Liability Requirements for a Florida Security Officer

• Florida law requires security officers to carry liability insurance.security officer blowing whistle image by Elke Dennis from Fotolia.com
  
  Florida requires liability coverage for all security officers. Florida Statutes Chapter 493 provides for insurance requirements, and the employer is responsible for coverage. Coverage is also mandatory for a class "B" security license, which is required for operating a security company.
  
  

Liability Coverage

• The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOACS) regulates the security industry in Florida. According to Florida Statutes Chapter 493.6011: "Coverage shall provide for a combined single-limit policy in the amount of at least $300,000 for death, bodily injury, property damage and personal injury. Coverage shall insure for the liability of all employees licensed by the department while acting in the course of their employment."
  
  

Additional Coverage

• Florida law mandates $300,000 of coverage. Certain security operations may require additional insurance, due to high-risk settings or protection of high-value property. Additional insurance may cover fire damage, assault and battery, false arrest, libel and slander and malicious prosecution.
  
  

Insurance and the Class "B" License

• Florida strictly enforces the liability coverage requirement for security firms. Prior to owning and operating a security business in Florida, get a class "B" license. Insurance coverage at the state $300,000 minimum is mandatory before the license is issued. The holder of the class "B" license must inform the DOACS of any claims against the policy, how the claim originated and any policy cancellation issues. When the policy is cancelled, the license is suspended. Reinstatement of the policy is necessary to operate the business and maintain the license.