Columbia Liability insurance prerequisites to issuance of license ordinance (§ 13-61)
Chapter 13: Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations · Article III. Armed Guards and Security Guards
In short: Patrol, guard and watchman services must carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance per occurrence at all times, and show proof before getting a license. They must give written notice within three business days when an employee leaves, and independent-contractor guards need a license and insurance too.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Patrol, guard or watchman services shall maintain general liability insurance in the minimum amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) for all claims arising out of a single occurrence. No occupational license shall be issued to a patrol, guard or watchman service by the business license administrator until the applicant has presented to the licensing authority a liability insurance policy or certificate of insurance evidencing compliance with the insurance requirements of this section.
(b) Patrol, guard or watchman services shall notify the business license administrator whenever an employee's employment with the patrol, guard or watchman service ends. The notice required by this subsection shall be given in writing no later than three business days after the employee's employment ends.
(c) Any security guard or armed guard who operates in an independent contractor capacity must obtain an occupational license as described in this chapter and must maintain insurance as described herein.
(d) Patrol, guard or watchman services shall maintain the requisite insurance in effect at all times.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 13-61
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.