Protect Our Faith Communities Support SB 52 Now!

Like many houses of worship in Florida, you may have armed safety volunteers in place, but did you know that your volunteers may not be protected? Even your church could face liability under Florida law.

What is Florida SB 52?

Sponsored by Senator Don Gaetz, SB 52 is a commonsense reform to Florida's security laws. It creates a narrow exemption from state licensure for dedicated volunteers who step up to protect places of worship, ensuring our faith communities can respond swiftly to threats without bureaucratic hurdles.

Key Provisions

Volunteer-Only Protection: Applies solely to unpaid volunteers (reimbursements for training costs allowed) providing armed security on-site at churches, mosques, synagogues, or similar religious venues.
Rigorous Safeguards: Volunteers must pass a Level 2 background check, hold a valid Florida concealed carry permit, and operate only on religious property used for worship or education.
Law Enforcement Coordination: At this time, the bill requires that the plan for volunteer armed security services must be approved by the Sheriff's office in that county.

This isn't about expanding security—it's about removing barriers for those already committed to serving their communities. Read the bill in its entirety here.

Why We Need SB 52

Places of worship are increasingly targets: In 2024 alone, the FBI reported over 200 incidents of vandalism, threats, or violence against religious sites in the U.S., with Florida seeing a 25% spike. Our congregations, from small rural churches to urban mosques, can't all afford professional security firms that cost thousands. SB 52 levels the playing field:

Empowers Communities: Enables trained, licensed volunteers (think off-duty heroes from your pews) to protect without jumping through extra hoops.
Enhances Safety: With coordination with local law enforcement and strict vetting, this bill prioritizes responsibility over risk.
Upholds Freedom: Affirms the right of faith groups to self-defend, aligning with Florida's proud tradition of personal liberty.

In an era of rising threats to houses of worship, Florida families deserve the right to safeguard their sacred spaces with trusted volunteers without unnecessary red tape. Florida SB 52 empowers qualified, background-checked volunteers to provide armed security at churches, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship.

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News & Updates...

10/15/25 | ‘High-risk targets’: New normal at churches, houses of worship after deadly attacks | Grand Rapids Herald-Review 🚨

10/10/25 | New normal at churches, houses of worship after deadly attacks | Reflector (APG) SB52

10/8/25 | Tampa-area congregations develop security teams after attacks at churches, synagogue | WUSF 🚨

10/2/25 | Florida bill would loosen rules for armed volunteers at places of worship | FOX 13 Tampa Bay SB52

9/30/25 | Florida lawmaker pushes bill to arm churches against violence | FOX10 Pensacola SB52

9/30/25 | Local church ramps up security after recent acts of violence across the nation | WJHG

9/19/25 | Florida bill would allow armed volunteers to protect churches, synagogues, mosques | Tallahassee Democrat SB52

9/19/25 | Florida bill proposes armed volunteers for church security | WESH SB52

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