When armed is the right call
Banks and credit unions, cannabis dispensaries and MMTC facilities, jewelry and luxury retail, cash-in-transit, data centers, executive residences, and any site with documented prior armed incidents. Florida armed officers must hold both a Class D and Class G license and requalify with a firearm regularly.
When unarmed is enough
Residential communities, hotels and resorts, corporate lobbies, schools, healthcare reception, warehouses, and most construction sites. Unarmed officers cost roughly 30% less and are usually a better fit where the primary goals are presence, access control, and documentation.
The hybrid model
The most cost-effective setup for many Florida properties is a stationary unarmed officer plus a marked armed patrol vehicle that performs randomized checks. You get visible deterrence around the clock without paying an armed hourly rate for every post hour.
Related questions
- Does having armed guards raise my liability?
- Working with a licensed, insured agency that carries armed-specific coverage and documented use-of-force training keeps liability with the agency. Always request a certificate of insurance naming you as additional insured.