Private Security Licenses

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) licenses and regulates the private security industry in accordance with Chapter 493, Florida Statutes (F.S.).

Security services include:

Providing bodyguard protection,
Guarding property,
Transporting prisoners,
Providing armored car services,
Assisting in prevention of theft, and
Assisting in prevention of the misappropriation or concealment of articles of value or assisting in the return of such articles.

License Classifications

For Individuals

Security Officer

Classification: Class "D"
Explanation: Any individual who performs the services of a security officer must have a Class “D” license.
How to Apply: How to Apply for a Class "D" Security Officer License

Security Officer Instructor

Classification: Class "DI"
Explanation: Any person who provides classroom instruction to applicants for Class “D” licensure must have a Class “DI” license.
How to Apply: How to Apply for a Class "DI" Security Officer Instructor License

Statewide Firearm License

Classification: Class "G"
Explanation: Only Class “D," Class “M” or Class “MB” licensees are permitted to bear a firearm and any such licensee who bears a firearm must also have a Class “G” license.
How to Apply: How to Apply for a Class "G" Statewide Firearm License

Firearms Instructor

Classification: Class "K"
Explanation: Any person who provides classroom and range instruction to applicants for Class “G” licensure must have a Class “K” license.
How to Apply: How to Apply for a Class "K" Firearms Instructor License

Manager of a Security Agency

Classification: Class "M" or "MB"
Explanation: Any individual who performs the services of a manager for a Class "B" security agency or branch office must have a Class "MB" license. A Class "M" licensee or a Class "D" licensee who has been so licensed for a minimum of two years may be designated as the manager, in which case the Class "MB" license is not required.
How to Apply: How to Apply for a Class "M" or "MB" Manager of a Security Agency License

For Agencies

Security Agency (Main Office)

Classification: Class "B"
Explanation: Any person, firm, company, partnership, or corporation that engages in business as a private security agency must have a Class “B” license. A Class “B” license is valid for only one location.
How to Apply: How to Apply for a Class "B" Security Agency License

Security Agency Branch Office

Classification: Class "BB"
Explanation: Each branch office of a Class “B” agency must have a Class “BB” license.
How to Apply: How to Apply for a Class "BB" Security Agency Branch Office License

Private Investigative and Security Agency Branch Office

Classification: Class "AB"
Explanation: If a person, firm, company, partnership, or corporation holds both a Class “A” and Class “B” license, each additional or branch office must have a Class “AB” license.
How to Apply: How to Apply for a Class "AB" Private Investigative and Security Agency Branch Office License

For Schools

Security Officer School or Training Facility

Class: Class "DS"
Explanation: Any school that provides instruction to applicants for Class "D" licensure must have a Class "DS" license.
How to Apply: How to Apply for a Class "DS" Security Officer School or Training Facility License

Private Security and Firearms

To carry a firearm in the performance of security duties, a security officer or security agency manager must obtain a Class "G" Statewide Firearm License.

The firearm must be required by the employing agency and must be carried openly, except as provided in Subsection 493.6115(4), F.S.

In addition to any other firearm approved by FDACS, a licensee who has been issued a Class “G” license may carry a .38 caliber revolver, a .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a .357 caliber revolver (with .38 caliber ammunition only), a .40 caliber handgun or a .45 ACP handgun while performing duties authorized under Chapter 493, F.S. Learn more about Approved Firearms for Class "G" License Holders.

No licensee may carry more than two firearms on their person when performing their duties.

A licensee may only carry a firearm of the specific type and caliber with which they are qualified pursuant to the firearms training referenced in Subsection 493.6115(8) or 493.6113(3)(b), F.S.