Reinstatement fees for a Florida security license depend on the license type and how long it has been expired

Florida's Department of State, Division of Licensing, charges a reinstatement fee that varies by license category. For a Class D (unarmed) security officer license, the reinstatement fee is typically lower than for armed licenses. A Class G (firearm) license costs more to reinstate. The exact amount also depends on whether your license expired recently or years ago — some older expirations may trigger additional requirements beyond the fee itself.

You will also need to pay for a new background check and fingerprinting, which are separate from the reinstatement fee. These costs are not set by the state but by the vendor performing the service, usually running between $50 and $100 combined. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may need to retake training courses, which adds to the total cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Class D (unarmed) reinstatement fees are lower than Class G (armed) fees, and the state charges both separately from background check and fingerprinting costs.
  • Background checks and fingerprinting are required for reinstatement and are performed by third-party vendors, not the state, so costs vary by provider.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may be required to complete a new training course before the state will process reinstatement.
  • You must submit your reinstatement request to the Division of Licensing along with proof of payment, a completed process form, and any required training certificates.

How reinstatement fees are structured by license type

Florida security licenses fall into several categories, and each has its own reinstatement cost. A Class D license (unarmed security officer) has a lower reinstatement fee than a Class G license (armed security officer). Class M (manager) and Class B (agency) licenses also have separate fee schedules. The Division of Licensing publishes these fees on its website, but they can change, so you should verify the current amount before submitting payment.

The reinstatement fee itself covers the administrative cost of processing your request and updating the state's licensing database. It does not cover the background investigation or fingerprinting. Those services are contracted to third parties and billed separately. Some applicants assume the reinstatement fee covers everything; it does not.

Background checks and fingerprinting costs

When you reinstate a security license, the state requires a new background check and fingerprinting. These are not performed by the Division of Licensing directly. Instead, the state has approved vendors who conduct the fingerprinting and submit results to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for the background check.

Fingerprinting vendors typically charge between $50 and $100 for the service. Some vendors are located at sheriff's offices and may charge less; private fingerprinting services often charge more. You will need to find an approved vendor, schedule an appointment, and pay them directly. Keep your receipt and proof of fingerprinting to submit with your reinstatement process.

Training requirements that affect total reinstatement cost

If your security license expired less than two years ago, you may be able to reinstate without retaking the training course. However, if it has been expired for more than two years, Florida law requires you to complete a new security officer training course before reinstatement is approved. This course typically costs between $100 and $300, depending on the provider and whether it is in-person or online.

The training requirement exists because security laws and procedures change. The state wants to may support that officers returning to the field have current knowledge of legal requirements and safety protocols. You must complete the course before submitting your reinstatement process, not after. Some training providers offer expedited courses that can be completed in one or two days.

Steps to submit your reinstatement request

To reinstate your license, you will need to submit a reinstatement process to the Division of Licensing. The process form is available on the state's website. You must include proof of payment for the reinstatement fee, your fingerprinting receipt, and any training certificates if required. Some applicants submit by mail; others use the state's online portal if available for your license type.

Processing times vary. The state typically takes two to four weeks to process a reinstatement request, though this can be longer if your process is incomplete or if the background check reveals issues that need clarification. Do not assume your license is active until you receive written confirmation from the Division of Licensing.

What happens if your license has been expired for several years

If your license expired more than two years ago, reinstatement becomes more complex. You will definitely need to retake the security officer training course. You may also face additional scrutiny during the background check process, especially if there are gaps in your employment history or if your reason for leaving the field is unclear.

In some cases, the state may deny reinstatement if the background check reveals new disqualifying information or if you cannot demonstrate that you have maintained a clean record since the license expired. If denial occurs, you have the right to request a hearing before the Division of Licensing to contest the decision. This process adds time and potentially legal costs.

Comparing reinstatement to explore for a new license

In some situations, reinstatement costs less than explore for a new license from scratch. However, the difference is not always significant. A new process requires the same background check and fingerprinting, plus the initial process fee and training course. If your expired license is only a few months old, reinstatement is usually cheaper. If it expired years ago and you need to retake training anyway, the cost difference narrows.

One advantage of reinstatement is that it preserves your license number and history with the state. A new process starts fresh. If you have held a security license before and want to return to the field, reinstatement is usually the intended path. However, if your license was suspended or revoked (rather than straightforward expired), reinstatement may not be an option — you may have to explore for a new license and meet additional conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a security officer while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license must be active and current to work. Working with an expired or pending license is illegal and can result in fines or criminal charges. You must wait for written confirmation from the Division of Licensing that your reinstatement has been approved before returning to work.

What if I cannot find an approved fingerprinting vendor near me?

The Division of Licensing maintains a list of approved vendors on its website. If no vendor is nearby, some vendors offer mobile services or can accommodate appointments outside regular hours. You can also contact your local sheriff's office, as many provide fingerprinting services at lower cost than private vendors.

Do I have to retake training if my license expired less than two years ago?

Not automatically. If your license expired within two years, you may reinstate without retaking the course. However, if the state's rules or training requirements have changed significantly, the Division of Licensing may still require an update course. Check with the state before assuming you are exempt.

What if my background check comes back with a problem?

If the background check reveals an issue, the Division of Licensing will contact you. You have the right to review the findings and respond. Depending on the issue, you may be able to provide clarification or documentation. If the state denies reinstatement, you can request a hearing to contest the decision.

Is there a way to speed up the reinstatement process?

Processing times are set by the state and do not vary based on how much you pay. However, submitting a complete process the first time — with all required documents, fees, and training certificates — prevents delays. Incomplete applications are returned, which adds weeks to the timeline.