What drives the hourly rate
Six factors move a Florida guard rate: armed versus unarmed, shift length (4-hour minimums cost more per hour than 12-hour posts), total weekly hours, overnight and holiday premiums, site risk profile, and whether the post requires a vehicle, radio, or body-worn camera. Long-term contracts with predictable schedules price lower than one-off emergency coverage.
Minimums and billing
Most Florida security firms, including Ranger, apply a 4-hour minimum per officer per dispatch. Mobile patrol is billed per visit rather than per hour, which is why patrol is far cheaper than a stationary post for properties that only need periodic checks.
How to get an exact number
Pricing published online is always a range because no two posts are alike. A licensed Ranger supervisor walks the property (or reviews photos and a site map for remote quotes), builds post orders, and returns a fixed hourly rate with no hidden equipment fees.
Typical Florida security guard rates (2026)
| Service | Typical hourly range | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Unarmed guard (Class D) | $22 - $32 | HOAs, retail, offices, hospitality |
| Armed guard (Class G) | $32 - $48 | Cash handling, dispensaries, high-risk sites |
| Executive protection | $85+ | Principals, VIPs, high-profile events |
| Mobile vehicle patrol | Per visit | Vacant property, multi-building campuses |
| Fire watch | $25 - $38 | Impaired sprinklers, hot work, NFPA 601 |
Related questions
- Is there a minimum number of hours?
- Yes. Ranger applies a 4-hour minimum per officer per dispatch, which is the Florida industry standard.
- Are armed guards worth the extra cost?
- Armed officers are worth it where cash, controlled substances, firearms, or high-value inventory are present, or where prior violent incidents occurred. Otherwise, unarmed officers plus patrol usually deliver better value.