Florida Bill Lets Armed Volunteers Guard Houses of Worship
Miami Herald reports a new Florida bill clears path for untrained armed volunteers to secure churches and synagogues amid rising threats. The measure passed with overwhelming support and awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature.
Bill Passage and Key Provisions
The House and Senate approved HB 95 and SB 52 recently. The Senate passed it unanimously. The House voted 111-1, with Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland, as the sole dissenter.
Volunteers need only a valid concealed carry license. They gain exemption from Class D and G security licenses required for professionals. The law covers all properties owned or leased by religious institutions, including educational sites.
Proponents Push for Accessible Security
Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, sponsored the bill. He noted, 'Some houses of worship can’t afford to hire outside security services, and they’re now beginning to use volunteers.'
Gun rights groups back it, including Florida Carry Inc., the National Rifle Association, and Gun Owners of America Inc. Faith leaders testified in support during hearings.
Critics Raise Training and Liability Concerns
Rep. Dianne Hart-Lowman, D-Hillsborough, called for mandatory training: 'I would feel so much better if you would add that they were required to at least take a training.'
James Somohano, director of community security for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, warned of risks. 'Absent training and absent resources... you may be placing those same members of that team in a horrible position from a liability perspective,' he said. He also flagged potential insurance premium hikes.
Miami Ties and Broader Context
The article references a 2025 shooting at the Shul of Bal Harbour synagogue in Surfside, Miami-Dade County. Rising antisemitism, including a recent Michigan synagogue attack, fuels urgency. Somohano stressed firearm proficiency: 'There’s a culture involved... you must do it consistently.'
Current law allows concealed carry on religious property if permitted. This bill expands volunteer roles without training mandates.
Outlook and Potential Impacts
DeSantis' signature could reshape security at Florida's thousands of houses of worship. Proponents see empowerment for small congregations. Critics fear accidents and lawsuits without standards. In diverse Miami-Dade, with its large Jewish and Muslim communities, the change may heighten debates on safety versus risk. Faith groups push for state-funded training to mitigate concerns. The bill highlights tensions between Second Amendment rights and public safety in threat-prone environments.