Local overview
Armed Security in Hollywood.
Some Hollywood sites, such as banks, cash-handling businesses, high-value storage and certain government contracts, call for armed officers. In Florida, armed officers need a Class D license plus a Class G statewide firearm license.
Under Chapter 493, Florida Statutes, security companies must hold a Class B security agency license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing. Unarmed officers need a Class D security officer license, which requires at least 40 hours of training at an FDACS-licensed Class DS school (s. 493.6303). Armed officers also need a Class G statewide firearm license: a 28-hour firearms course taught by a Class K instructor, plus 4 hours of requalification every year (s. 493.6113). Confirm licenses through FDACS before service begins.
What officers do
Common duties for this kind of property. Your post orders decide exactly what officers do at your site.
Armed presence
A visible armed officer for sites with a higher risk of violent crime.
Cash and valuables support
Stand by during cash handling or the movement of high-value goods.
Access control
Control entrances to secure areas.
Patrols
Patrol the site under written post orders.
Emergency response
Respond to emergencies under clear use-of-force policies.
Detailed reports
Report every incident in detail, especially any use of force.
Choosing the right coverage
Armed coverage costs more because of licensing, training and insurance, and it carries more responsibility. Ask each provider about its use-of-force policy, firearms training, insurance and how it supervises armed officers.
Put these in your request
- Why you are considering armed coverage
- Hours and posts
- Cash or high-value goods on site
- Your use-of-force expectations
- Insurance requirements
- Supervision and reporting needs
What security costs in Hollywood
Every quote depends on your site, schedule and duties. These starting rates help you plan before proposals arrive.
| Service | Starting at | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unarmed officer | From $25 an hour | Standing posts, access control, patrols |
| Armed officer | From $32 an hour | Officers with Class D and Class G licenses |
| Event security | From $30 an hour per officer | Often with a minimum of about 4 hours per officer |
| Personal protection | From $70 an hour | Protection agents from Class B licensed agencies |
| Fire watch | From $25 an hour | Patrols while fire systems are out of service |
| Mobile patrol | Priced per visit | Depends on visits per night and drive time |
Starting rates. Billing rates cover the officer’s pay plus payroll taxes, insurance, licensing, supervision and company overhead. Your price depends on your site, schedule and duties, and comes from the provider’s written proposal.
Planning hours
One post staffed around the clock needs about 730 officer hours a month. An 8-hour overnight shift every night is about 243 hours. Multiply hours by the hourly rates in each proposal to compare them fairly.
What changes the price
Armed or unarmed
Armed posts cost more because of licensing, training and insurance.
Hours and schedule
Overnight, weekend and holiday hours, and 24/7 coverage, raise the total. One 24/7 post needs about 730 officer hours a month.
Number of posts
Each additional post or patrol adds officer hours, and large sites may need a supervisor.
Contract length
Ongoing contracts are usually priced lower per hour than one-day or short-notice coverage.
Duties and risk
Specialized duties, high-value goods or busy public sites can raise the rate.
What’s included
Supervision, reporting software, vehicles and equipment may be included or billed separately.
Choose with confidence
How to choose a security company.
A license, insurance and good supervision matter as much as the hourly rate. Check these with every provider you consider.
- LicenseFDACS lookup · Class B agencyActive
- OfficersClass D + Class G · requalifiedConfirmed
- InsuranceGeneral liability · Firearms liabilityOn file
- References3 similar clients near Downtown HollywoodCalled
- SupervisionSupervisor visits every 3 hrs · overnight shiftsAgreed
- In writingProposal covers: hours and posts · cash or high-value goods on siteSigned
- 1
Check the company license
Verify the company’s FDACS Class B security agency license, and any branch authorization, through FDACS licensing resources.
- 2
Check officer licenses
Ask for each officer’s Class D license (40-hour training). For armed posts, confirm a current Class G license and this year’s 4-hour firearms requalification.
- 3
Ask for a certificate of insurance
Request proof of general liability and workers’ compensation coverage, and ask whether you can be named as an additional insured.
- 4
Ask for references
Talk to clients with similar properties, and ask how long they have used the company.
- 5
Ask about supervision
Find out who checks on officers, how often, and who you call at 2 a.m. when something goes wrong.
- 6
Get it in writing
Make sure the proposal covers post orders, staffing, rates for holidays and overtime, how absences are covered, reporting, and how to end the contract.
Get armed security quotes
Tell us about your site and when you need coverage. Guardix helps connect your request with security companies that can serve Hollywood. Each company confirms its own availability, pricing and terms.
Armed Security questions
What licenses does an armed officer need in Florida?
A Class D security officer license and a Class G statewide firearm license with current firearms qualification. The company must hold an FDACS Class B license.
Is armed security right for my site?
It depends on your risks. Many sites are well served by unarmed officers. Talk it through with the provider.
Does armed security cost more?
Yes, usually noticeably more, because of training, licensing and insurance.
What should I ask about use of force?
Ask for the written policy, how officers are trained on it, and how incidents are reported.
Do armed officers need extra insurance?
Ask for the provider’s certificate of insurance and whether it covers armed services.
Can I switch from unarmed to armed later?
Yes. You can change the post when your needs change, with an updated agreement.
More security services in Hollywood
Ready when you are
Secure your Hollywood high-risk site.
Tell us what your property needs in one quick step. Guardix helps connect your request with licensed security companies, and each one answers in writing.
- RequestZIP, service, start date
- MatchedLicensed providers
- ProposalPrice and terms in writing
Guardix helps connect quote requests with potential security providers. The selected provider delivers the agreed security service. Availability, qualifications, pricing, reporting features, and service terms must be confirmed for the actual assignment.