Requirements reviewed 2026-09-16 · Get Licensed editorial team
FL
Training requirements in Florida
Complete at least 40 hours through an FDACS-licensed security school or training facility before applying. Employers may add assignment training later.
The usual unarmed security-officer route is the individual Class D license. Applicants must be at least 18 and meet eligibility requirements.
1
Choose a licensed school
Verify its Class DS status and that the course produces the required Class D training certificate.
2
Prepare your application
Gather training evidence, identification and eligibility documents, a photograph, and fingerprints using FDACS instructions.
3
Apply through FDACS
Use the official online, in-person, or mail process and pay the current fees.
4
Confirm work authorization
Check your application or license status and the permitted start date with FDACS and your employer.
How long is the training?
Complete at least 40 hours through an FDACS-licensed security school or training facility before applying. Employers may add assignment training later.
Eligibility and local checks
Armed work requires additional Class G authorization.
General preparation supplements the required licensed-school course.
Compare your options
Security training providers in Florida
Compare the advertised course, duration and price. Each listing identifies required licensing training or optional career preparation.
Checked 2026-09-16. Independent directory listing. Confirm dates and availability with the provider.
Training fees are set by the provider. State application, fingerprinting, examination and renewal fees can be additional. Open the Florida course finder.
Earnings in Florida
How much could you earn each month?
Security guards and security officers in Florida have a median wage of $17.26 an hour. The annual wage estimate of $35,900 works out to about $2,992 a month before tax.
Lower quarter$2,695per month · $15.55 / hour
Median$2,992per month · $17.26 / hour
Upper quarter$3,293per month · $19.00 / hour
BLS May 2025, Security Guards (SOC 33-9032), published through O*NET. Monthly figures divide annual estimates by 12 and are before tax. This occupational group includes security guard and security officer job titles across employers and experience levels. Percentiles describe the wage distribution; they do not guarantee starting or experienced-worker pay.
Use an advertised hourly rate and the paid hours you expect to work.
Starts at the Florida median hourly rate and 40 hours. Change both to match the offer.
Estimated monthly gross pay$2,992
$690 a week · $35,901 a year
Before tax and deductions
Calculation: hourly pay × weekly paid hours × 52 ÷ 12. Assumes the same paid hours for 52 weeks. Overtime, extra shift pay and unpaid time are excluded. Actual pay dates and take-home pay depend on your employer and circumstances.
Your next role
Security officer jobs in Florida
Search current employer vacancies and check the pay, hours and training requirements for the exact assignment.
Indeed opens its own current search results. These employer cards are checked separately.
Before you say yes to a job
A useful offer gives you enough detail to plan your money, travel and week.
What will land in my bank account?
Ask for the hourly rate, guaranteed paid hours, deductions and pay frequency. Check the first payday, paid breaks, overtime arrangements and any night or weekend premium.
Will the shifts fit my life?
Confirm the actual start and finish times, weekend expectations, notice for roster changes and how you will get home after a late shift.
Can I apply with my experience?
Read the exact experience, licence and screening requirements. Ask who arranges and pays for required training, registration, background checks and uniforms.
What will the workplace be like?
Check the site location, indoor or outdoor duties, time on your feet, lone working, supervisor support and eligibility for benefits.
The work behind the uniform
Who becomes a security officer?
Security work can suit people who enjoy helping others, following a clear process and noticing details. You may be starting your first job or bringing experience from customer service, hospitality or retail.
Many entry roles ask for a high-school diploma or equivalent. Check the specific employer’s requirements and your Florida entry route, then choose a setting that fits your skills and circumstances.
Calm communication
Explain a rule courteously and listen when someone needs help.
Attention to detail
Stay focused during routine tasks and report changes clearly.
Reliable judgement
Follow your post instructions and know when to ask a supervisor.
What is life like as a security officer?
Your day depends on the assignment. A reception post involves regular contact with people; patrol work can involve substantial walking or standing; a control room needs sustained attention to screens and calls. Night, weekend and rotating shifts are common. Check the actual roster, breaks and relief arrangements before accepting a role.
Walk through a day on shiftAn office-building example
An invented learning scenario. Hours, uniform, equipment and duties are set by the employer and assignment.
Take over the post
Read the handover, check your equipment and confirm the temporary procedure for a faulty badge reader.
Help people arrive
Check visitors, contact their hosts and explain where to wait. Keep the access record up to date.
Patrol and report
With reception covered, find water in a service corridor. Report its location and follow the site’s safety instructions.
Ask before making an exception
A contractor arrives without a booking. Contact the authorised representative and follow the agreed waiting procedure.
Leave a clear handover
Record the completed clean-up and the outstanding reader repair. Confirm the next action with the incoming officer.
These examples show common work settings across the US. Compare the duties and entry requirements in each Florida vacancy.
Offices & reception
Welcome visitors, check access and keep a useful record of arrivals.
Ask the employer
How is reception covered during patrols and breaks?
Retail
Help customers, observe activity and report concerns through store procedures.
Ask the employer
Which incidents go to a supervisor or loss-prevention specialist?
Warehouses & logistics
Check drivers and deliveries, patrol assigned areas and report access problems.
Ask the employer
How much work is outdoors, on foot or in a vehicle?
Hospitals
Support staff and visitors, check access and communicate with people under stress.
Ask the employer
What healthcare training and immediate support are provided?
Events & venues
Work at scheduled events, with duties defined by your assigned post.
Ask the employer
Is this a security or guest-services role, and what checks apply?
Control rooms
Monitor systems, handle calls and pass clear information to colleagues.
Ask the employer
What systems knowledge and previous experience are required?
Where could the career take you?
Possible next steps include shift supervisor, site lead, operations-centre work and specialist assignments. Build experience through dependable work, clear reports and further training. Each opportunity has its own selection requirements.
The usual unarmed security-officer route is the individual Class D license. Applicants must be at least 18 and meet eligibility requirements.
How long is security guard training in Florida?
Complete at least 40 hours through an FDACS-licensed security school or training facility before applying. Employers may add assignment training later.
How much does security guard training cost in Florida?
The listed course with a published price starts at $125.00. Each listing explains its price and training type. Application, fingerprinting, examinations and other charges may be separate. Confirm the current total with the provider.
How much do security guards and security officers earn in Florida?
The median is $17.26 per hour or $35,900 annually, equivalent to about $2,992 per month before tax, in BLS May 2025 data for Security Guards, published through O*NET. This occupation covers security guard and security officer job titles; it does not provide separate wages for the two titles. Actual pay varies with employer, role, location and experience.
Can I complete my Florida security training online?
Delivery depends on the accepted course and your intended role. The directory includes an online or blended option; check the listing’s scope and any in-person requirements. Free Get Licensed preparation supports your learning; approved training and licensing requirements follow the local route.
Official sources
Entry-level unarmed employment. Armed, specialist and security-business routes can have additional requirements.