Florida Security License FAQ
Criminal Records & Disqualifying Offenses
Can I get a Class D license if I have a felony conviction?
Generally, yes — but only after meeting strict requirements and waiting periods.
Florida Statute §493.6118 creates a disqualification for felony convictions, but allows eligibility after 10 years if specific conditions are met:
- 10 years must have elapsed since your final release from supervision (prison, probation, parole, community control, or any other court-ordered supervision)
- Civil rights must be fully restored by the State of Florida (voting rights, right to serve on a jury, right to hold public office)
- You must demonstrate “good moral character” through your conduct since release
If your felony resulted in a withheld adjudication (you pled nolo contendere and the court withheld judgment), the waiting period is reduced to 3 years from final release from supervision. However, this plea creates a “rebuttable presumption of guilt,” meaning FDACS may still consider it negatively unless you prove rehabilitation.
Example Scenario:
John was convicted of grand theft (felony) in 2012 and completed probation in 2014.
- His civil rights were restored by Florida in 2016.
- He can apply for a Class D license in 2024 (10 years after 2014 release from supervision).
- FDACS will review his conduct during those 10 years to assess “good moral character.”
Legal Reference: Florida Statute §493.6118 (2019–2023 versions)
What are “Crimes of Moral Turpitude” and how do they affect my eligibility?
“Moral turpitude” is a legal standard used by FDACS to evaluate the character of applicants with certain criminal convictions.
Florida Statute §493.6101(7) defines “good moral character” as “a personal history of honesty, fairness, and respect for the rights and property of others and for the laws of this state and nation.”
While Florida law does not provide an exhaustive list, crimes of moral turpitude generally include offenses involving:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Dishonesty & Fraud | Theft, fraud, embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, check fraud, credit card fraud |
| Violence | Assault, battery, domestic violence, aggravated assault, robbery, sexual offenses |
| Breach of Trust | Bribery, perjury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering |
| Depravity & Intent to Harm | Arson, kidnapping, manslaughter, criminal sexual conduct |
FDACS applies graduated waiting periods based on the severity of the offense:
- 3-Year Wait: Minor misdemeanors involving dishonesty (e.g., petty theft, simple fraud)
- 5-Year Wait: Moderate misdemeanors or less serious felonies involving moral turpitude
- 10-Year Wait: Serious felonies (as explained in Q1 above)
Note: The exact classification of specific crimes is determined by FDACS on a case-by-case basis. The statute does not provide a definitive list mapping each crime to a specific waiting period.
If you have multiple convictions with different waiting periods, you must wait until the longest waiting period expires. For example, if you have one conviction requiring a 10-year wait and another requiring a 5-year wait, you cannot apply until 10 years after your last sentence completion.
Example Scenario:
Maria was convicted of battery (misdemeanor) in 2019 and completed her sentence in 2020.
- Battery involves violence and is considered a crime of moral turpitude.
- FDACS likely applies a 3-year waiting period for this misdemeanor.
- Maria can apply for her Class D license in 2023 (3 years after 2020 sentence completion).
- She must demonstrate rehabilitation and good conduct during the waiting period.
Legal Reference: Florida Statute §493.6101(7), §493.6106, §493.6305
Can I work as a security officer if I have a misdemeanor conviction?
It depends entirely on the type and severity of the misdemeanor.
Not all misdemeanors disqualify you from obtaining a Class D license. However, certain categories create significant barriers:
- Violent Misdemeanors: Assault, battery, domestic violence, resisting arrest with violence — typically 3-year wait after sentence completion
- Drug-Related Misdemeanors: Possession of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia — 3-year wait if involving substance abuse commitment under Chapter 397
- Dishonesty Crimes: Petty theft, shoplifting, fraud, trespassing with intent — typically 3-year wait
- Minor traffic offenses (speeding, failure to yield) — unless involving DUI
- Disorderly conduct (non-violent)
- Noise violations, trespassing (without intent to commit a crime)
- Other non-violent, non-dishonesty offenses
If you have 2 or more DUI convictions within 3 years preceding your application, you are disqualified based on “chronic habitual alcohol abuse” — unless you provide proof of:
- Current sobriety
- Completion of a rehabilitation program
Example Scenarios:
Scenario 1: Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor) in 2020
- This is a drug-related misdemeanor.
- Applicant must wait 3 years from sentence completion (2023) before applying.
- Must prove current non-abuse and rehabilitation.
Scenario 2: Speeding Ticket in 2023
- This is a minor traffic offense.
- Does NOT disqualify — applicant can proceed with application immediately.
Bottom Line: Always disclose ALL convictions on your application, including misdemeanors. FDACS will evaluate each case individually. Failure to disclose can result in automatic denial or revocation of your license.
Legal Reference: Florida Statute §493.6101(7), §493.6106
Do I need a Class G license to carry a gun while working security?
YES — absolutely. Carrying a firearm as a security officer without a valid Class G license is a FELONY in Florida.
Florida Statute §493.6115 makes it a third-degree felony to perform armed security officer duties or carry a firearm while on duty without holding BOTH a valid Class D (unarmed) license AND a valid Class G (armed) license simultaneously.
Here’s what you need to know:
| License Type | What You Can Do | Firearm Permitted? |
|---|---|---|
| Class D Only | Unarmed security officer duties: patrol, observation, access control, report writing | NO |
| Class D + Class G | All security duties, including carrying a firearm on duty (with employer authorization) | YES |
- You MUST hold a valid Class D license first (Class D is the prerequisite)
- Complete an additional 28-hour firearms training course (20 hours classroom + maximum 8 hours range time)
- Pass a live-fire qualification test (70% minimum score)
- Submit to a physician’s medical examination certifying fitness to bear a firearm
- Have firearm rights restored (if previously lost due to felony)
- Annual requalification required: 4 hours of refresher training every year (failure = automatic suspension)
Even if you have a Florida Concealed Weapon License (CCW), you cannot carry a firearm while working as a security officer without a Class G license. The two licenses serve different legal purposes and are not interchangeable.
Penalties for Violation: Carrying a firearm on duty without a Class G license can result in:
- Felony criminal charges (3rd degree felony = up to 5 years prison)
- Immediate revocation of your Class D license
- Permanent bar from future security licensing
- Civil liability for employer and individual
Legal Reference: Florida Statute §493.6115, §493.6301, §493.6305
Does my Florida Class D security license expire?
Yes. Your Class D Security Officer license is valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration.
- Class D (Unarmed): Valid for 2 years from date of issuance
- No annual requalification required (unlike Class G armed licenses)
- Renewal can be completed online through the FDACS portal
To renew your Class D license, you must:
- Submit a renewal application before expiration date
- Pay the renewal fee (fees vary; check current FDACS rates)
- Have no new disqualifying criminal convictions
- Maintain good standing (no disciplinary actions or violations)
Note: You do NOT need to retake the 40-hour training course for renewal.
Performing security officer duties with an expired license is a violation of Florida Statute Chapter 493 and can result in:
- Criminal charges
- Fines and penalties
- Difficulty obtaining future licensure
- Termination from employment
Renewal Timeline Example:
License issued on March 1, 2025
- Expiration date: March 1, 2027 (2 years later)
- Renewal window: Begin renewal process 60–90 days before expiration
- Processing time: Allow 2–4 weeks for renewal processing
- Best practice: Submit renewal application by January 1, 2027 to ensure no lapse in licensure
If you hold a Class G armed license, note these additional requirements:
- License also valid for 2 years
- MUST complete 4-hour annual requalification (including range qualification)
- Higher renewal fees (typically $112)
- Failure to requalify annually = automatic suspension
How to Renew: Visit the FDACS Division of Licensing website at www.fdacs.gov or call (850) 245-5691 for renewal instructions and current fee schedules.
Legal Reference: Florida Statute §493.6118, FDACS Administrative Rules
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