Program Resources
- Division of Licensing Newsletters
- “DS” Revised Curriculum Deadline Memo and Summary of Curriculum Guide Changes
- Fingerprint Retention Fee Information for New 493 Licensees (2-Year License Period)
- Fingerprint Retention Fee Information for 493 License Renewals (2-Year License Period)
- Fingerprint Retention Fee Information for New Class "K" Licensees
- Fingerprint Retention Fee Information for Class "K" License Renewals
- How FDLE and DOL Handle Your Fingerprint Submission and Criminal History Information (Includes Privacy Statement from the FBI)
- New Application Fee Schedule
- Questions and Answers About Chapter 493
- Questions and Answers About Security Agencies and Security Officers
- Renewal Fee Schedule
- Search for a Licensee
- Submitting Fingerprints Electronically FAQ
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
Type of License | Classification | Explanation | How to Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Security Officer | Class "D" | Any individual who performs the services of a security officer must have a Class “D” license. | |
Security Officer Instructor | Class "DI" | Any person who provides classroom instruction to applicants for Class “D” licensure must have a Class “DI” license. | |
Statewide Firearm License | Class "G" | 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. | |
Firearms Instructor | Class "K" | Any person who provides classroom and range instruction to applicants for Class “G” licensure must have a Class “K” license. | |
Manager of a Security Agency | Class "M" or "MB" | 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. |
For Agencies
Type of License | Classification | Explanation | How to Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Security Agency (Main Office) | Class "B" | 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. | |
Security Agency Branch Office | Class "BB" | Each branch office of a Class “B” agency must have a Class “BB” license. | |
Private Investigative and Security Agency Branch Office | Class "AB" | 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. |
For Schools
Type of License | Classification | Explanation | How to Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Security Officer School or Training Facility | Class "DS" | Any school that provides instruction to applicants for Class "D" licensure must have a Class "DS" 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.
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.