Florida Senator Don Gaetz has introduced a bill that would allow trained volunteers with concealed carry permits to provide armed security at places of worship without needing a professional license. The move comes amid a spike in mass shootings and rising concerns over safety in religious spaces.

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TALLAHASSEE, FL (4-minute read) — Senator Don Gaetz of Niceville, Florida, has introduced a new piece of legislation aimed at improving security for churches, mosques, and synagogues across the state. Known as Senate Bill 52, the measure would allow certain trained and vetted volunteers to carry firearms and serve as security personnel at houses of worship without needing a private security license.

The decision to file this bill wasn’t made lightly. “Pastors in my area came to me with the request that I help them,” said Gaetz. “I hope the bill will help in assisting churches who feel like they have to protect themselves and their parishioners.” His remarks reflect a growing concern among faith leaders as religious institutions continue to be targeted in mass shootings.

Growing Security Concerns at Religious Institutions

The bill comes at a time when violence in places of worship is no longer rare. Just last month, a shooter opened fire at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring 17 others, 14 of them also children. On that same day, a school shooting in Colorado ended in tragedy when the teenage shooter turned the gun on himself.

Adding to the urgency, the Florida 1st District Court of Appeal recently ruled the state’s open carry ban unconstitutional, stoking debate about how firearm laws intersect with personal rights and public safety.

Under the provisions of SB 52, volunteers must meet specific conditions:

• Possess a valid Florida concealed carry permit
• Pass a Level 2 background check, which includes federal and state fingerprint screening
• Provide services voluntarily, without compensation
• Operate under a security plan approved by the local sheriff’s office

While the bill uses the term “place of worship,” it is intended to include churches, mosques, and synagogues. Gaetz said he was initially approached by Protestant ministers but intentionally broadened the definition to cover all religious denominations.

The need for such a measure also correlates with a disturbing rise in hate-driven incidents. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic acts reached an all-time high in 2024, with over 9,300 incidents nationwide. These statistics illustrate that no religious group is immune from targeted violence.

A companion bill is expected to be filed soon in the Florida House. If both versions pass, the new law would take effect on July 1, 2026, just months after the legislative session begins in January.

This proposed legislation reflects a growing trend among states that are seeking to empower local communities, particularly religious ones, to take responsibility for their own protection, within a legal and structured framework.

Safety Tip: If you’re part of a place of worship considering armed volunteer security, ensure all participants undergo thorough training in firearm safety, de-escalation tactics, and legal use-of-force standards.