Florida Bill Would Let Armed Church Volunteers Serve Without Security Licenses

Florida’s Senate has unanimously passed SB 52, a bill that would allow churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship to rely on armed volunteers for on‑site security without requiring them to obtain professional security‑guard licenses. Sponsored by Republican state Sen. Don Gaetz, the measure is pitched as a cost‑cutting alternative to hiring licensed guards at a time when many congregations feel compelled to arm up in response to shootings and arson attacks on religious sites nationwide. Supporters, including a Tampa pastor who says two hours of licensed security can run $900–$1,000, argue that trained congregants already on scene can respond faster than police in an attack. Security‑training providers quoted in the piece stress the need for on‑site, armed protection given that dense gatherings are attractive targets, but the article does not detail any mandatory training standards for those volunteers or opposition concerns about liability and safety. The bill now heads to the GOP‑controlled Florida House, and if approved and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the changes would take effect in July.