Florida Security License Verification: Check the Guard, Firearm License and Agency
Florida security guard licenses are regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Licensing under Chapter 493, Florida Statutes. Start with the official FDACS individual search and verify the license class, current status and expiration date.
For an unarmed security officer, check the Class “D” Security Officer License. For an armed officer, verify both the qualifying security license and the separate Class “G” Statewide Firearm License. If a security company is involved, check its agency license separately.
Quick Answer: How to Verify a Florida Security Guard License
Use the FDACS Division of Licensing Individual Name Search. Search by license number when possible because it is more precise than a name-only search. Open the matching record and confirm the correct person, license class, status and expiration date.
The official search uses a specific number format. For a one-letter Chapter 493 license such as Class D or Class G, enter the license type, a space and seven digits. A Class D number therefore follows a format such as D 1234567. Two-letter license types use the letters with no space before the seven digits.
Verify the Class D license
Florida identifies the individual security officer credential as the Class “D” Security Officer License. Confirm the current public record rather than relying only on a badge, resume or photograph of a card.
Run a separate Class G check
An armed security officer needs the applicable underlying Chapter 493 license and a Class “G” Statewide Firearm License. A Class D result by itself does not complete the armed-license check.
Use FDACS, not DBPR
FDACS regulates Florida’s private security industry under Chapter 493. DBPR regulates many other occupations, but its public search is not the correct primary database for a Florida Class D or G security credential.
Florida Security Guard License Lookup: Step-by-Step
Use this workflow for pre-employment checks, vendor verification, armed-post assignments, security-company contracts or your own license status.
Open FDACS Individual Name Search
Use the Division of Licensing public access system for a person. Agency and school records use a different FDACS search.
Select the correct search category
Choose the security-officer category for Class D. For armed work, perform a second search for the Class G Statewide Firearm License.
Search by license number when possible
For a one-letter license, use the letter, a space and seven numbers. A number-based search helps avoid mistaken identity when several licensees share a similar name.
If needed, search the legal name
FDACS accepts a name search in last-name, first-name or middle-name format. Use county only when it helps narrow a large result set; remove extra filters if the expected record does not appear.
Open the exact matching record
Compare the legal name, license number, license type, expiration and status. A matching name without the correct license class is not enough.
For armed work, verify the G license separately
Do not infer firearm authority from the Class D record. The Class G credential is a separate statewide firearm license.
Verify the security agency when relevant
If the guard works through a security company, search the company’s Class B agency license and, when appropriate, the Class BB or AB branch-office record.
Save a dated verification record
For hiring or compliance, save the date checked, official source, license number, license class, status, expiration and agency relationship reviewed.
Florida Class D vs Class G vs Agency License
| License | Used for | Key requirement | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class D | Individual security officer services. | Generally 40 hours of approved professional security-officer training unless an accepted alternative applies. | Person, status and expiration. |
| Class G | Carrying a firearm while performing qualifying Chapter 493 duties. | Initial 28-hour firearms training and annual four-hour requalifying training, subject to applicable alternatives or waivers. | G license plus the qualifying underlying license. |
| Class B | Main security-agency office. | The business furnishing regulated private security services must hold the appropriate agency license. | Agency name, license status and location. |
| Class BB | Branch of a Class B security agency. | Each applicable additional branch office requires its own branch license. | Branch record connected to the location providing service. |
| Class DS / DI | Security-officer school and security-officer instructor. | The training facility and instructor have their own licensing categories. | School and instructor separately when training validity matters. |
For an armed security officer, a current Class D record is not the end of the verification. Confirm the separate Class G record and make sure the assignment is consistent with the employer’s firearm authorization and training requirements.
How to Read a Florida Security License Result
Match the exact person
Use the license number whenever possible. Similar names, middle initials and old legal names can produce confusing search results.
Confirm the license type
A Class D, G, DI, K, M or MB record serves a different licensing purpose. Match the credential to the actual job or training activity.
Check the expiration date
Individual Chapter 493 licenses, including Class D and G, generally have two-year terms. An old physical card is not a substitute for checking the current public record.
Do not treat every found record as usable
Expired, suspended, revoked or otherwise adverse records require follow-up. The fact that a record exists does not by itself establish current work authority.
Physical licensing requirements still matter
Florida law requires applicable individual Chapter 493 licensees to possess their license while on duty. A public lookup is useful verification, not a replacement for every on-duty requirement.
Pending is not always the same as issued
FDACS searches can help with application status, but a pending application must be interpreted under the rules for that specific license class.
Verify the Florida Security Agency Separately
A valid guard license does not prove that the security company itself is properly licensed.
Florida’s private security system licenses individuals and businesses separately. A Class B Security Agency license applies to the main office. A Class BB Security Agency Branch license applies to an additional branch of a Class B agency. A business that holds both private investigative and security agency authority can use the applicable Class AB branch classification.
Check the main security agency
Search the exact legal business name from the contract, invoice, guard paperwork or other business documentation.
Check BB or AB when applicable
If the service is provided through a branch, verify that branch record instead of assuming the main-office license covers every location automatically.
A corporation record is not the security license
A Florida business registration, website or commercial directory listing does not replace FDACS security-agency verification.
Pending Florida Class D Application: Can the Applicant Work?
Florida has a limited rule for a Class D applicant that is important for employers and applicants to understand correctly.
FDACS’s current Class D application states that an applicant may begin work as an unarmed security officer upon submission of a complete application. If FDACS later determines the application is incomplete and sends a Notice of Errors or Omissions, the employment must stop until the listed problems are resolved.
Confirm that the application exists
Do not rely only on an applicant saying the application was submitted. Use the official FDACS status/search route and retain employer documentation supporting the exception.
Do not apply the rule to armed work
The Class D pending-application provision described by FDACS concerns beginning work as an unarmed security officer. It does not turn a pending Class G application into firearm authority.
Errors or omissions can stop employment
If FDACS determines the application is incomplete, the applicant cannot continue relying on the pending Class D provision until the deficiencies are resolved.
Florida Class D and Class G License Requirements
Security Officer License
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet the applicable U.S. citizenship, legal-residency or work-authorization requirement.
- Complete at least 40 hours of professional security-officer training through a licensed school or qualifying alternative.
- Submit required fingerprint and background information.
- Provide required application documentation and fees.
- Generally own or work for a Class B agency or qualifying branch unless a statutory exception applies.
Statewide Firearm License
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet the specific Class G citizenship or permanent-resident requirement.
- Hold a qualifying underlying Chapter 493 license for armed regulated duties.
- Complete the required initial 28-hour classroom and range course unless an accepted alternative applies.
- Complete four hours of requalifying firearms training each year unless a valid waiver applies.
- Qualify with the applicable firearm type and caliber used for duty.
The Class G Statewide Firearm License is tied to regulated Chapter 493 duties. It should not be confused with Florida’s separate concealed weapon or firearm licensing system.
Florida Security License Fees: Current Class D and Class G Amounts
FDACS publishes separate new-license and renewal fee schedules. Training charges and some fingerprint-provider costs can be separate from the state amounts below.
| Action | License fee | Fingerprint fee | Retention fee | Listed total / note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Class D | $45 | $42 | $10.75 | $97.75 on the current new-license fee schedule. |
| New Class G | $112 | $42 | $10.75 | $164.75 on the current new-license fee schedule. |
| New Class G with temporary license | $127 | $42 | $10.75 | $179.75; the $127 amount includes the temporary-license fee. |
| Renew Class D | $45 | Not listed as a new scan fee | $16.75 | Use the live renewal system for the final payment amount. |
| Renew Class G | $112 | Not listed as a new scan fee | $16.75 | Annual firearms requalification is a separate requirement. |
| Replacement individual license | $15 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Replacement requests are not submitted through a normal online replacement transaction. |
The current FDACS new-license schedule says the initial application and/or license fee is waived for qualifying veterans who apply for certain listed license classes, including Class D, within 24 months after discharge and provide a DD214. Class G is not included in that listed waiver group.
FDACS lists approximately $35 for electronic fingerprinting at participating sheriff or police offices, $42 at an FDACS regional office, and variable pricing from private Livescan providers. Confirm the provider’s charge before your appointment.
Florida Class D and Class G Renewal
Individual Chapter 493 licenses generally have two-year terms. Do not wait for the last week to start renewal, especially if a Class G firearms certificate must also be ready.
Watch for the renewal package
FDACS says it mails a renewal application approximately 95 days before the license expiration date. The licensee remains responsible for timely renewal even if the mailed notice is not received.
Use the eligible online renewal route
FDACS provides online renewal for eligible Class D and Class G licensees. In-person and mail options are also described by the department.
Prepare the requested photo and renewal notice
The online renewal system asks for the Division of Licensing renewal notice and a recent passport-style color photograph. A driver license or passport image does not replace the required renewal photo.
Class G holders must document annual requalification
The Class G renewal system requires the applicable Certificate of Firearms Proficiency showing completion of the annual four-hour requalifying training.
Re-check the public record after processing
After renewal posts, return to FDACS public access and confirm the updated status and expiration before relying on the credential for a new assignment.
FDACS says a Chapter 493 license may be renewed when it has not been expired for more than three months, but a late fee equal to the license fee is required in addition to the renewal license fee. If it has been expired longer than three months, a new license application is required.
Fingerprinting for a Florida Security License
Every applicant for a private investigative, security or recovery license must submit a complete set of legible fingerprints. FDACS allows electronic fingerprint submission through several routes.
| Location | Current FDACS guidance | What to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Sheriff or police department | Electronic scanning may be available. Call before traveling to confirm service and whether an appointment is required. | Receipt, Transaction Control Number and any fingerprint-copy documentation. |
| FDACS regional office | FDACS regional offices are an electronic fingerprint option. | Payment and fingerprint documentation for the application file. |
| Private Livescan provider | Private vendors may electronically submit fingerprints and set their own service price. | Receipt and Transaction Control Number. |
If fingerprint payment must be made online, FDACS says payment should be submitted within 30 days of the scan. FDACS also recommends submitting the license application within 90 days of the fingerprint scan to reduce the risk of extra cost if the first fingerprints must be resubmitted.
How to Check Florida Security Training, School and Instructor Details
License verification and training verification are related but separate tasks. This matters when you are checking a new applicant, a training certificate or Class G firearms requalification.
Verify the security-officer school
A facility providing Class D security-officer instruction generally uses the Class DS Security Officer School or Training Facility license. Search the agency and school database.
Verify the Class D instructor
A person providing classroom instruction to Class D applicants generally needs the appropriate Class DI instructor license. Search the individual database.
Verify the firearms instructor
Class G firearms instruction is tied to licensed firearms instructors. When a firearms course or annual qualification is important, confirm the instructor record as well as the student’s license.
FDACS instructs applicants who completed qualifying Class D or Class G training through applicable licensed providers on or after July 19, 2023 to look up and print the training certificate for submission with the license application.
Florida Security License Address Change, Name Change and Replacement
Notify FDACS within 10 days
An individual licensed under Chapter 493 must notify FDACS within 10 days after a residence or mailing address changes. The address can be changed online or by written notification.
A new card is optional
FDACS says the law does not require an individual to obtain a replacement license solely because the address changed. The existing license can be carried until expiration, although a revised card can be requested.
Send proof of the name change
FDACS instructs individuals to submit a written request with the legal document proving the name change. A revised individual license can be requested for the applicable fee.
Replacement individual license: $15
Replacement requests cannot be submitted through the normal online replacement process. FDACS accepts the request through its regional-office or mail procedure with the required written information and fee.
Division of Licensing
FDACS lists Division of Licensing, P.O. Box 5767, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5767 for applicable private security licensing mail.
Verify the public record again
Once the update is processed, re-run the public search before using the new information in an employer or compliance file.
License Verification vs Complaints and Discipline
A license lookup answers whether a licensing or application record exists and what the current record displays. It is not the same as a complete complaint or disciplinary-history review.
Use FDACS for security-service complaints
FDACS provides a complaint route for private investigation, recovery and security services, including concerns involving regulated Chapter 493 activity.
Administrative orders are a separate record source
FDACS states that final orders related to Chapter 493 administrative complaints are indexed with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings.
Active does not answer every risk question
An active-looking license result does not prove insurance, current employment, firearm assignment, training records or suitability for a particular post.
No Florida Security License Result? Troubleshoot It in This Order
| Problem | Likely reason | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No result by number | Incorrect prefix or spacing. | For Class D or G, enter the letter, one space and seven digits in the official license-number search. |
| No result by name | Name spelling, middle name or former legal name differs. | Ask for the exact legal name and license number printed on the FDACS credential. |
| Too few results | County or category filtering may be too narrow. | Remove unnecessary filters and search again with the license number or broader name criteria. |
| Application is pending | The license has not been issued or the application remains in review. | Apply the Class D pending-work rule only when its requirements actually fit. Do not treat an ordinary pending record as an issued credential. |
| Class D found, but guard is armed | Only one credential was checked. | Run a second search for the Class G Statewide Firearm License. |
| Guard is valid, company is unclear | The individual and agency are licensed separately. | Use the agency search for the Class B company and applicable branch. |
| You searched DBPR | Wrong state licensing system. | Use the FDACS Division of Licensing Chapter 493 search instead. |
Contact the FDACS Division of Licensing at 850-245-5691. Have the legal name, license number, license class and the date you searched available so the inquiry is easier to explain.
Employer Checklist Before Assigning a Florida Security Guard
- Official FDACS source used.
- Date verification was completed.
- Guard’s legal name.
- Class D license number and status.
- Class D expiration date.
- Class G number, status and expiration for armed duties.
- Class B agency and branch verification when relevant.
- Pending Class D application evidence when the limited unarmed-work rule is being used.
- Training or annual firearms documentation required by the employer.
- Name or initials of the staff member who performed the check.
- Employee badge.
- Resume statement.
- Old license photograph.
- Private directory listing.
- Company website.
- Training certificate without the license search.
- Class D alone for armed work.
- DBPR search for a Chapter 493 security license.
FDACS vs DBPR vs Florida Health: Use the Correct License Database
| Credential | Main authority | Related guide |
|---|---|---|
| Security guard / security agency | FDACS Division of Licensing | Use this page. |
| DBPR-regulated profession | Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation | Florida DBPR License Lookup |
| RN, LPN, APRN or nursing credential | Florida Department of Health / MQA | Florida Nursing License Verification |
| Physician or medical credential | Florida Department of Health / MQA | Florida Medical License Verification |
| Real estate license | Florida DBPR / Florida Real Estate Commission | Florida Real Estate License Verification |
Official Florida Security License Resources
Use the official route that matches the task you need to complete.
Florida Security Guard License Verification FAQs
How do I verify a Florida security guard license?
Use the FDACS Division of Licensing Individual Name Search. Search by license number when possible, or use the person’s legal name. Confirm the exact person, license class, status and expiration before relying on the record.
What is a Florida Class D security license?
Class D is Florida’s Security Officer License. Individuals performing regulated security-officer services generally need this credential unless a statutory exemption applies.
Does an armed Florida security guard need both Class D and Class G?
A security officer performing regulated armed security duties needs the qualifying underlying license and the separate Class G Statewide Firearm License. Employers should verify both records.
What does a Florida Class D or Class G license number look like?
FDACS says a one-letter Chapter 493 license uses the letter, a space and seven numbers. Class D and Class G therefore use formats such as D 1234567 or G 1234567. Two-letter license types use no space before the seven digits.
Can a Class D applicant work before the physical license is issued?
FDACS states that an applicant may begin work as an unarmed security officer upon submission of a complete Class D application. If the application is later deemed incomplete and FDACS sends a Notice of Errors or Omissions, the employment must stop until the listed problems are resolved.
How long is a Florida Class D or Class G license valid?
FDACS states that licenses issued to individuals, including Class D and Class G licensees, generally have two-year terms. Always check the expiration shown in the current public record.
How much does a new Florida Class D license cost?
The current FDACS new-license fee schedule lists a $45 Class D license fee, $42 fingerprint processing fee and $10.75 fingerprint-retention fee, for a listed total of $97.75. Separate vendor or training charges may also apply.
How much does a new Florida Class G license cost?
The current FDACS fee schedule lists a $112 Class G license fee, $42 fingerprint processing fee and $10.75 fingerprint-retention fee, for a listed total of $164.75. The firearms course cost is separate.
Can an expired Florida security license still be renewed?
FDACS says a license can be renewed if it has not been expired for more than three months, but a late fee equal to the license fee is required in addition to the renewal fee. If it has been expired longer than three months, the person must apply for a new license.
What should I do if the Florida security license search shows no result?
Check the license-number format, legal-name spelling, license category and filters. Make sure you are using FDACS rather than DBPR. If the record remains unclear, contact the FDACS Division of Licensing at 850-245-5691 before relying on a copied card or private directory.
Verify the Person, the Armed Credential and the Security Agency
For Florida security license verification, start with the FDACS public search. Verify the Class D record for the guard, add a separate Class G check for armed duties, and verify the Class B agency or applicable branch when a security company is involved. Save the status, expiration and date checked so the verification can be repeated later.