Florida G License vs a CWP

At ESS Global, we often get questions on “G” and “CWP” rules, laws and reciprocity, so we thought it was time for a Florida G license vs a CWP “FAQ”, to set the record straight. There is plenty of misinformation, so we consulted with one of our top trainers, Mr. John Goldsboro at S1 Firearms Training. John is an NRA certified firearms instructor and a K licensed firearms instructor for the state of Florida. He is also a firearms and defensive tactics instructor for ESS Global Corp.

Florida G License vs a CWP FAQ

Question: I have a Florida statewide “G” license. Can I carry when driving back and forth from work?
Answer: Yes, you can carry/wear your firearm while traveling directly to/from home/armed post.
Question: If have a Florida “G” license, can I work in other states?
Answer: A Florida “G” license is only valid in the state of Florida. If you want to work armed in that state some require you to have their states armed license and a CWP might not be sufficient. Our advice? Call a law enforcement agency in that state to find out precisely what you need to do to follow the laws in that particular state.
Question: I may be working in the Close Protection industry. Do I get a “G” license because it’s for work? Or do I apply for a personal CWP?
Answer: To work any armed security position in the state of Florida you must have both a Class “D” (Unarmed Security License) and a Class “G” License (Armed Security License). If you plan to carry and you expect to work Close Protection assignments outside of Florida, You’ll want a CWP (as long as it’s in the 35 states that honor a Florida CWP). It’s always best to check the state you are traveling to.
Question: When I get a Florida Concealed Carry Permit, what other states is it valid in and what do I do when traveling through a state which doesn’t recognize my Florida CWP?
Answer: A Florida Concealed weapons permit is valid in the following 35 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico,  North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,  Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming.
When traveling through the 15 states (and DC) that do not have a reciprocity agreement, ESS Global encourages licensees planning to travel to another state to consult that state’s laws or call a law enforcement agency in that state to find out precisely what carry restrictions apply.
Question: I have a Florida Concealed Weapon/Firearm Permit, but I am not a legal resident of Florida. Can I travel to the states that recognize Florida licenses and still carry a concealed weapon?
Answer: Nope, Florida does not recognize an out-of-state permit that was issued to a non-resident of the licensing state, and other states do not recognize a nonresident Florida carry permit.
Question: I am considering carrying and I recently got an email saying I would need a “Florida Carry Badge”. Is that the same as a permit?
Answer: To carry concealed in the state of Florida you must take a CWP course by a NRA or State Certified instructor or school. After completing the course and successfully submitting your application, you will receive a Florida State CWP Permit Licensed I.D. To legally carry in the state of Florida and its states of reciprocity all you need is your state issued I.D.  CWP Badges are not a requirement and that purchase us up to each licensee. These badges are simply a novelty item. Feel free to ignore their implications that these are “required to remain in compliance” and other sales pitches.
ESS Global Corp - Florida G license vs a CWPWhether you need training for a “D” Security license, a “G” license, or the required training to apply for a concealed weapon permit (CWP), remember that ESS Global Corp is the only protection school in the state of Florida that is licensed by the US Department of Education.

727-940-7926

info@essglobalcorp.com

VIP Transportation Florida

Google VIP Transportation Florida and you’ll see a list of limo companies with chauffeurs that have not been schooled in Close Protection, Evasive Driving Techniques, Venue Recon, Embus and Debus Planning, and other necessary protection practices that help ensure a safe and stress-free trip. That’s a job for ESS Global Corp.
VIP Transportation
ESS knows how important it is for you to get to your destination both safely and in a timely manner.  It is for these reasons that all of our agents are trained and well versed in motorcade operations and tactics. Each member of our team has been trained in defensive and evasive driving tactics as well as additional training at other agencies. The ESS Global promise is to get you to your destination not only safely, but comfortably as well.
Once we know the destination, we will take all the necessary measures to ensure that your travel goes by without the slightest mishap. Many hours will go into planning your travel.  Our team will advance all possible routes and then choose what they believe to be the best possible routes for where it is that you want to go.  This is determined by many different factors that we take into account so that you don’t have to worry and wonder, you simply enjoy your ride.
Not only do we take the time to choose the best route for you, but we will also put together embus and debus plans to make certain that you safely enter and exit your vehicle at each destination.  As in our Executive Protection and our Venue Security, we leave nothing to chance.
ESS Global Corp is a licensed provider of Secure Transportation and Protective Services for executives, media personalities, professionals and families, ensuring that you and your loved ones are safe and secure. Whether transporting and protecting executives, politicians, celebrities or your family, our team has the experience and expertise to offer a broad array of safe, secure, reliable, and discrete transportation and close protection services. Whatever the situation you are in, or the situation you are trying to avoid, we can help you.

  • Secure VIP TransportationExecutive Protection 2
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • Executive Protection
  • Close Protection/Bodyguard Services
  • Threat Assessment
  • Personal Protection
  • Sporting Events
  • Estate Security
  • Concert Venue Security
  • Airport Service
  • Social Events
  • Restaurants/Clubs

Whether you’re a Florida executive going across town, across the country, or around the world, you can count on the professionals at ESS Global Corp to get you there and back in safety and comfort. Our agents are D.O.E. trained security agents who have protected executives from Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, professional athletes, politicians and clients all over the U.S. who literally trust us with their lives.
With ESS Global, no job is too big. But we also know no job is too small, because if it’s important to you, it’s important to us.
VIP Transportation and Security Questions? Email or Call us, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Email us info@essglobalcorp.com 

727-940-7926

An Inside Look at Executive Protection

Terror attacks in the US, terrorist bombings in the UK, and kidnappings in South America have focused a spotlight on executive/celebrity close protection, both here and abroad. But more often, it’s a political activist, an overzealous fan or a disgruntled ex-employee trying to force his way into the CEO office. It’s more often these “less than headline grabbing problems” close protection deals with.
Are you considering a job in the fast growing Close Protection Bodyguard field? Or perhaps you are considering hiring a Close Protection Specialist. ESS Global would like to give you an inside look at Executive Protection.
ESS Global Corp is one of just a handful of Close Protection Schools nationwide that are Department of Education certified and licensed and is the only Close Protection School licensed by the State of Florida. ESS is also one of the nation’s largest Close Protection Service Agencies with active agents in cities across the country.
We thought we would take a moment, track down CEO Theo Billiris and look “behind the curtain” and answer some of the more common questions both our students and clients ask us, and share this with you.

An Inside Look at Executive Protection

  • What is the very first step in executive/close protection?

Get licensed in the state in which you reside and get certified at a reputable Executive Protection School. Licensed schools, such as ESS, are preferred as both our students and our clients can rest easy in knowing that the school has been and continues to be monitored and regulated by the D.O.E. On top of that, all instructors and curriculums are evaluated yearly.

  • What are the advantages of having a personal bodyguard? Why do celebrities and top business or political icons keep bodyguards?

Protection obviously, but even more so, convenience and making life easy. Example: when you have an Executive Protection agent, they take care of all planning on trips. Choosing hotels, restaurants, etc. and perform all security checks at those places. Then, when you arrive, you don’t have to worry about checking in or waiting for service. It’s already done. You don’t have to worry about how to get from place to place. The route recon is already complete. You just sit back and enjoy the trip. Leave the details to us.

  • What is the client expectation vs real life?

1396894931_525528_399695380063718_182174211_nWell the biggest thing is they believe that when they have you, they can go and do “whatever” and expect that nothing will happen to them. The best clients understand that we are there to keep them safe, which sometimes means heeding our advice/threat assessments and not going to some places they want to go.
Also, we often see that since nothing bad happens they start to think they don’t need us. The only reason nothing bad happens is because of what we do that they don’t see. Successful Close Protection leans strongly on threat assessments and security advances that they never witness.

  • Are there “cardinal rules” to follow?

Confidentiality. The best Close Protection Agents never become too familiar or comfortable – always remember they are client, not a friend.

  • Describe a “Typical Assignment”Executive Protection 3 - ESS Global Corp

Every assignment starts with a client interview/profiling. We learn about the client and their expectations. Next, we conduct a security advance of where we will be going. This includes site surveys and threat assessments of all places we will visit on the trip. We also conduct route recon on all possible routes between venues. Lastly, putting everything we learned from our advance team and putting it into play on the day of the detail. On that day we will protect the client and create an experience for them that was easy and relaxed.

  • What are the little things that make a difference?

At ESS Global, it’s our attention to detail. It’s important to really know your client, and that comes from our experience in the initial interview and our “Client Profile” setup. Do they like a certain drink or snack and having that in the vehicle or hotel room before they enter. Also, learning to remain professional and staying composed even if the client acts irrationally or becomes angry with you. Actually, that’s a big thing.

  • Do you use surveillance equipment?
    EP is really not like this
    EP is really not like this

Yes we do. For obvious reasons, we need to be discrete here, but yes, we use state of the art surveillance and tracking devices. It also gets more complicated when we are contracted with protecting the family. Sadly, sometimes the best and easiest target is a family member.

  • Do you carry weapons all the time?

No, we are only armed when requested by our client. It’s really quite different than it’s portrayed in the media.

  • What sets ESS apart from the rest?

It’s the fact that we are a D.O.E. licensed school as well and have the ability to choose the best students for employment because we are able to assess them through the schooling process. Most other companies who hire from other “trainers” don’t get to assess them until they are working. This can obviously become a liability.

  • Lastly, was there ever a time when quick thinking saved the day?

Everyday! Clients change their minds by the minute. You really have to be able to think dynamically in the moment. There is always a solution.  There is always somebody that knows how to get what your client wants. “No” or “I can’t” is never an option.

There is a Difference

Theo Billiris CEO of ESS Global Corp: “We find that most of executive protection companies send out an off-duty policeman with a gun. What you need to understand is if there was some sort of semi-planned attack, these guys would be of no value, or worse, dead. There was no recon, no planning, no preparation, no game plan in place, just an off-duty cop and a gun. That’s really not Executive Protection, it’s an off-duty officer. There is a big difference.”
ESS Close Family ProtectionExecutive Close Protection has changed over the last 10-15 years.  Agents are smarter and much more professional in contrast to the stereotypical 300 pound man with the mind and intellect of a child.  ESS agents have been D.O.E. trained and continue to train as they perfect their craft.  Our agents come from vast backgrounds such as Military, Law Enforcement, Government Agencies and Executive Protection schools just to name a few.  With this array of various backgrounds, we are able to put together protection teams that will fit and fulfill your specific security need.
ESS Global Corp is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. D.O.E Executive Protection Classes are also offered throughout the year in Tampa and as far away as Los Angeles. If you are looking to change careers and be the best and train with the best, we’d love to talk.
If you’re considering hiring an EP agent give us a call. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

727-940-7926

info@essglobalcorp.com 
 

Florida “G” Training in Tampa

ESS Global Corp provides Florida “G” Training in Tampa – D.O.E.Approved D and G Security Training, Florida’s only D.O.E. Approved Security School.
As stated in the Florida Private Investigator Handbook, an applicant for a Florida Class “G” Statewide Firearm license must have a minimum of twenty-eight (28) hours of range and classroom training within the past (12) months.  This training must be taught and administered by a Class “K” Firearms Instructor.

Florida Commissioner Adam Putman With ESS Global Corp
Florida Commissioner Adam Putman With ESS Global Corp

The Class G Statewide Firearms License, issued by Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under the direction of Adam Putnum (pictured), is the license that permits any individual who possesses a valid Class “D” Security Officer license to perform the duties of an armed security officer while on an armed post or on an armed assignment. Further, the Class “G” license permits holders of valid Class “C”, “CC”, “M”, “MA”, and “MB” licenses to perform duties while armed.
Class “G” licensees must obtain twenty-eight (28) hours of firearms range re-certification training during each year of the 2-year licensure period (eight hours of total training required for re-certification/renewal).  Range recertification must be taught and administered by a Class “K” Firearms Instructor.  Renewal of the Class “G” license will be denied if a licensee has failed to fulfill the four (4) hour annual training requirement.  If the 4 hours of annual training is not completed each year during the 2-year licensing period, the individual must re-take the training required at initial licensure.
The ESS Global Florida Armed Security Officer “G” Course covers all information required by the State of Florida Department of Agriculture for Class G license applicants, including: F.S. 493, 775, 776 and 790, Firearms Safety & Mechanics, Civil Liability 7 use of Force Issues, Handgun Marksmanship, Care and Maintenance of Firearms and other related topics.
ESS students that successfully complete the “G” course, pass the final examination and complete the range qualification will be give proof of completion to provide to the State when they apply for ESS Global Corp - Security Specialists the Class “G” license.
Students that have successfully completed the “G” license must complete the annual re-qualification in order to maintain their “G” license status.
NOTE:  ANYONE MAY TAKE THIS CLASS.  However, in order for you to OBTAIN a Class “G” Statewide Firearms License, you MUST:

  • Have completed a state-mandated 40-hour unarmed Security Officer training program, OR
  • Be scheduled to complete a state-mandated 40-hour unarmed Security Officer training program, OR
  • Possess a valid FL Class “D” Security Officer License, OR
  • Possess a valid FL Class “CC” Private Investigator Intern License, OR
  • Possess a valid FL Class “C” Private Investigator License.

Additionally, the State of Florida requires applicants for firearms licenses must be at least 21 years of age, have no disqualifying criminal history, and be legally allowed to work in the United States.
ESS Global Corp Florida“G” License Training Course Tuition $175

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727-940-7926

Florida Executive Protection and Bodyguard Training

Florida Commissioner Adam Putman With ESS Global Corp
Florida Commissioner Adam Putman With ESS Global Corp

ESS Global Corp offers Florida Executive Protection and Bodyguard Training, and is the only Executive Protection School in Florida licensed through the Florida Department of Education. ESS Global is also in the process of becoming Post 9/11 GI Bill approved by the Department of Veteran Affairs. We also offer no interest payment plans for Veterans.  (UPDATE 12-23-16 ESS Global Executive Protection Training is now approved by the VA to accept Post 9-11 GI Bill Benefits)
But ESS also knows that a piece of paper from the state or the VA isn’t what sets us apart. It’s all about the training. ESS Global training is taught by industry professionals who have unmatched experience and knowledge in the Executive Protection field.  At ESS Global, our primary goal is to pass down our real world knowledge from our own field experiences to our students, in an effort to best prepare them to work as a professional in the Executive Protection and Bodyguard Industry.
ESS Global Corp also offers Advanced Executive Training, as well as Threat Assessment Training, Motorcade Operation, “D” and “G” Florida Certification Training, Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) Training, Advanced Defensive Training, Tactical, Gun Safety Training, First Aid, CPR Training and more.
The Close Protection industry is growing fast, simply because executives and their families, celebrities, politicians, sport stars and more all look for professional protection. Close Protection is the pinnacle of the private security industry. This is your opportunity to be trained by the some of the best professionals in the industry for a career second to none in the security field.
Classes are held at various times throughout the US in Tampa, Orlando, Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas & Los Angeles.
Ask about group rates, discounts, referrals and private classes.  ESS Global Corp can also take the course to you, and also offers private “on-site” courses for groups, organizations and businesses.
Class sizes will be limited to ensure that each student receives the proper amount of “hands-on” instruction so that when they complete the course their knowledge not only meets. but exceeds industry standards.
If you have a desire to be the best, then pick up the phone and train with the best.
Call the leader in Florida Executive Protection and Bodyguard Training.

727-940-7926

info@essglobalcorp.com