What Is a Class D Security License?
A Class D Security License Florida authorizes you to work as an unarmed security professional anywhere in the state, from retail patrol to corporate access control. Unlike a basic unarmed security license Florida, the Class D credential requires completion of 40 hours of state-approved Florida security training, fingerprint submission, and a thorough background check—ensuring you’re fully prepared for security guard jobs in Florida. This license covers roles such as event monitoring, loss prevention, and facility surveillance, and meets the Chapter 493 requirements under Florida law. Beyond initial qualification, Class D holders must renew every two years with 8 hours of refresher training, keeping skills sharp and compliant. Moreover, it lays the groundwork for advanced pathways—like upgrading to an armed appointment or pursuing a security D license class in security license classes in Fort Lauderdale—offering a clear career trajectory in private security. With your Florida security guard license in hand, you gain a versatile, recognized credential that opens doors across hospitality, healthcare, education, and more.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Class D Security License in Florida?
Understanding how much is a Class D Security License in Florida helps you budget accurately for your unarmed security career. The cost of Class D license Florida breaks down as follows:
- Application Fee: $50 paid to FDACS
- Fingerprinting & Background Check: $60 for Livescan processing
- Training Tuition: $200–$300 for the mandatory 40-hour Florida security training course
- License Issuance: $75 biennially for your Florida security guard license
Altogether, initial out-of-pocket expenses range from $385 to $485, before factoring in optional study guides, exam prep materials, or uniforms. Expect renewal fees of $75 every two years, plus $100–$150 for 8 hours of refresher training. Don’t overlook ancillary costs such as travel to your security D license class, liability insurance, and employer-required gear. By comparing tuition packages, seeking group discounts in security license classes in Fort Lauderdale, or leveraging employer reimbursement, you can minimize expenses and streamline your path to becoming a licensed professional.
Job Opportunities with a Class D Security License
Earning your Class D Security License Florida opens doors to a variety of roles:
- Retail and mall security
- Hotel and hospitality patrol
- Commercial property monitoring
- Access control at schools and hospitals
Average security guard salary Florida sits between $12 and $16 per hour, with top employers offering benefits and shift differentials. Specialized assignments—like corporate campus security—can push earnings higher. Many entry-level guards use their Class D licence as a stepping stone toward an armed appointment or advanced private investigation roles.
Benefits of Getting the Security License
There are clear security license benefits to investing in your Class D credential:
- Broader job eligibility: Qualify for any unarmed position in Florida.
- Career advancement: Lay groundwork for a Class G or Class “Guard” license.
- Employer preference: Many companies require a Florida security guard license before hire.
- Competitive edge: Stand out among applicants with up-to-date Florida security training certifications.
In a tight job market, your Class D licence signals commitment and professional responsibility.
Challenges or Downsides
Even with its advantages, the Class D route involves:
- Upfront costs: Nearly $500 before gear and uniforms.
- Time investment: 40 hours of classroom training plus prep.
- Renewal requirements: Biannual refresher courses to maintain compliance.
- Limited scope: You cannot carry a weapon on duty.
Weigh these factors if you’re deciding between unarmed and armed tracks.
Who Should Consider Getting the Security License?
Candidates asking how to get a security license should consider Class D if they:
- Seek quick entry into security roles
- Prefer unarmed patrol and customer-facing duties
- Plan to advance to armed status later
- Value employer-backed training and certification
For those aiming at unarmed positions with clear advancement paths, the Class D license provides essential credentials.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
So, is the Class D license worth it? When you tally the initial Class D license cost Florida—under $500—and compare it to the average security guard salary Florida of $12–$16 per hour, the return on investment becomes clear. Within just a few months of steady work in security guard jobs in Florida, you’ll recoup your training and licensing fees.
Beyond immediate earnings, a Class D Security License Florida serves as a springboard for career growth. Employers across retail, hospitality, and corporate sectors prioritize candidates with a current Florida security guard license, giving you an edge in competitive hiring markets like Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. With your unarmed credential in hand, you can later pursue an armed security license Florida (Class G) or specialized roles—each step adding new revenue potential and responsibility.
Moreover, the skills acquired during Florida security training—from conflict de-escalation to legal use-of-force knowledge—carry lifelong value. In industries where customer safety and asset protection are paramount, your certified expertise enhances job security and professional credibility.
In summary, the modest cost of Class D license Florida pays dividends through stable employment, diverse job opportunities, and clear advancement paths. For anyone serious about a career in private security, the investment is not just worthwhile—it’s essential.
