Nawara Law
Law Offices Of Daniel D. Nawara, P.A.

Security officers and private investigators

Arrested While Holding a Florida Security Officer, Private Investigator or Class G License

Security officers, private investigators, recovery agents and their managers are licensed under Chapter 493, Florida Statutes. Licensing is handled by the Division of Licensing within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Chapter 493 has one of the shortest arrest-reporting deadlines in Florida law. It also allows the license to be temporarily suspended based on an arrest alone for some charges. Former prosecutor Daniel D. Nawara defends Chapter 493 licensees facing criminal charges in Sarasota, Manatee and surrounding counties.

The 3-calendar-day rule: s. 493.6118(1)(z)

Section 493.6118(1)(z) lists as a ground for discipline:

"Failure of any licensee to notify his or her employer within 3 calendar days if he or she is arrested for any offense."

Key points from the text:

  • Trigger: the arrest. Unlike many licensing statutes that start the clock at a plea or conviction, this rule starts at the arrest.

  • Any offense. The statute does not limit the duty to felonies, firearms offenses or job-related charges. A misdemeanor arrest is covered by the plain wording.

  • Calendar days. Weekends and holidays count.

  • To whom: the employer. The text requires notice to the licensee's employer. It does not itself require the licensee to notify FDACS within 3 days.

This rule covers licensees under Chapter 493, including Class "D" security officers, Class "C" private investigators, Class "G" statewide firearm licensees, and manager and agency license holders.

FDACS often learns of arrests anyway

Section 493.6108 requires FDLE to retain fingerprints submitted for Chapter 493 licensing and to search arrest fingerprints against them. It also provides for enrollment in the FBI's national retained print arrest notification program. In practice, the licensing agency may learn of an arrest through these systems. Notifying your employer on time remains your own obligation.

Temporary suspension based on an arrest: s. 493.6118(8) and (9)

Two provisions allow FDACS to suspend a license before the criminal case is resolved:

  • Firearms-related crimes, s. 493.6118(8): After notice from a law enforcement agency, a court or FDLE, and written verification, FDACS shall temporarily suspend a Class "G" or Class "K" license if the licensee is arrested or charged with a firearms-related crime that would disqualify the person from licensure.

  • Forcible felonies, s. 493.6118(9): FDACS shall temporarily suspend a license if the licensee is arrested or charged with a forcible felony as defined in section 776.08.

Under both subsections:

  • The licensee may request a hearing under chapter 120. That hearing is limited to whether the licensee was arrested for or charged with a qualifying crime.

  • If the criminal case ends in a nondisqualifying disposition, FDACS lifts the suspension once the licensee submits a certified copy of the final resolution.

  • If the case ends in a disqualifying disposition, the suspension stays in place and FDACS proceeds with revocation.

Because the license status follows the criminal case so closely, the outcome of the criminal case, and the certified paperwork showing it, matters directly.

Pleas and convictions: s. 493.6118(1)(c)

Section 493.6118(1)(c) allows discipline for being found guilty of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, or being convicted of, a crime that directly relates to the business for which the license is held or sought. The statute adds that a no contest plea creates a rebuttable presumption of guilt, and that FDACS must let the licensee present mitigating circumstances surrounding the plea.

Possible penalties under section 493.6118(2) include:

  • Denial of an application or renewal.

  • A reprimand.

  • An administrative fine.

  • Probation.

  • Suspension or revocation.

Charges that often come up for armed licensees

For someone carrying a firearm under a Class "G" license, some charges carry particular licensing weight:

  • Aggravated assault or battery and other forcible felonies, which fall within section 493.6118(9). See battery charges.

  • Firearm offenses within section 493.6118(8).

  • Domestic violence charges and injunctions, which can affect firearm eligibility under state and federal law. Section 493.6118(1)(w) covers Class "G" or "K" licensees who are prohibited from possessing a firearm. See domestic violence charges and injunction defense.

  • DUI and drug charges, which may matter to employers and to firearm-related licensing decisions. See Florida DUI defense and drug possession.

Practical steps after an arrest

  • Count 3 calendar days from the arrest and notify your employer in writing. Keep a copy.

  • Keep the notice short and factual. State that you were arrested and the charge. Do not argue the facts.

  • Watch for FDACS correspondence about a temporary suspension and the deadline to request a hearing.

  • Get certified copies of the final disposition when the case ends. Section 493.6118(8)(b) and (9)(b) require them to lift a suspension after a nondisqualifying disposition.

  • Do not carry a firearm under a suspended license.

  • Ask about bond conditions. Pretrial release conditions in some cases restrict firearm possession. See bond and first appearance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to report a misdemeanor arrest to my security company?

Yes. Section 493.6118(1)(z) applies to an arrest "for any offense," and the notice is due within 3 calendar days.

Do I have to report the arrest to FDACS within 3 days?

The 3-day rule in section 493.6118(1)(z) requires notice to your employer. FDACS may learn of the arrest through fingerprint-based arrest notification. Renewal and application forms ask their own questions, which must be answered truthfully.

Can my Class G license be suspended before I am convicted?

Yes, for certain charges. Section 493.6118(8) requires a temporary suspension of a Class "G" or "K" license after an arrest or charge for a disqualifying firearms-related crime. Section 493.6118(9) does the same for any license after an arrest or charge for a forcible felony.

What happens to the suspension if my case is dropped?

If the case ends in a nondisqualifying disposition, FDACS must lift the suspension once you submit a certified copy of the final resolution.

Does sealing my record help with FDACS?

Section 943.059(4)(b)10 lists an exception for concealed weapon license applicants with the FDACS Division of Licensing. Whether a sealed record must be disclosed in other Chapter 493 licensing settings depends on the question asked. Get advice before answering. See sealing and expungement.

Talk with a Sarasota criminal defense lawyer

Call (941) 920-5514 or request a free consultation. Daniel D. Nawara defends the criminal case with your license in view. FDACS proceedings are separate administrative matters; ask about them at the consultation. See also misdemeanor defense, felony defense and what happens after an arrest.

Updated October 1, 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Statutes, agency rules and penalties change and depend on the facts. No outcome is guaranteed. Contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.

Sources: Fla. Stat. § 493.6118, § 493.6108, § 493.6115, § 776.08, § 943.059; FDACS Division of Licensing.