How the Class D license works
Florida security officers are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing, under Chapter 493 of the Florida Statutes.
| License | What it allows | Training |
|---|---|---|
| Class D | Work as a security officer | At least 40 hours at a licensed school |
| Class G | Carry a firearm while on duty (with a Class D) | Firearms training under section 493.6115 |
| Class DI | Teach the security officer course | Instructor license |
You send your completed training certificate with your Class D application. If your license has been expired for 1 year or more, you are treated as a new applicant and must complete the 40 hours again.
The 40-hour course
Section 493.6303 requires at least 40 hours of professional training at a school or training facility licensed by FDACS. The course follows the state's Security Officer Training Curriculum Guide, which Rule 5N-1.140 makes part of the rule.
Online classes
You may take the course online only if it is live instruction through the licensed school's secure website. The rule adds safeguards:
- Licensed Class DI instructors teach in real time from a physical location in Florida.
- The instructor checks your government-issued photo ID and logs attendance every day.
- You may log in from only one device, and you must answer security challenges at least every two hours.
- Up to 10 hours of missed class may be made up with recorded instruction.
- Online tests use randomized questions.
When you finish, the school must give you the training certificate, Form FDACS-16103, within 3 business days.
The Class D exam
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 170 |
| Passing score | 128 correct (about 75%) |
| Who gives it | The licensed school, using an exam approved by the Division of Licensing |
| When | During or at the end of the course, at least 2 hours of testing |
| Question types | No more than 50% true/false in each subject area |
Florida law for security officers
A Class D license does not make you a law enforcement officer. Your main tools are observation, deterrence and reporting.
Watch, be visible and report: the core of the security officer's job.
- Observe: watch people, places and activity carefully
- Deter: a visible, alert officer discourages crime
- Report: pass on what you see by radio, phone or written report
Use of force
Under section 776.012, a person may use or threaten non-deadly force when and to the extent they reasonably believe it is necessary to defend themselves or another person against someone's imminent use of unlawful force. Force must stop when the threat stops.
Reasonable force depends on the threat, the people involved and the options you have.
- The threat faced
- Whether force was needed at that moment
- Proportionality: force in balance with the threat
- Other options that could have been used
- The aftermath and the duty of care
Retail theft
Under section 812.015(3), a merchant with probable cause to believe a retail theft happened may take the person into custody and detain them in a reasonable manner for a reasonable length of time, to recover the property or for prosecution. A law enforcement officer must be called to the scene immediately.
Reports and records
Write down what you see as soon as you can. Good notes give times, places, descriptions and exact words. Your reports may be read by police, lawyers and courts.
Everyday security skills
Much of the 40-hour course, and many exam questions, are about practical skills you use every shift. Learn these well, because they also appear in the general US security questions.
Patrols and access control
Changing routes and times makes patrols hard to predict.
- A predictable route that follows the same loop every time
- An irregular route that changes its order and timing
- Vary your patrol routes and times so no one can predict where you will be.
- Check doors, windows, lights and fire exits, and report anything unusual.
- Follow your post orders for checking IDs, visitor passes and deliveries.
- Watch for tailgating, when someone follows an authorized person through a secure door.
Emergencies
- Fire: raise the alarm, call 911 and help people leave by the nearest safe exit. Do not use elevators.
- Medical: make sure the scene is safe, call 911 and give first aid only if you are trained.
- Active threat: follow the federal advice to run, hide or, only as a last resort, fight.
Calming conflict
Use a calm voice, open hands and a safe distance. Listen, show that you understand and offer choices. Most problems can be solved by talking, and talking keeps you and the public safe.