrules.org)Dated November 28, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Fla. Stat. 493.6106Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Fla. Admin. Code R. 5N-1.116Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code (flrules.org)Dated October 30, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Fla. Stat. 493.6111Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Fla. Admin. Code R. 5N-1.120Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code (flrules.org)Dated October 10, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Private Security LicensesFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  8. Class G Statewide Firearm License RequirementsFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Class M, MA or MB Manager License RequirementsFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Fla. Stat. 493.6105Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  11. Submitting Fingerprints Electronically FAQFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Chapter 493 license feesFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Class B Private Security Agency License RequirementsFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Fla. Admin. Code R. 5N-1.121Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code (flrules.org)Dated December 11, 2016Checked November 7, 2026
  15. Fla. Stat. 493.6102Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  16. Fla. Stat. 493.6303Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  17. Fla. Stat. 493.6301Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  18. Fla. Stat. 493.6305Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  19. Renewing Your Private Security LicenseFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  20. Fla. Stat. 493.6113Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Chapter 493 renewal license feesFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  22. Fla. Stat. 493.6110Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  23. Fla. Stat. 493.6107Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
  24. Fla. Admin. Code R. 5N-1.150Florida Department of State, Florida Administrative Code (flrules.org)Dated March 10, 2025Checked November 7, 2026