Overview
- The new law, which takes effect July 1, lets churches, synagogues, and other houses of worship use unpaid armed volunteers for security.
- The measure, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and sponsored in part by Republican State Rep. J. J. Grow, exempts approved volunteers from some licensing rules required of professional guards.
- Backers say the change can help smaller congregations that cannot afford private security, lowering costs while adding a layer of protection.
- Rabbi Yossi Harlig of the Chabad Jewish Center of Doral supports the option, cites rising antisemitism, and says his centers will require expert training for known members.
- Father Albert Cutie of St. Benedict's Episcopal Church in Plantation opposes the approach and says his church will not authorize armed volunteers, warning that congregations face added pressure to vet who carries a gun on site.