Florida requires security officers who work in armed security to possess a Class G firearms license.
Requirements for the license are established through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ division of licensing. To take firearms training in Florida, candidates must be at least 21-years-old.
Florida Law/Requirements To Become a Security Guard
According to Chapter 493 of the Florida Statutes, armed officers must complete 28 hours of training from a Class K-licensed firearms instructor. Training is generally two days of 10-hour classes and one, eight-hour day on the firing range.
Firearm safety and maintenance, civil liability and use of force, and analysis of Statute 775 (registration of criminals) and 790 (weapons and firearms) are included in classroom training.
Gun range training includes handgun marksmanship. After the classroom portion of training, guards must complete a comprehensive exam over the lessons. To qualify on the shotgun, officers must successfully fire 24 rounds of ammunition.
Salary Comparison Armed/Unarmed
Security officers with Class G firearms training earn more than Class D, unarmed officers. As of November 2010, armed officers in Florida earn $10 to $14 an hour, whereas unarmed officers earned $8 to $11 per hour.
Fees/Cost for Class G Training
As of November 2010, several private companies offered Class G training which cost about $200
