A new Florida bill would allow churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship to use armed volunteers for security without requiring them to hold a professional security license.
Senate Bill 52 passed the Florida Senate unanimously earlier this month and now heads to the state House.
If approved there, the measure would go to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.
The law would take effect in July if enacted.
Supporters argue the proposal gives faith communities a practical way to defend themselves without the heavy financial burden of hiring licensed security personnel.
Cutting Costs While Enhancing Protection
State Sen. Don Gaetz, who sponsored the legislation, told FOX 13:
“It’s now common for synagogues, churches and mosques to have armed security.
“Often using paid professional licensed security personnel.”
Under the bill, houses of worship would have the option to rely on trained, armed volunteers rather than exclusively hiring licensed guards.
For many congregations, cost is a major factor.
Elvis Piggott, pastor of Triumph Church of Tampa, told FOX 13:
“It can get very costly.
“Just for myself at an event could be roughly $900 to $1,000 for two hours.”
For smaller congregations, those costs can quickly become unsustainable.
A Response to Rising Threats
The bill comes amid continued concerns about violence targeting houses of worship across the country.
In August, a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota left two children dead and approximately 20 others injured.
In Mississippi last month, a suspect set fire to a synagogue, causing significant damage and destroying sacred Torah scrolls.
Piggott acknowledged that threats against places of worship are an unfortunate reality:
“Some of these things you would have never thought in a million years would happen inside of the place of worship.”
Supporters of the legislation argue that in an era where soft targets are increasingly vulnerable, congregations should have the ability to protect themselves without unnecessary regulatory hurdles.
On-Site Protection vs. Waiting for Help
Aaron Chappell, co-founder of Vulture Training Group, which provides security certification and training, emphasized the practical realities of emergency response:
“Unfortunately, when a lot of people are congregated closely together, that’s a high-value target for bad guys.”
He added:
“Do you want somebody who is five or six minutes away?
“Or somebody who’s on scene when something happens.”
For many supporters, the bill reflects a broader principle: empowering law-abiding citizens to defend their communities rather than relying solely on outside response times.
What Happens Next
The measure now moves to the Florida House.
If approved and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the changes would take effect in July.
Backers say the legislation strikes a balance between religious freedom, fiscal responsibility, and the constitutional right to self-defense.
It would allow faith communities to take proactive steps to protect their congregations in a time of heightened risk.
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