Florida Security License Reinstatement Costs and Fees

What You Pay to Reinstate a Florida Security License

Reinstatement of a Florida security license costs $250 for the license fee itself, plus the cost of a new background check and fingerprinting. The background check and fingerprinting together typically run $100 to $150, depending on which vendor the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) directs you to use. You will also need to pay for any required training or continuing education if your license has been expired for more than a certain period — that cost varies by the training provider you choose, usually between $50 and $200.

The total out-of-pocket cost to reinstate ranges from roughly $400 to $600 in most cases. Some of this money goes directly to FDACS; some goes to third-party vendors for background checks and training. You cannot combine these payments into a single transaction — you will pay FDACS for the license fee and pay separate vendors for the background check and any training.

Key Takeaways

The Florida security license reinstatement fee is $250, paid directly to FDACS.
You must also pay for a new background check and fingerprinting, which together cost $100 to $150.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to complete training before reinstatement is approved, adding $50 to $200 to your total cost.
Payment is made in separate transactions to FDACS and to third-party vendors; there is no single reinstatement process fee that covers everything.
Fees do not include any costs for obtaining required documents like proof of residency or identity verification.

The $250 License Reinstatement Fee to FDACS

The $250 reinstatement fee is the core cost and goes directly to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid before FDACS will process your reinstatement request. You pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement paperwork, either online through the FDACS licensing portal or by mail to the Division of Licensing.

This fee is separate from the original license fee you paid when you first obtained your security license. It is not a renewal fee — renewal costs less and applies only if your license is still active. Reinstatement applies when your license has lapsed or been suspended, and the higher fee reflects the additional review and background work FDACS must do.

Background Check and Fingerprinting Costs

Florida requires a new background check and fingerprinting as part of reinstatement. FDACS does not perform this work itself; instead, it contracts with approved vendors. The cost for both the background check and fingerprinting combined typically ranges from $100 to $150. Some vendors charge a single bundled fee; others charge separately for each service.

You will receive the name and contact information of the approved vendor when you begin the reinstatement process through FDACS. You must use an FDACS-approved vendor — fingerprints taken elsewhere will not be accepted. The vendor will schedule you for an appointment, take your fingerprints, and submit them along with the background check request to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This process usually takes two to three weeks from the time you are fingerprinted.

Some vendors allow you to pay online before your appointment; others require payment at the time of your visit. Ask the vendor about their payment methods when you schedule.

Training and Continuing Education Costs

If your security license has been expired for more than two years, Florida requires you to complete a refresher training course before reinstatement is approved. This training is not included in the reinstatement fee and must be paid to the training provider directly.

The cost of this training varies widely depending on the provider and the format (in-person classroom, online, or hybrid). Most providers charge between $50 and $200 for the required hours. Some training providers are affiliated with security companies or trade organizations; others are independent. FDACS maintains a list of approved training providers on its website. You must complete training with an approved provider — training from an unapproved source will not count toward reinstatement.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you may not need to complete training, though FDACS may still require it depending on the reason your license lapsed. Check with FDACS directly about whether training is required for your specific situation.

Payment Methods and Where to Send Money

The $250 reinstatement fee to FDACS can be paid by check, money order, or credit card, depending on whether you submit your reinstatement request online or by mail. If you submit online through the FDACS licensing portal, you can pay by credit card when ready. If you submit by mail, you must include a check or money order payable to the "Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services."

Mail payments should be sent to the Division of Licensing at the address provided in your reinstatement packet. Include your security license number and your name on the check or money order so the payment can be matched to your file. Do not send cash.

Payments to the background check vendor and training provider are made separately and directly to those vendors. Each will have its own payment instructions and accepted methods.

Timeline for Paying and Processing

The order in which you pay matters. You typically pay the $250 reinstatement fee to FDACS first, and FDACS will then direct you to the approved background check vendor. Once you have paid the vendor and completed fingerprinting, the background check results are sent back to FDACS. Only after FDACS receives the background check results will it process your reinstatement.

If training is required, you must complete and document that training before or during this process. Some applicants complete training before submitting the reinstatement request; others complete it while waiting for background check results. Either order is acceptable, but FDACS must have proof of training completion before final approval.

The entire process from payment to final reinstatement approval typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule and complete the background check appointment and any required training.

Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement or Add Costs

One frequent mistake is paying the reinstatement fee before you have all required documents ready. If FDACS rejects your process because you are missing a document, you do not get the fee back — you will have to resubmit and may have to pay again. Gather your proof of identity, proof of residency, and any other required documents before you send in your fee.

Another mistake is using an unapproved background check vendor or training provider. FDACS will not accept work from vendors not on its approved list, and you will have to pay again to use an approved vendor. Always confirm that your chosen vendor is on the FDACS-approved list before you pay.

A third mistake is not checking whether training is required for your situation. If your license expired more than two years ago and you do not complete training, FDACS will deny your reinstatement request, and you will have to start over — losing the time and money you already spent. Contact FDACS before you pay anything to confirm exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the reinstatement fee and background check fee together?

No. You pay the $250 reinstatement fee to FDACS first. After FDACS receives and processes that payment, it will direct you to an approved background check vendor, and you pay that vendor separately. The two payments cannot be combined into one transaction.

What if I cannot afford the full cost right now?

FDACS does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. You must pay the full $250 fee upfront. However, you can space out the other costs — for example, pay for the background check one month and training the next — as long as you complete all requirements before FDACS makes a final decision on your reinstatement.

Do I get a refund if my reinstatement is denied?

No. The $250 reinstatement fee is non-refundable, even if FDACS denies your request. Fees paid to the background check vendor and training provider are also non-refundable. This is why it is important to confirm all requirements with FDACS before you pay anything.

Is the cost the same for all types of security licenses in Florida?

The $250 reinstatement fee applies to most security license types, including security officer, security manager, and alarm system contractor licenses. However, some specialized license categories may have different fees. Check your original license or contact FDACS to confirm the reinstatement fee for your specific license type.

Do I have to pay for training if my license expired less than a year ago?

Not automatically. Training is typically required only if your license expired more than two years ago. However, FDACS may require training in other situations, such as if your license was suspended for cause. Contact FDACS about your specific case before assuming you do not need training.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.