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 bi-weekly throughout the year.
- At $199 all-inclusive, the course covers online training, live-fire range, range fees, targets, and equipment access.
- Students are encouraged to bring their own firearm, holster, duty belt, and eye and ear protection; all items available at the range for those who need them.
- 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 — rated 4.9 stars by graduates.
- No recruiting by security companies permitted — an ethical, vendor-neutral training environment.
Our Mission and Goals
In these changing times, security training must keep up. At Defense Academics we are always updating our courses, making the corrections that are needed due to law revisions and requests from not only the industry but also Security Officers. Defense Academics prides itself on being an ethical school, where no recruiting is allowed by any security company.
Any company in the Tampa Bay area is free to post one of their business cards on the school bulletin board — placed in no special order. Our instructors will never say which are the best or the worst. Upon request, we will let students know which companies are actively hiring at the time of class. When students have successfully completed their training at Defense Academics, they will be ready to enter the security field as a well-trained professional.
Our Advantages
Ethical Schooling
Empowering our students to recognize the difference between right and wrong and consistently strive to set an example of good conduct. We apply principles of honesty and fairness to all relationships.
Professional Preparation
Analyzing physical education with the focus on the relation between the dynamic labor market and the required capability of professionals to deal with the associated demands of the Tampa Bay security industry.
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.
Updated Courses
Updated yearly to keep students well prepared for real situations. We make corrections due to law revisions — including changes to Florida Chapter 493 — and requests from the industry and working security officers.
Years serving Tampa Bay
Students impacted weekly
Certified officers graduated
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 Tampa Bay 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 all-inclusive Class G course includes the required 20-hour online training, an 8-hour live-fire range session, range fees, targets, and access to a firearm, holster, duty belt, eye protection, and ear protection at the range for students who need them. Florida Class G certification is also included. We encourage students to bring their own firearm, holster, duty belt, and eye and ear protection if they have them.
How much does the Class G armed security license course cost in Tampa Bay?
Defense Academics offers the complete Florida Class G armed security license course — 20 hours online plus 8 hours at the gun range — for $199 all-inclusive. This includes range fees, targets, and equipment for students who need it. Classes are held bi-weekly serving all of Tampa Bay including St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, and surrounding cities.
Do I need to bring my own firearm to the Class G range day?
We prefer that students bring their own firearm, holster, duty belt, and eye and ear protection to the range day. However, if you do not have these items, Defense Academics has them available for your use at the range at no additional charge as part of the $199 all-inclusive course fee.
How long does it take to get a Florida Class G armed security license?
Under Florida Statute Chapter 493, a Class G armed security officer license requires a minimum of 28 hours of training: 20 hours of online instruction covering Florida firearm law, use-of-force statutes, and safety, plus 8 hours of live-fire range qualification. Defense Academics delivers this over a 3-day course held Wednesday through Friday, bi-weekly.
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?
A Florida Class D license authorizes an officer to work as an unarmed security guard. A Class G license authorizes an officer to carry a firearm on duty as a licensed armed security officer. Both are issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 493. Defense Academics offers both courses at their St. Petersburg location serving all of Tampa Bay.
Contact Us — Tampa Bay
Questions about the all-inclusive Class G course? Call (727) 520-1188 or send a message below.
