What is the primary purpose of security guards in Florida?

The primary purpose of security guards in Florida is to protect property, maintain order, and ensure safety. Security guards play a critical role in private security by monitoring and securing various environments, including businesses, residential areas, and events. Their responsibilities primarily focus on preventing theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities, as well as managing situations to avoid escalation and ensuring that a safe environment is maintained for employees, customers, and visitors.

In many cases, security guards act as a visible deterrent to potential criminal activity and are trained to respond to emergencies effectively. This includes calling for law enforcement when necessary, but their main function is not to enforce laws or perform law enforcement duties, as that is the role of police officers. While they do have the authority to detain individuals in specific situations until law enforcement arrives, their primary focus remains on safety and order rather than enforcing the law directly.

Moreover, while providing medical assistance can be part of a security guard's role in specific situations—especially for those with first aid training—it is not their primary purpose. Their main responsibility lies within the scope of protecting property and ensuring overall safety.