Florida Security Officers.org

SECURITY
OFFICER
HANDBOOK
Division of Licensing
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
A message from the Commissioner:
In obtaining a Florida License as a Security Officer, a licensee enters a profession that protects the property and personal safety of others. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, has the legal duty to regulate the private security industry in this state. In carrying out that duty, the Division has authority to investigate any violation of Chapter 493, Florida Statutes, the law governing the security profession.
The courts have found that a professional license is a privilege, not a right. Violations may result in denial of an application, fines and the suspension or revocation of a license granting that privilege. Knowledge of the law reduces the probability of violating it. This handbook is provided to assist licensees and agencies in that knowledge. I hope it will be helpful to you.
If you have any questions, the Division of Licensing staff will be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Commissioner
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE/SUBJECT PAGE
SECURITY GUIDELINES
Law.......................................................................1
Regulated Activity...............................................1
Types of Licenses.................................................1
Training Requirements......................................3
Firearms.............................................................6
Firearms Training..............................................8
Use of Force………………………………………………..9
Uniforms and Identification Cards..................10
Insurance Requirements...................................11
Applying for a License.......................................12
Cancellation/Inactivation of License...............13
Agency Advertisements Require License
Number.........................................................14
Use of State Seal Prohibited..............................14
Other Prohibited Acts.......................................14
Badges………………………………………………………18
Vehicle Lights...................................................18
Unlawful Symbols of Authority……………………18
The Department of ACS, Division of
Licensing.......................................................19
Disciplinary Action/Penalties..........................20
DIVISION OF LICENSING ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS...........................................21
DIVISION OF LICENSING REGIONAL OFFICE TERRITORIES...........................................................23
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SECURITY GUIDELINES
I. LAW – Chapter 493, Florida Statutes
The following explanations of the law are presented to assist in understanding the requirements and prohibitions of Chapter 493, Florida Statutes. However, this handbook is not the complete law. Individuals who are licensed pursuant to Chapter 493 should study the law to gain a more thorough understanding.
II. REGULATED ACTIVITY – Private Security
Definition — Advertising or performing the service of, guarding persons or property for compensation.
Sections 493.6101(18) and (19), F.S.
III. TYPES OF LICENSES
a. Security Officer — Class “D” license
Any individual who performs security services must have a Class “D” Security Officer License and must own or be employed by a licensed Class “B” Security Agency or branch office. Class “D” licensees may not enter into subcontractor agreements with any licensed agency or other business entity.
Sections 493.6301(4) and (5), F.S.
b. Statewide Firearm License — Class “G” license
Any individual who carries a firearm while on duty must have a Class “G” license in addition to his Class “D” or manager’s license.
See “Firearms,” Section V
c. Security Agency — Class “B” license
Any business which advertises as, or is engaged in, the business of furnishing security services, armored car services, or transporting prisoners for compensation is a security agency and must possess a Class “B” Security Agency License. Class “B” agencies may enter into subcontractor agreements with other
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licensed agencies. Agencies must notify the Division of any changes in officers, ownership or location. Agency licenses, which reflect incorrect information because such changes have not been reported, are in violation of Chapter 493, F.S.
Section 493.6301(1), F.S.
d. Branch Office — Class “BB” license
Each additional location of an agency where security business is actively conducted must obtain a Class “BB” Branch Office License.
Section 493.6301(2), F.S.
e. Agency Managers — Class “M” or “MB” license
Any person who directs the activities of licensed security officers at any agency or branch office must have a Class “M” or Class “MB” Manager License. A Class “D” licensee, who has been so licensed for a minimum of two (2) years, may be designated as the manager, in which case the Class “M” or “MB” license is not required. The manager assigned to an agency or branch office must operate primarily from the location for which he has been designated as manager. Each licensed location must have a designated, properly licensed manager and a licensed manager may only be designated as manager for one location.
Section 493.6301(3)(a), F.S.
f. Security Officer Instructor — Class “DI” license
Any individual who teaches or instructs at a Class “DS” Security Officer School or Training Facility shall have a Class “DI” license, except instructors who are full-time faculty members and who teach exclusively for public educational facilities are exempt.
Section 493.6301(8), F.S. and 5N-1.134(3)(b), FAC
g. Security Officer School — Class “DS” license
Any school or training facility that teaches or instructs applicants for Class “D” licensure must have a Class “DS” license except those schools that are exempt pursuant to 5N-1.134(3)(a), FAC.
Section 493.6301(7), F.S and 5N-1.134(3)(a), FAC
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h. Firearms Instructor — Class “K” license
Any individual who provides classroom or range instruction to applicants for a Class “G” license must have a Class “K” license. Class “K” licensees must follow the standards and procedures in the Division of Licensing Firearms Instructors Manual.
Section 439.6115(7), F.S.
i. Class “D”, “G”, “M”, “MB”, “DI”, “DS” and “K” licenses are issued for two (2) years. Class “B”, “AB” and “BB” licenses are issued for three (3) years. The licensee is responsible for renewing his/her license on time and should apply for renewal 60-90 days prior to expiration. Although the Division sends the licensee a renewal notice approximately 120 days prior to the expiration date of the license, the licensee is ultimately responsible for renewing his/her license in a timely manner even if the renewal notice was not received. The Class “D” Security Officer License must be in the possession of the licensee while on duty. An armed security officer must also have the Class “G” Statewide Firearm License in his/her possession while on duty in an armed capacity.
Sections 493.6111(1) and (2), F.S.
IV. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
a. An applicant for a Class “D” license must complete a minimum of 40 hours of professional training at a school or training facility licensed by the department. An applicant may fulfill the training requirement by:
1. Submitting proof of successful completion of 40 hours of training with his/her initial application, or
2. Submitting proof of successful completion of 24 hours of training with his/her initial application and proof of successful completion of the remaining 16 hours of training within 180 days following the submission of the initial application. Failure to submit proof of successful completion of
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the remaining 16 hours of training within 180 days will result in suspension of the license.
b. An applicant for a Class “DI” Security Officer Instructor License shall have the following qualifications: