Requirements for Security Guards and Private Security Agencies
Requirements to work as a security guard or operate a private security agency vary by state. Many states require security guards to hold a license or a certification. Others only require a minimum number of hours of training. The state of Florida requires licensure for both engaging in business as a private security agency and for working as a security guard. There are also additional licensure requirements for bearing firearms as a security guard. In accordance with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, below is an explanation of state licensure requirements, which depend on the role of the security guard or agency.
What Is a Class “B” License?
An organization or company engaging in business as a private security agency in Florida must obtain a Class “B” Private Security Agency license with the state of Florida. Further, if the private investigative agency has more than one location, each Class “B” license is valid for only one location.
To be eligible for a Class “B” license, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. If the applicant is not a U.S. Citizen or legal resident, the applicant must be authorized to work in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
What Is a Class “BB” License?
Because a Class “B” license is valid for only one location of a private security agency, a Class “BB” license is required for each branch office of a Class “B” agency in Florida. All that is required for a Class “BB” Private Security Agency Branch License is the filling out of an application.
What Is a Class “MB” License?
A Class “MB” Private Investigative Agency Manager license is required for an individual to perform work as a manager of a Class “B” security agency or branch office in Florida. However, if an individual holds a Class “D” license for at least two years, and is designated as the manager, then a Class “MB” license is not required.
To be eligible for a Class “MB” License, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen or legal resident, the applicant must be authorized to work in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
To qualify for a Class “MB” license, the applicant must have two years of full-time experience or training in:
- Security work or related work that produced equivalent experience or training;
- At least one year of security work or related work and a maximum of one year of college coursework relating to criminal justice, criminology, or law enforcement administration, or completion of any law enforcement-related training obtained from a federal, state, county, or municipal agency;
- One year of experience in security work, related work and one year of managerial or supervisory work; or
- Relevant military training or education obtained during service for the U.S. military.
What Is a Class “D” License?
A Class “D” Security Officer license is required for an individual working as a security officer in Florida.
To be eligible for a Class “D” license, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen or legal resident, the applicant must be authorized to work in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Subject to certain limited exceptions, an applicant for a Class “D” license is required to provide proof of completion of at least forty hours of professional training through a security officer school or training facility that is licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
What Is a Class “G” License?
In order to bear a firearm as a security guard in Florida, a Class “G” Statewide Firearm license is required. To be eligible for a Class “G” license, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. Additionally, only certain licensees are permitted to bear firearms, such as Class “MB” and Class “D” licensees.
Furthermore, a 28-hour course on the use of firearms must be completed in order to apply for a class “G” license. After that initial training, 4 hours of requalifying training must be completed annually.
