About The Security Industry

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, licenses and regulates the private security industry in accordance with Chapter 493, Florida Statutes. Security officers and security agencies serve in positions of trust. Untrained and unlicensed persons or businesses, or persons not of good moral character are a threat to the public safety and welfare. The private security industry is regulated to ensure the interests of the public are adequately served and protected. This information has been made available to inform Florida citizens about licensing requirements.

A security officer is any individual or business who, for consideration, advertises as or is engaged in the business of furnishing security services described below. The individuals and agencies are required to be licensed:

• Acts as a bodyguard
• Guards property
• Transports prisoners
• Guards armored cars
• Attempts to prevent theft, misappropriation or concealment of property or other valuables
• Seeks the return of such stolen valuables