New Florida Law Allows Trained Volunteers to Carry Firearms in Houses of Worship
A new Florida law permits trained and qualified volunteers to carry firearms at houses of worship, including churches, synagogues, and mosques, to enhance security, particularly for smaller congregations. Participation is optional for each religious institution.
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 1, 2026 —
A new law in Florida now permits trained and qualified volunteers to carry firearms within houses of worship, aiming to bolster security measures for religious institutions across the state.
The legislation, which took effect recently, allows individuals who have undergone specific training and met qualification standards to be armed at locations such as churches, synagogues, and mosques. This measure is intended to provide an additional layer of protection, particularly benefiting smaller congregations that may have fewer resources for professional security.
Participation in this program is entirely optional for each individual religious institution. Houses of worship can choose whether to allow armed volunteers on their premises or to opt-out of the provision entirely.
The law does not mandate that religious institutions permit firearms, nor does it require volunteers to carry them. Instead, it provides a framework for those congregations that wish to establish or enhance their security protocols through the use of trained, volunteer personnel.
Details regarding the specific training requirements and qualification processes for these volunteers were not provided in the summary. Similarly, the timeline for when this law began to be implemented is not specified. The legislation aims to address security concerns while respecting the autonomy of religious organizations in their decision-making processes regarding safety and security personnel.
Story summarized from the original created by Hannah Yechivi on www.local10.com, see more information here.