Senator Don Gaetz Pushes Florida Law to Allow Armed Volunteers Secure Churches Without Security License Amid Rising Attacks on Places of Worship
Florida lawmakers are moving forward with a controversial but significant proposal that could reshape how religious institutions protect themselves. Senator Don Gaetz, the father of Representative Matt Gaetz, has introduced a bill that would allow armed volunteers to serve as church security without the need for a professional security license. It comes at a time when attacks on churches and other houses of worship are rising across the country, and communities are searching for ways to feel safer.
The proposal doesn’t open the door to just anyone carrying a gun inside a church. Volunteers would still be required to hold a valid concealed firearm license, pass a Level 2 background screening, and operate under a security plan approved by the local sheriff. They would also be restricted to remaining on church property while performing their security role. The law tries to strike a balance between empowering communities to defend themselves and maintaining oversight to ensure that only qualified individuals step into that role.
Since 2020, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has documented over 100 incidents of vandalism, arson, and other attacks on Catholic churches. Florida itself has faced its share of security concerns in religious spaces, with some communities feeling vulnerable and unsure how to legally organize volunteer security. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting data shows that from 2014 to 2019, hate crimes targeting religious sites increased by 50 percent nationwide. Against that backdrop, many Floridians see this bill as a practical response to a real and growing threat.
Florida has already passed legislation permitting concealed carry on church grounds, and this new proposal builds on that foundation. Supporters argue that volunteers who are properly vetted and trained can provide an additional layer of security without placing a financial burden on churches. For smaller congregations, especially those without resources to hire professional security officers, the chance to rely on trusted members of the congregation could be a lifeline. Senate President Wilton Simpson has signaled support for strengthening church security measures, and the Gaetz proposal is part of that ongoing conversation.
But the bill is not without controversy. Critics argue that allowing armed volunteers without a professional license creates more risks than it solves. Under current Florida law, professional security officers are defined as individuals who receive compensation for their work, which leaves unpaid volunteers in a gray area. Some worry that even with concealed carry licenses and background checks, the lack of mandatory professional training could create dangerous situations. Civil liberties advocates also point out that few peer-reviewed studies exist measuring how effective volunteer armed security really is, making it difficult to know whether such measures improve safety or simply create a perception of it.
Still, the urgency driving the bill is hard to ignore. Recent years have seen tragic headlines of violence in places of worship, from churches and synagogues to mosques. For communities of faith, the sanctuary no longer feels as untouchable as it once did, and the question of how best to protect congregants has become an unavoidable part of the national debate.
If the bill passes, it could become a model for other states considering similar measures. Many church leaders around the country are watching closely, knowing that they too face the challenge of keeping their doors open to worship while ensuring their people are safe inside. Whether this proposal strikes the right balance or sparks more division will depend on the debates that play out in Florida’s legislature and the feedback from both religious leaders and law enforcement.
At its core, the legislation reflects a deep concern that worshippers should never feel unsafe in their own sacred spaces. It also reflects Florida’s ongoing commitment to expanding Second Amendment rights while trying to adapt them to modern threats. Senator Don Gaetz’s proposal doesn’t settle the debate, but it has already brought the conversation about faith, security, and freedom to the front of Florida politics, where it is likely to remain for some time.
