SECURITY FOR OPEN HOUSE SHOWINGS

Here’s a clear overview of the role and considerations for Armed Security during Real Estate Home Showings, with attention to Florida’s laws and best practices.

Real Estate Home Showing Armed Security

Purpose

Armed security officers are sometimes employed during real estate home showings—especially for high-value properties, in high-risk neighborhoods, or when concerns about personal safety arise (such as open houses or vacant homes that may attract criminal activity).

Roles and Responsibilities

• Visible Deterrence: The mere presence of an armed officer discourages theft, vandalism, or assaults.
• Access Control: Monitoring and verifying visitors, ensuring only authorized individuals enter the property.
• Patrol and Surveillance: Walking the property perimeter, checking for suspicious behavior, and responding to alarms.
• Protection of Agents and Clients: Ensuring the safety of real estate agents, homeowners, and prospective buyers during the showing.
• Emergency Response: Acting swiftly in case of security incidents, medical emergencies, or property damage.

Legal Requirements in Florida

• Licensing:
  Armed security officers must possess a valid Florida Class D Security Officer license (for unarmed duties) and a Class G Statewide Firearm license (for armed duties).
• Agency Licensing:
  Security must be provided by a properly licensed and insured security agency (Class B license in Florida).
• Firearm Restrictions:
  Officers may only carry firearms while on duty and in accordance with state laws and company policy.
• Coordination with Law Enforcement:
  Officers should be prepared to liaise with local police if any incident occurs.

Best Practices

• Advance Planning:
  Conduct a risk assessment before the showing to identify vulnerabilities (property location, recent crime, expected attendance).
  Brief the real estate agent and homeowner on the security protocol.
• Professionalism and Discretion:
  Security officers should remain professional, courteous, and unobtrusive unless their intervention is required. Dress code should be appropriate—either in uniform for deterrence or plainclothes for discretion, as agreed upon.
• Communication:
  Maintain communication with the real estate agent and, when appropriate, the homeowner. Have clear protocols for reporting incidents or suspicious activity.
• Documentation:
  Keep logs of visitors, incidents, and patrols as part of the service record.

Situations Where Armed Security is Recommended

• High-value or luxury home showings.
• Open houses with large crowds.
• Showings in areas with elevated crime rates.
• Situations where the seller, agent, or prospective buyer has received threats or has known security concerns.
• Vacant properties that may be targeted for theft or squatting.

Summary:
Armed security at real estate home showings in Florida provides a proactive deterrent and rapid response capability, ensuring safety for agents, clients, and property. Officers must be properly licensed, operate within state law, and follow best practices for professionalism and effective protection.