A security guard must have either a Class D or Class G license in Florida. A Class D license is a basic license for unarmed security guards. A Class G license means that you have passed the Class D requirements and are also certified to carry a firearm.
You must be at least 18 years old and pass a background criminal check to apply for a Class D license. The training course is 40 hours. You will learn how to observe potential miscreants, how to write reports, how to use force without incurring liability, how to help prevent crimes and accidents, how to handle emergencies, as well as a few other skills that are essential to being a good security guard.
You must have acquired your Class D license and be at least 21 years old before you can apply for a Class G license. You will need to pass a psychological and physical exam, as well as a firearm proficiency course that includes a written portion and a target shooting portion. The state of Florida requires that you go through 28 hours of training to get your Class G license.
Most classes will help you with job placement after you receive your Class D or G license, but some don't. Most places that use security guards hire them through security guard companies--though some companies hire security guards individually. Search your phone book for local security guard companies and call to see who is hiring in your area. You can also use Monster and CareerBuilder to search for job opportunities in your area.
Here is a listing of a few schools in Florida that offer training in Class D and G levels for security guards.
Miami Protection
7878 West Flagler Street
Miami, Florida 33144
305-264-7878
guardmiami.com
Security Exchange
PO Box 411803
Charlotte, NC 28241
888-236-0315
floridasecuritylicense.com
Locations in Daytona, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach
R 2 Security Group Inc.
Firearms Instructor
Tampa, Florida
K2700002
813-685-3634
Fax 813-685-3634
[email protected]