Key Facts — Class G All-Inclusive Course - Tampa Bay Area
- Florida requires 28 total training hours for a Class G license (20 online + 8 range) per Florida Statute Chapter 493.
- Defense Academics delivers the full 28-hour course in just 3 days (Wednesday–Friday), held twice a month (the 2nd and 4th Wednesday–Friday) throughout the year.
- At $199 all-inclusive, the course covers online training, live-fire range, targets, and limited equipment access.
- Students MUST bring a firearm that you own or are licensed to carry, valid photo ID, holster, duty belt, and eye and ear protection; eye and ear protection available at the range for those who need them, while supplies last.
- Serves all of Tampa Bay — Pinellas County (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo) and Hillsborough County (Tampa, Brandon, Riverview).
- Over 2,789 officers certified in 25+ years of operation.
- No recruiting by security companies permitted — an ethical, vendor-neutral training environment.
Our Mission and Goals
Our mission is simple: train officers who are ready on day one. Ready to make sound decisions under Florida law, handle a firearm safely, and represent their employer well. We keep classes small, live and practical, and we help graduates take the next step into a security career.
Our Advantages
Live Instructor,
Not a Video.
Every class is taught live on Zoom by Ron Bruzas, a Florida K-licensed firearms instructor with 30+ years in federal, corporate and healthcare security.
Range Day Included.
Your 8-hour live-fire qualification is part of the $199. No separate range fees, no finding your own instructor.
Student Employment
Helping students find employment by giving them the resources of security companies looking for well-trained officers. We maintain connections with Tampa Bay security employers who are actively hiring graduates.
Up to Date
with Florida Law.
Course content follows Chapter 493 and current FDACS requirements and is reviewed every year.
Years training Tampa Bay officers
Live online classes per month
Officers certified
Defense Academics Courses
When students have successfully completed their training at Defense Academics, they will be ready to enter the security field as a well-trained professional. All courses can be paid by Cash, Credit Cards, Certified Check, Cashiers Check, Company Check, or Money Order. No personal checks accepted.
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What Our Students Say
"Got my G license on the first try. Ron knows his stuff and the online format was easy to follow. Well worth every penny for my career."
"Defense Academics made the Class D process straightforward. The instructors are professional and the job placement help got me working within weeks."
"I've taken security courses elsewhere — this school is the real deal. Updated material, ethical instructors, and they actually care about your success."
Frequently Asked Questions — Class G License Tampa Bay
What is included in the Defense Academics Class G all-inclusive course?
The 20-hour live online classroom, your 8-hour live-fire range qualification, range fees, targets and your completion certificate for the state application.
Is the online class live?
Yes. Florida requires live, real-time instruction for the classroom portion. You join by Zoom from home, the instructor sees and verifies every student, and you can ask questions throughout. Recorded courses don't qualify.
Do I need a Class D license first?
Florida issues a Class G only alongside a Class D (or C/CC), or after you complete the 40-hour Class D training. You can take the G course while you finish your D.
How do I get my license after the course?
You'll receive your completion certificate. Then apply with FDACS (Florida Division of Licensing) online, pay the state fees and get fingerprinted.
I already have a G license. Do you offer the annual requalification?
Yes. The 4-hour Re-Qual is $100 online. Range fees and ammunition are separate.
Does Defense Academics serve the Tampa Bay area?
Yes. Defense Academics is located at 2660 5th Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33713, and serves the entire Tampa Bay region including Tampa, Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, Brandon, Riverview, Bradenton, and all surrounding communities in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
What is the difference between a Class D and Class G security license in Florida?
Class D is the unarmed security officer license. Class G lets a licensed officer carry a firearm on duty. Both are issued by FDACS under Chapter 493.
Questions before you enroll?
Call (727) 520-1188
We answer Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm. Leave a message after hours and we'll call you back the next business day.
