Local overview
Executive and VIP Protection in Miami.
Miami’s economy, from international trade and finance to tourism and cruises, brings executives, visiting VIPs and public figures who sometimes need protection planned around their schedules.
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.
Advance planning
Plan routes, venues and schedules ahead of time, and check every location.
Close protection
Stay near the client and keep a safe space around them.
Secure transportation
Coordinate drivers and vehicles, and plan safe arrivals and departures.
Residence and office security
Coordinate with building security at homes, offices and hotels.
Event and travel coverage
Cover public appearances, meetings and travel days.
Discretion
Work quietly and keep the client’s schedule and information private.
Choosing the right coverage
Coverage can be one event, one trip or ongoing. Florida doesn’t have a separate personal protection license: agents hold a Class D license through a Class B licensed agency, and armed agents also need a Class G license. Ask providers for each agent’s licenses.
Put these in your request
- Who needs protection and why
- Dates, schedule and locations
- Travel and vehicle needs
- Public or private events
- Confidentiality requirements
- Armed or unarmed preference
What security costs in Miami
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 for armed postsConfirmed
- InsuranceGeneral liability · Professional liabilityOn file
- References2 similar clients near PortMiamiCalled
- SupervisionSupervisor visits every 2 hrs · overnight shiftsAgreed
- In writingProposal covers: dates, schedule and locations · travel and vehicle needsSigned
- 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 executive and vip protection quotes
Tell us about your site and when you need coverage. Guardix helps connect your request with security companies that can serve Miami. Each company confirms its own availability, pricing and terms.
Executive and VIP Protection questions
What licenses does a protection agent need in Florida?
A Class D security officer license through a Class B licensed agency, plus a Class G statewide firearm license for armed agents.
Can we book protection for one day?
Yes. Many requests are for a single event, meeting or travel day.
Are executive protection agents armed?
Often, but not always. Decide it with the provider based on the risk.
Can agents drive the client?
Some providers offer trained drivers. Ask if driving is included.
How far ahead should we plan?
As early as possible, so the team can plan routes and visit locations.
Will our plans stay private?
They should. Ask the provider how it protects client information and schedules.
More security services in Miami
Ready when you are
Secure your Miami next visit.
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.