The Best Private Security in Plantation, FL

In Plantation, Florida, private security companies and their security officers must be licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Licensing. This state-level licensing is mandatory and supersedes any local city requirements. Security officers must complete a 40-hour Class "D" Security Officer training course from a state-approved school, pass a background check which includes fingerprinting, and be at least 18 years old. Companies themselves must hold a Class "B" Private Security Agency license. Always verify a company's and individual officer's license status using the FDACS online license search tool before hiring.

Residential communities in Plantation, including gated neighborhoods, condominiums, and apartment complexes, most commonly utilize vehicle patrol services and stationary guard services. Vehicle patrols provide a visible deterrent by conducting regular, randomized checks of the community's perimeter, common areas, and amenities. Stationary guards are often posted at community entrance gates to monitor access, verify guest credentials, and provide a welcoming presence. Given Plantation's mix of single-family homes and larger residential developments, these services are tailored to control access, deter property crime, and provide residents with peace of mind.

The cost for private security services in Plantation is generally competitive with other major cities in Broward County like Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, and Pembroke Pines. For an unarmed security officer, you can expect to pay between $25 and $40 per hour. Armed security officers typically range from $35 to $60 per hour. The final cost is influenced by the specific service (patrol vs. stationary), the level of risk, the number of hours required, and the contract length. While Plantation's rates are comparable, they can be slightly lower than in coastal, high-tourism areas of the county due to different risk profiles and insurance costs.

When hiring a private security company for your Plantation business, prioritize the following: First, confirm their active Florida Class "B" Agency license and ensure all their officers hold valid Class "D" or "G" (for armed) licenses through FDACS. Second, look for a company with specific experience serving businesses in Plantation or the broader Broward County area, as they will be familiar with local ordinances and have established relationships with the Plantation Police Department. Third, verify that they carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Finally, ask for and check references from other local businesses to gauge their reliability, professionalism, and effectiveness.

In Plantation, private security officers operate under the authority of a "citizen's arrest." This means they can detain an individual if they have witnessed a felony being committed or have reasonable grounds to believe a person has committed a felony. For misdemeanors, they can typically only make an arrest if the offense is a breach of the peace and occurs in their presence. However, their primary role is to observe, report, and deter crime. They are required to contact the Plantation Police Department immediately upon detaining someone. Security officers are not sworn law enforcement and do not have the same powers; their main function is to protect private property and act as the eyes and ears for the police.