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Start your security career with professional Florida security guard training from Invictus and our sister school, Security Training Group (STG).
Florida students can now complete the entire 40-hour Class D Security Officer course live online. Students pursuing armed security can also complete 20 hours of the 28-hour Class G Statewide Firearm course live online, with the remaining eight hours completed in person for required firearms range training and qualification.
This makes professional Florida security license training more accessible to students throughout the state without requiring them to travel to a classroom for every day of instruction.
Our security training programs are designed to meet applicable Florida licensing requirements while preparing students for the responsibilities they may encounter working in the private security industry.
Courses are taught by experienced security instructors, including military veterans, former law enforcement professionals and private security professionals with real-world experience.
Whether you are entering the security industry for the first time or pursuing armed security opportunities, Invictus and Security Training Group can help you complete the required training and understand the Florida licensing process.
Start Your Florida Security Training Online
You no longer have to attend all of your Florida security training in a traditional classroom.
Through our sister school, Security Training Group DS1600033, students throughout Florida can complete qualifying Class D and Class G instruction through live online classes.
The entire 40-hour Florida Class D Security Officer course can be completed live online.
Students attend instructor-led classes through a secure online training platform and complete the state-required training without traveling to a physical classroom.
This option is especially convenient for students who:
Security Training Group offers both daytime and selected evening Class D training schedules.
Students pursuing the Florida Class G Statewide Firearm License can complete 20 hours of the required 28-hour Class G course live online.
The online portion covers the qualifying classroom instruction required for the Class G course.
The remaining eight hours must be completed in person and include firearms handling, range instruction and required firearms qualification.
This hybrid format allows students to complete most of the Class G training from home while attending only the mandatory firearms range portion in person.
Security Training Group is the sister training school of Invictus Security.
The school specializes in Florida Class D and Class G security license training and provides live online instruction to students throughout the state.
Students can currently enroll in:
Florida Class D Security Officer Training
Florida Class G Statewide Firearm Training
Students interested specifically in online training should be directed to the Security Training Group online registration portal.
Florida regulates private security officers under Chapter 493, Florida Statutes.
Individuals performing regulated security officer services in Florida generally must hold a Class D Security Officer license.
To qualify for a Class D license, most applicants must complete a minimum of 40 hours of professional security officer training through a school or training facility licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Security officers who intend to carry a firearm while performing regulated security duties must also satisfy the requirements for the Class G Statewide Firearm License.
Invictus and Security Training Group provide training opportunities for both career paths.
The Florida Class D license is the primary license for individuals who want to work as security officers in Florida.
Most applicants must successfully complete 40 hours of professional security training through an appropriately licensed Florida security officer school or training facility.
The complete 40-hour Class D training requirement can now be completed through qualifying live online instruction.
Class D security training addresses subjects applicable to the duties and responsibilities of professional security officers.
Training may include:
After successfully completing the required training, students receive documentation of course completion for use in the Florida licensing process.
Florida’s online Class D training is not simply a collection of prerecorded videos.
The course is delivered through live online instruction.
Students must participate in the required training hours while an instructor is present online.
The online training system includes measures designed to confirm identity, participation, attendance and successful completion of the required coursework.
Students can complete the entire 40-hour Class D course online through Security Training Group without having to complete a separate classroom portion.
Depending on the available schedule, students may choose from daytime or evening training options.
Security officers who intend to work armed in Florida generally need both the appropriate security officer licensing and the Class G Statewide Firearm License.
Initial Class G firearms training requires 28 total hours of instruction.
Through Security Training Group, students can complete the 20-hour classroom portion live online.
The remaining eight hours are completed in person and include firearms handling, range instruction and firearms qualification.
This allows students to complete the majority of the Class G course remotely while still satisfying the hands-on firearms training requirements.
Class G training addresses subjects such as:
Students should understand that obtaining a Class G license carries substantially greater responsibility than working in an unarmed security position.
No.
Florida permits qualifying classroom portions of the Class G firearms course to be delivered live online, but the firearms range component must be completed in person.
Security Training Group currently offers:
20 hours live online
plus
8 hours of in-person firearms and range training
for a total of 28 hours of required initial Class G instruction.
This hybrid format reduces the amount of time students must spend traveling to a physical training location while preserving the hands-on firearms instruction required for armed security personnel.
Initial Class G training is not the end of the firearms training requirement.
Florida Class G license holders must complete annual firearms requalification training to maintain applicable armed licensing requirements.
Current requirements call for four hours of annual requalifying training, including review of applicable subjects and firearms qualification.
Armed security professionals should track their annual training requirements rather than waiting until the license renewal deadline approaches.
Students frequently ask about the difference between Florida’s Class D and Class G licenses.
The Class D license allows an individual to perform regulated security officer duties in Florida.
For most applicants, the training requirement is 40 hours of professional security officer instruction.
The complete Class D training course can be completed through qualifying live online instruction.
The Class G license allows appropriately licensed security or investigative personnel to carry an approved firearm while performing qualifying regulated duties.
Initial Class G training requires 28 hours.
Up to 20 hours can be completed through live online classroom instruction, while the remaining eight hours of range training must be completed in person.
The Class G license does not replace the Class D license for an individual working as a security officer.
An armed security officer generally needs both the applicable Class D Security Officer license and Class G Statewide Firearm License.
Florida currently requires Class D applicants to be at least 18 years old.
Applicants must also satisfy applicable citizenship, residency or employment-authorization requirements and meet other licensing criteria established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Certain applicants with qualifying law enforcement, corrections, instructor or military training backgrounds may qualify for exceptions to standard training requirements.
Students who believe an exemption may apply should confirm their eligibility with the appropriate Florida licensing authority before enrolling.
Some states have various requirements to obtain a security guard certification. In the State of Florida, applicants must complete security training to be eligible for the security guard certification. The state requires 40 hours of security guard training by a licensed security school and instructor. Once students finish the training, they will get a security certificate. The security certificate is required to apply for the security license, also needed is a background check and application fee. Applicants who have a security guard certification out of state will still be required to obtain the Florida guard license. Florida does not have reciprocity with other states regarding the security license. The only time a security guard with an out of state license can work in Florida is during a state of emergency, and the Commissioner from the Department of Agriculture permits out of state-licensed security guards.
Security officer licensing in the United States is growing with states that are starting to require security licenses to work in services. Various states like Florida, Texas, California, New York, Virginia, and Louisiana require security officer licensing for security guards performing contract security. States like Florida require the most hours of training to obtain security officer licensing. Florida requires 40 hours of security classes, and students must pass a written exam. States like New York require 8 hours of initial training and 16 hours of on-job training. California must complete 40 hours of training and allows 8 hours of initial training and then 16 hours within 30 days of the job assignment. The additional 16 hours must be completed within six months. As you can see, some states have various training requirements to become a security
For most applicants, becoming a licensed Florida security officer involves several steps.
Complete the required 40-hour Class D security officer training through an appropriately licensed Florida security school or training facility.
Through Security Training Group, the full 40-hour course can be completed live online.
After successfully completing the course, obtain the required documentation showing completion of your security training.
Submit the applicable license application and supporting documentation to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Applicants should review current state instructions concerning application requirements, fingerprinting, fees and supporting documentation.
Once properly licensed and eligible to work, security officers can pursue employment opportunities with licensed security agencies and other qualifying employers.
Students pursuing armed security assignments must complete the additional Class G firearms training and licensing requirements.
Twenty hours of the initial Class G course can currently be completed live online through Security Training Group, followed by the required eight-hour in-person firearms portion.
Licensing is important, but effective security training should also prepare students to understand the responsibilities of the job.
Professional security officers may be responsible for protecting people and property, controlling access, conducting patrols, observing suspicious activity, documenting incidents and responding appropriately to emergencies.
Security training develops foundational skills involving several areas.
Security officers frequently control entry into residential communities, businesses and restricted facilities.
Students learn the importance of verifying authorization and following established access-control procedures.
Effective security officers must know how to observe their environment and recognize unusual or potentially concerning conditions.
Patrol training introduces principles used when monitoring buildings, parking areas, perimeters and other assigned areas.
Security reports can become important records following incidents.
Students learn the importance of documenting events clearly, accurately and objectively.
Security officers are frequently among the first personnel to identify or respond to emergencies at the property they protect.
Training provides foundational knowledge concerning notifications, emergency procedures and officer responsibilities.
Security officers regularly interact with residents, employees, visitors, customers and members of the public.
Professional communication, appearance, ethics and judgment are important parts of effective security work.
A Florida security license can provide entry into a broad private security industry.
Depending on experience, licensing, additional training and employer requirements, security professionals may pursue opportunities involving:
Additional training and professional experience can help officers qualify for positions involving greater responsibility.
Invictus and Security Training Group understand that most students complete security training because they want to enter or advance in the security profession.
Our connections within Florida’s private security industry can help students identify employment opportunities with security companies seeking licensed personnel.
Employment is determined by individual employers and cannot be guaranteed solely by completing training.
However, completing professional training, obtaining the appropriate license and developing a strong understanding of security fundamentals can better prepare students for available opportunities.
Students can complete all 40 hours of Florida Class D security officer training live online through Security Training Group.
Students can complete 20 of the required 28 Class G hours online, reducing the amount of in-person attendance required.
Online training makes courses accessible to qualifying students throughout Florida and provides greater flexibility for individuals balancing work, family and other obligations.
Training is provided by experienced professionals with backgrounds that can include military service, law enforcement, firearms instruction and private security.
Students can pursue both Class D security officer training and Class G firearms training.
Invictus is not only connected to security training. Our experience in security services and professional security consulting provides insight into the environments where licensed security officers actually work.
Students can access security-industry employment resources after completing training and obtaining applicable licensing.
A state security license may be required to work in private security. If you are seeking employment as a security guard, numerous states have requirements that demand a state security license. States like NY, FL, VA, and TX require specific training to work security services in that state. Some states require anywhere from 8 hours on initial training to 40 hours of instruction to become a security officer. Also, some states have no requirements and allow people with no training to work security jobs. Since security is essential, guards should be trained at a specific standard to protect life and property. States like Florida and California require over 30 hours of initial training, and New York requires 8 hours with 16 hours completed while working on the job. The state security license specifications are listed on the websites to explain the requirements for obtaining a security license.
Invictus and Security Training Group can also assist security agencies and organizations requiring professional training for existing personnel.
Training can help employers standardize officer knowledge, reinforce professional expectations and prepare personnel for site-specific responsibilities.
Depending on organizational requirements, training may address subjects beyond minimum licensing requirements, including:
Organizations seeking customized security training can contact Invictus to discuss their security program and personnel-development requirements.
Security training and security licensing are related, but they are not the same thing.
Completing a required security course does not mean that the State of Florida has automatically issued the student a security license.
Training satisfies the applicable educational component of the licensing process.
Students must still submit the required application and satisfy applicable licensing requirements established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Students should remember the two separate steps:
Complete the required security training.
Then:
Apply for the appropriate Florida security license.
Yes. Qualifying students can complete the entire 40-hour Class D Security Officer course through live online instruction.
Security Training Group offers the complete Class D course online.
Yes. Because the qualifying instruction is delivered live online, eligible students can participate from locations throughout Florida as long as they satisfy applicable course and technology requirements.
No. Florida’s authorized online training is based on live instruction. Students participate in scheduled classes with an instructor rather than simply completing prerecorded lessons whenever they choose.
No. The initial Class G course requires 28 total hours.
Up to 20 hours of qualifying classroom instruction can be completed live online, but the remaining eight hours of firearms and range training must be completed in person.
The online Class D and Class G training is offered through Security Training Group, the sister training school of Invictus Security.
Most applicants must complete a minimum of 40 hours of professional security officer training through an appropriately licensed Florida security officer school or training facility.
The initial Florida Class G firearms training requirement is 28 hours.
Security Training Group allows students to complete 20 classroom hours online, followed by the required eight-hour in-person range component.
No. The Class G license relates to performing qualifying duties while armed. Individuals performing unarmed security officer duties generally rely on the Class D license.
An individual working as an armed security officer generally needs both the applicable Class D Security Officer license and Class G Statewide Firearm License.
No. Training satisfies the applicable training requirement. Students must still apply through the Florida licensing process and meet all applicable requirements.
Employment resources and industry connections may be available to graduates. Hiring decisions are made by individual employers, and training completion does not guarantee employment.
You can now complete most—or all—of your required Florida security training without spending every training day in a classroom.
Through our sister school, Security Training Group:
Class D Security Officer Training
Complete all 40 required hours live online.
Class G Statewide Firearm Training
Complete 20 of the required 28 hours live online, followed by the required eight-hour in-person firearms and range training.
Whether you are beginning a new security career or preparing to work armed, Security Training Group provides flexible training options for students throughout Florida.
Enroll in Online Florida Security Guard Training Today.
We get many customers who ask, Can security guards carry guns in Florida? The answer is Yes. Security guards are allowed to carry guns in Florida if they are licensed and working an armed security post. Security guards are required to have a Statewide Firearms License, also known as a Class G License to work in an armed capacity. Security guards must have a Class D Security License and the Statewide Firearms License to be eligible to work church security services. To obtain a Class G License, it requires 28 hours of firearms training. Students must successfully pass a written exam with a 70% or higher and pass a range qualification with a score of 168 out of a possible 240. The course will educate students on firearm laws, gun safety, weapons marksmanship, and mechanics. Students are required to qualify at the range successfully before applying for the armed security license.
When customers ask, which security jobs pay the most? Well, the answer can be tricky because of the many factors that can determine the pay rates for security guard services. A basic unarmed security guard depending on location can vary from $9 an hour to $15 an hour. Now, if that security guard is working on a government contract, it may require a set rate starting at $14-$16 an hour based on location. This rate may be higher in a city like Miami compared to a city like Gainsville, Florida, where the cost of living is cheaper. Other security jobs that pay the most would be protection details. Typically, executive protection, also called bodyguard services, can pay between $20-$45 an hour depending on the detail and the person’s experience. Another aspect that can change the amount of pay is if the person is a supervisor or a management position. Furthermore, an armed security guard’s pay rate is usually \$2-\$4 dollars higher than an unarmed security guard because they require additional training and licenses to work armed. Also, the risk is higher working armed security services.
