Ever thought about working in the security industry in Florida?
Maybe you’ve seen job listings requiring a “G license” and wondered what that’s all about. Or perhaps you’re an employer trying to make sure your security team has the right credentials.
Whatever brought you here, understanding Florida’s security licensing system is essential if you want to work in protection services or hire qualified security personnel. The G security license is basically your ticket into Florida’s security industry – and getting one isn’t as complicated as you might think.
This guide breaks down exactly what a G license is, how to get one, and what doors it opens in your security career.
(No complicated jargon, just straightforward information from security professionals who work with these requirements every day.)
What Is a G Security License in Florida?
A Class G security license is Florida’s professional certification for security officers. It’s the basic credential that allows you to legally work as a security guard in the state, providing protection for businesses, properties, events, and individuals.
This license is issued and regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Licensing under Florida Statute 493. It’s not optional – if you want to work as a security officer in Florida, you need this license. Period.
The G license covers various security roles, including patrol officers, static guards, loss prevention personnel, and certain protection positions.
Florida G Security License Requirements
To qualify for a G license in Florida, you’ll need to meet several specific requirements:
- Age requirement – You must be at least 18 years old
- Legal status – U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States
- Education – High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Criminal background – Clean record passing Level 2 background screening
- Training – Completion of the required 40-hour Class D security training
- Examination – Passing the state licensing examination
- Documentation – Fingerprinting and photograph submission
- Fees – Payment of all licensing fees
The background check requirement is particularly important. Certain criminal convictions will automatically disqualify you from obtaining a license. Generally, felonies, violent misdemeanors, and crimes involving moral turpitude (like theft or fraud) within the past 3 years can prevent you from getting licensed.
These requirements exist to ensure that licensed security personnel meet professional standards and can be trusted with the responsibility of protecting people and property. Much like our discussion of professional bodyguards, proper credentials matter tremendously in this industry.
How to Get Your G License in Florida
Obtaining your G license follows a clear process. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Complete Required Training
The first requirement is completing a 40-hour Class D security officer training program from a licensed school. This might sound confusing since we’re talking about a G license, but in Florida, the Class D training is the foundation required for security officers.
This training covers Florida security laws, professional responsibilities, emergency procedures, report writing, and practical scenarios. You’ll learn about your legal powers and limitations as a security officer, proper conduct, and how to handle various security situations. Classes typically run 5 days (8 hours each day) and cost $75-150 depending on the training provider. Some training schools offer evening or weekend options if you’re currently working.
Step 2: Submit Application and Background Check
After completing training, you’ll need to:
- Complete Form FDACS-16030 (Application for Class “G” License)
- Submit to fingerprinting for the Level 2 background check
- Provide proof of completed training (your course certificate)
- Submit a passport-style photograph
- Pay the application fee (approximately $112-150)
Applications can be submitted online through the FDACS website or by mail. The online system tends to process applications more quickly, often within 30-45 days, compared to 45-60 days for mail applications.
Step 3: Pass the State Examination
You’ll need to pass the Florida security officer licensing examination, which tests your knowledge of the laws and procedures covered in your training. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, and you’ll need a score of 75% or higher to pass.
The exam can typically be scheduled shortly after completing your training, sometimes even on the last day of your course, depending on the training provider. Most training schools include the exam as part of their program.
Step 4: Receive License and Begin Work
After passing your exam and clearing the background check, FDACS will issue your official G license. This typically arrives within 30-90 days of submitting your completed application, though processing times vary.
Once licensed, you can legally work for any licensed security agency in Florida. Your license will be valid for two years, after which you’ll need to complete a renewal process (more on that below). According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, there are currently over 170,000 licensed security officers in the state, highlighting the significant demand for qualified personnel.
G License Career Opportunities in Florida
With a G license, several career paths open up across Florida’s security industry:
Security Career Options with G License
Position Type | Typical Work Environment | Approximate Salary Range |
Corporate Security | Office buildings, headquarters | $30,000-45,000 |
Retail Loss Prevention | Stores, shopping centers | $28,000-40,000 |
Event Security | Concerts, sporting events, and venues | $25,000-38,000 (often hourly) |
Residential Security | Gated communities, estates | $32,000-50,000 |
Hotel/Resort Security | Hospitality properties | $30,000-42,000 |
Healthcare Security | Hospitals, medical facilities | $32,000-48,000 |
For those looking to specialize further, a G license can be your stepping stone to more advanced roles. Many of our team members at HK Defense Solutions started with basic G licenses before developing expertise in executive protection, risk management, or specialized security services. Florida’s security industry continues to grow, particularly in regions like South Florida, Orlando, and Tampa Bay. Tourism, corporate presence, and population growth all drive strong demand for qualified security professionals across the state.
Maintaining Your Florida G Security License
Getting your license is just the beginning – keeping it current requires ongoing attention:
- Renewal – Your G license must be renewed every two years by submitting a renewal application and paying fees (approximately $45)
- Clean record – You must maintain a clean criminal record. New convictions can result in license suspension or revocation.
- Contact information – Keep your address and contact details updated with FDACS within 30 days of any changes
- Employment status – If you change employers, your new security agency must notify FDACS of your employment
The renewal process is fairly straightforward, with FDACS typically sending a reminder notice 90 days before your license expires. Don’t ignore these notices – working with an expired license is illegal and can result in penalties. Similar to what we’ve discussed in our security crisis management content, maintaining proper credentials is part of professional responsibility in the security industry. License violations can permanently impact your career prospects.
Other Florida Security License Classes
Florida’s security licensing system includes several different license types beyond the Class G. Understanding the distinctions helps professionals plan career advancement:
What Is a Class D Security License?
The Class D security license serves a different purpose than the G license. While the G license allows you to work as a security officer, the D license is for:
- Security agency owners and operators
- Security officer managers and supervisors
- Security officer instructors
Getting a Class D license requires more experience and responsibility. You’ll need to complete additional training beyond the basic 40-hour course and demonstrate substantial security industry experience. This license is essential if you want to advance to management positions or eventually start your own security company in Florida.
How G License and D License Differ
Understanding the distinction between these common license types helps clarify career progression:
Feature | Class G License | Class D License |
Primary Purpose | Working as a security officer | Operating security agencies/supervising |
Experience Required | No prior experience | Substantial security background |
Training Hours | 40 hours | 40 hours + additional training |
Career Level | Entry to mid-level | Supervisory and management |
Typical Next Step | Specialization or Class D | Agency ownership |
Most security professionals start with a G license and work in the field before pursuing a D license. This progression provides practical experience before taking on greater responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a G security license cost in Florida?
The total cost ranges from $190 to $300, including training ($75-150), application fee ($112), fingerprinting ($40-75), and exam fee (often included in training). Renewal every two years costs approximately $45.
How long does it take to get a G license in Florida?
From starting training to receiving your license typically takes 6-12 weeks. This includes 1 week for the 40-hour training course and 30-90 days for application processing, depending on background check completion times.
Can you work security in Florida without a license?
No. Working as a security officer without proper licensing is illegal in Florida and can result in fines up to $1,000 and potential criminal charges. Both individuals and companies employing unlicensed security personnel face penalties.
What disqualifies you from getting a security license in Florida?
Felony convictions, violent misdemeanors within the past 3 years, crimes involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, drug offenses, domestic violence convictions, and certain mental health adjudications can all disqualify candidates from obtaining a security license.
Final Thoughts
The Florida G security license opens the door to numerous career opportunities in the protection industry. The application process is straightforward, the requirements are clear, and the professional benefits make it worth pursuing if you’re interested in security work.
At HK Defense Solutions, we prioritize proper licensing and professional credentials for all our team members. We understand that quality security services begin with properly trained and licensed personnel who meet state standards.
