Florida Association of Security Companies

About Us

Discover The FASCO Story

Since its inception in 1997, FASCO has represented Florida security agencies and shaped the private security industry by:

25

Years of Experience

13

Legislative Victories

  • Providing critical testimony at state hearings to allow the industry’s voice to be heard and its positions known
  • FASCO Directors serving on the Training Committee to assist in making recommendations to the DOL for updating necessary curriculum changes to Chapter 493 training requirements.
  • Lobbying the Florida Legislature to support bills that enhance our industry’s ability to perform our services effectively. FASCO has employed a lobbyist to assist our organization in advocating for legislation that works to enhance the overall professionalism of our industry.
  • Organizing personal contacts and mass emailing legislators regarding laws affecting the Security Industry
  • Organizing personal contacts and mass emailing legislators regarding laws affecting the Security Industry

Be a voice for our vital industry!

If you are not a FASCO member and would like to be part of elevating standards, enhancing professionalism, and affecting change within the private security industry in Florida, join FASCO and start supporting our mission today!

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Legislative Victories and Industry Milestones

FASCO leadership takes pride in our organization’s accomplishments. We have created an alliance with the investigations and recovery industries under the Council of Presidents of 493, which has worked effectively to generate and move legislation despite obstacles typical in that process. Our collective efforts have resulted in the following significant changes and events:

2022
Successfully lobbied for the Online Training Bill - SB 1474 & HB 1233

FASCO was directly involved in lobbying for an appropriate platform to support online training for those individuals seeking their Class D Security license. FASCO worked closely with legislators, the security industry and the Florida Division of Licensing to ensure there were safeguards in the language to prevent abuse and to protect the overall professionalism of our industry.

2018
Coordinated Emergency Orders with FDOL
FASCO coordinated with the Florida Division Of Licensing to create Emergency Orders which would allow modifications to 493.6105(5), 493.6108(2) and other regulations when the Governor ordered a State of Emergency.
since 2017
Lobbied against multiple bills advocating for online security training

FASCO has successfully lobbied against multiple bills advocating for online security training which would have been detrimental to the security industry the way they were written. FASCO continues to work with legislators, the Florida Division of Licensing and the security industry to create an online security training platform and curriculum that will enhance and benefit the security industry

in 2013
Lobbied the Florida Legislature to pass HB 875

FASCO successfully lobbied the Florida Legislature to pass HB 875, a bill that clarifies "critical infrastructure," gives detention authority to certain types of security officers, and makes unlicensed activity a felony after a second offense, which greatly increases punishment for behavior that negatively impacts our industry’s image.

in 2010
Initiated overhaul of G license firearm rules

FASCO initiated an overhaul of the rules resulting in clarification of when and where “G” licensed security officers are permitted to carry a firearm.

in 2009
Successfully lobbied the prevention of regional office closure

FASCO once again successfully lobbied the Florida Legislature to keep regional offices open after the threat of closure resurfaced from 2007.

in 2009
Prevented raiding of trust fund

FASCO successfully prevented the State of Florida from raiding the trust fund established to provide financial resources and support the industries within Chapter 493 and Chapter 790.

in 2009
Created the Council of Presidents with FALI & FLACARS

FASCO, FALI, and The Florida Alliance of Certified Asset Recovery Specialists (FLACARS) created the Council of Presidents to unite together and stand with one another to support and protect Chapter 493 Industries.

in 2008
Paired with FALI to host conference

FASCO paired with the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators (FALI) in hosting the 2009 Annual Educational Conference.

in 2007
Received support to pass the Emergency Vehicle Light Bill

FASCO received support from Legislative Sponsors, the Florida Sheriffs Association, and DHSMV to successfully pass the Emergency Vehicle Light Bill, which approved the use of both amber and green lights on owned and leased private security patrol vehicles. This change resulted in the increased identification of private security presence, thus creating a faster, safer response from public safety and medical personnel responding to calls from security officers in emergency situations and natural disasters.

in 2007
Lobbied the Florida Legislature to prevent office closure

FASCO lobbied the Florida Legislature concerning the proposed closure of regional offices as a result of the budget cut mandate from the Governor. FASCO was successful in keeping these offices open which allows us to conduct our business more efficiently.

in 2006
Developed legislative sponsors and support

FASCO developed legislative sponsors and support from the Florida Sheriffs Association to successfully pass HB85, that provided for enhanced penalties for anyone assaulting or battering a Licensed Security Officer while on duty

in 2005
Lobbied the Legislature to pass SB2278/HB717

FASCO successfully lobbied the Legislature to pass SB2278/HB717, authorizing G-Licensed Security Officers to carry 9mm firearms on duty.

Bios of Current and Past Board Members

Patty Schmitt, CPP

President

K.C. Poulin

Chairman of the Board

Eddy Esquivel

Immediate Past President

The voice of Florida Security Agencies

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