What does it take to become a body guard in Florida?  Recently, Jo-Anne Yau answered this question and many more at the Jacksonville (Area 12) PI Meeting for the Florida Association of Private Investigators.  The topic of the FALI meeting, run by President Josh Askew, was executive protection.  Ms. Yau presented with Sam Rodriguez, who is with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, about what it takes to become a security officer in Florida.  While Mr. Rodriguez addressed the physical demands of being a body guard and taught basic self defense techniques, Ms. Yau discussed the legal requirements.

Ms. Yau’s presentation centered around the various licensing procedures involved in the security industry.  Like many other professions where a great deal of trust is placed in the hands of practitioners, the private security industry is regulated by the State of Florida.  Body guards are required to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, which also establishes the rules of conduct to be followed by all security personnel.

Licensing protects the public and provides a means for citizens to keep track of complaints against individuals who are unethical or incompetent.  Licensed professionals, therefore, must be accountable.  Requiring security personnel to be licensed ensures a certain level of training is met.  For example, to be employed as a security officer, an individual must obtain a Class D license, which requires 40 hours of training at an approved training facility.  An additional license and training are needed to carry a firearm.

Licensed security professionals, including body guards, must follow the rules regulating the industry.  For example, a security officer is required to wear a uniform while on duty.  The uniform should meet specific guidelines, like having a patch identifying the employment agency.  Only during certain circumstances, such as special assignments, may a security officer be on duty and out of uniform.

Are you having issues obtaining a professional license?  The Yau Law Firm may be able to help.

Filed under: News & Events by Yau Jo-Anne Saturday, September 10th, 2011