Interested in becoming a licensed security officer in Florida? Whether you're pursuing a career in unarmed security or exploring armed security opportunities, understanding Florida's licensing requirements is an important first step.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates security officer licensing and establishes the eligibility, training, and application requirements for Class D Security Officer and Class G Statewide Firearm Licenses.
To simplify the process, DVPSTA offers a free Florida Security License Eligibility & Steps Tool to help you:
Review general Class D and Class G licensing requirements.
Explore age, citizenship, and training qualifications.
Understand required training and application procedures.
Receive a personalized checklist of your next steps.
Ready to start your security career? Use our free interactive guide below to explore Florida's licensing requirements and plan your next steps. It takes only a few minutes, requires no account, and is completely free.
Disclaimer: This tool provides general educational guidance and does not determine official licensing eligibility. FDACS makes all licensing decisions.
Florida security licensing / guide
Know the requirements. Plan your next step.
A practical guide to Class D and Class G licensing. Answer a few questions and receive a checklist tailored to where you are in the process.
How this guide works
- Choose your path
- Review your status
- Get your checklist
Tell us where you're starting.
Choose the answers that best describe your situation. This tool provides general guidance, not an official eligibility decision.
Your next steps
Important: This is general educational information, not a legal, immigration, background-screening, or formal licensing assessment. FDACS makes all licensing decisions. Completing a course does not grant a license.
Florida security license requirements
Security officers generally require a Class D license. Armed security work also requires a Class G firearms license and an appropriate underlying professional license. FDACS reviews applications and determines licensure.
Class D / Security officer
- Minimum age: 18.
- Must meet FDACS citizenship, residency, or U.S. work-authorization requirements.
- Complete 40 hours of professional training through a licensed school unless an exception applies.
- Provide required documents, fingerprints, application, and fees.
Class G / Statewide firearm
- Minimum age: 18; U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Complete approved 28-hour initial firearms training, including range qualification, unless an exception applies.
- Hold an eligible underlying license for armed duties.
- Complete required annual firearms requalification.
Explore DVPSTA's live, instructor-led 40-hour course and upcoming enrollment options.
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). DVPSTA Florida private security school license DS3400004. Reviewed October 2026; requirements may change. Check the official links before applying.
Florida Class D Security Officer License Requirements
A Florida Class D license is generally required for individuals performing regulated security officer services, including unarmed assignments.
According to FDACS, applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise have the U.S. work authorization recognized by FDACS.
- Provide proof of 40 hours of professional security officer training at an FDACS-licensed school or training facility, unless a recognized training exception applies.
- Complete the state's licensing process, including required forms, documentation, fingerprints, and fees.
Individuals who qualify under an accepted training exception may have a different documentation pathway. Confirm the applicable exception directly with FDACS.
DVPSTA offers structured, live, instructor-led online Class D training for students preparing for the licensing process.
Florida Class G Statewide Firearm License Requirements
A Class G license is an additional firearms credential for qualifying professional license holders. For regulated armed security officer assignments, individuals generally need both a Class D license and Class G authorization.
FDACS generally requires applicants to:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and supply the required status documentation.
- Complete the 28-hour initial firearms training program, including classroom instruction and practical firearms qualification, unless FDACS recognizes an authorized exception.
- Complete the required FDACS application process and hold an eligible underlying professional license when performing regulated armed duties.
Class G license holders are also generally required to complete four hours of firearms requalification training annually to maintain the credential, subject to applicable exceptions.
A Class D license by itself does not authorize someone to carry a firearm in regulated security duties.
Review official Class G eligibility and firearms training requirements at FDACS
How to Get a Florida Security License
The licensing process generally follows five steps. Exact documentation and requirements depend on the type of license and the individual's circumstances.
- 01Identify the license you need. Determine whether you plan to pursue unarmed security work with Class D, or regulated armed assignments that require Class G in addition to an eligible underlying license.
- 02Check your eligibility. Review minimum age, citizenship or immigration status, work authorization, background considerations, and any training exceptions.
- 03Complete approved training. Attend an appropriately licensed training program and obtain the required completion documentation.
- 04Submit your FDACS application. Provide supporting records, fingerprints, licensing fees, and any other required information according to official instructions.
- 05Follow FDACS instructions. Respond to additional requests, track your application, and confirm authorization before performing work requiring a license, subject to applicable statutory provisions.
The FDACS Class D application is available through the state's official online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete Florida Class D security training online?
Yes. Florida permits qualifying live, instructor-led online Class D instruction provided in accordance with FDACS requirements. DVPSTA offers this format.
Does finishing training automatically grant a security license?
No. Training is only one part of the application process. FDACS reviews the required materials and decides whether an applicant qualifies for licensure.
Are the Class D and Class G licenses the same?
No. Class D is the underlying security officer credential. Class G provides additional firearm authorization for eligible professional license holders who perform regulated armed duties.
Is DVPSTA's online eligibility tool an official FDACS decision?
No. The checklist is an educational resource. It cannot assess every statutory condition or guarantee that FDACS will approve an application.
Start Your Florida Security Training Journey
DVPSTA helps prospective security professionals understand the training process through structured instruction and practical educational resources.
For individuals preparing to pursue a Class D license, our live, instructor-led training program provides a scheduled pathway to completing the standard professional training requirement.
Ready to take the next step?
Review training options and upcoming Class D course dates directly with DVPSTA.
Explore Florida Class D trainingOfficial Florida Licensing Resources
For authoritative eligibility criteria, application instructions, and licensing updates, use FDACS' official resources:
- FDACS — Class D Security Officer License Requirements
- FDACS — Class G Statewide Firearm License Requirements
- FDACS — Private Security Licensing
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Licensing information reviewed October 2026. Requirements may change.
Disclaimer: This article and the DVPSTA eligibility tool provide general educational information. They do not constitute legal or immigration advice, an official eligibility determination, or a guarantee of training acceptance, licensure, or employment. FDACS is the final licensing authority.
Company
Training Programs
Copyright © 2024-2026 DVPSTA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only.
Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.
You're on the D'VIP List.
Check your inbox for special promotions and future offerings.

