A Class D security license in Florida typically costs between $200 and $450 out of pocket, once you add the state license fee, the required 40-hour training course, fingerprinting, photos, and any notary charges. Training tuition is the biggest variable, running anywhere from about $95 to $300 depending on the school.
What You Pay the State
The license fee itself is $45, paid to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).1Florida Senate. Florida Statutes Chapter 493 – Private Investigative, Private Security, and Repossession Services That covers a license valid for two years from the date of issuance.
Watch out for one piece of bad information floating around online: several guides list an application fee of about $97.75. Florida law exempts Class D applicants from the separate application fee that applies to other license types under Chapter 493.2Florida Senate. Florida Statutes 493.6105 – Initial Application for License Your direct cost to FDACS is $45, nothing more.
Training Course
Before you can apply, you must complete at least 40 hours of professional training at a school licensed by FDACS.3Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Class D Security Officer License Requirements Pricing varies by provider. Community college programs can run as low as about $118.4Hillsborough Community College. Security D Unarmed Security Officer License Training Private and online schools generally charge $95 to $300, depending on format, location, and whether course materials are bundled in.
Some security companies pay for training as part of onboarding, so it’s worth asking a prospective employer before you put money down.
Fingerprinting and Background Check
Every applicant has to pass a criminal background check, which means electronic fingerprinting through a LiveScan vendor. The government processing fees for FDACS applicants are $15 for the state (FDLE) check and $12 for the federal (FBI) check, totaling $27.5FDLE. Criminal History Record Check Fee Schedule The LiveScan vendor adds its own service fee on top, usually $20 to $50. All in, budget $47 to $77 for this step.
Photos and Notary
You’ll need passport-style photographs for the application, which run $15 to $25 at most drugstores or photo services.4Hillsborough Community College. Security D Unarmed Security Officer License Training If any documents need notarization, Florida caps standard notary fees at $10 per act.6Florida Senate. Florida Statutes 117.05 – Use of Notary Commission; Unlawful Use; Notary Fee; Seal; Duties; Employer Liability; Name Change; Advertising; Photocopies; Penalties A mobile notary who comes to you will add a travel fee, typically $35 to $45.
Total Cost Estimate
- State license fee: $45
- Training course: $95 to $300
- Fingerprinting and background check: $47 to $77
- Photos: $15 to $25
- Notarization, if needed: up to $10
Most applicants land somewhere between $200 and $450. If an employer picks up the training, you could be under $150 for everything else.
Renewal Cost
The license expires every two years, and renewal costs the same $45. The expensive mistake is letting it lapse. If more than a year passes after expiration, you’re treated as a first-time applicant and have to retake the full 40-hour training course before FDACS will issue a new license.7Florida Senate. Florida Statutes 493.6303 – Licenses; Qualifications That means paying tuition a second time on top of the $45. A calendar reminder a couple of months out from your expiration date is the easiest way to avoid it.
If You Want to Work Armed
The Class D is the base credential for unarmed security work: retail patrol, access control, facility monitoring, and similar duties. It does not authorize you to carry a firearm on the job. Armed security requires a separate Class G license in addition to the Class D, with its own training, fees, and firearms qualification.8Florida Senate. Florida Statutes 493.6301 – Classes of Licenses If you’re budgeting for an armed role, plan for both.
Can You Deduct These Costs on Your Taxes?
It depends on your employment situation. Self-employed security workers and independent contractors can generally deduct work-related education and licensing expenses that maintain or improve skills in their current line of work, which can include training tuition, fingerprinting, and the license fee.9Internal Revenue Service. Topic No. 513, Work-Related Education Expenses If this is your first security license and you’re qualifying for a new career rather than keeping up an existing one, the deduction doesn’t apply. Standard W-2 employees can’t deduct these costs under current federal tax law, whether or not the employer reimburses them. An employer who covers the expenses up front is the most tax-efficient outcome either way.