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Florida GOP Pushes to Allow Churches to Use Volunteer Security Rather Than Pay for Licensed Guards
Breitbart ^ | February 23, 2026 | AWR Hawkins

Posted on 02/23/2026 2:10:23 PM PST by Morgana

Florida State Sen. Don Gaetz (R) is pushing legislation to allow churches to use volunteer security rather than being required to pay to hire licensed security personnel.

FOX News reported that Gaetz’s legislation is Senate Bill 52, which has already passed the state’s Senate and will now be weighed by the House.

FOX 13 noted, “Supporters say…[the bill is] aimed at cutting costs while keeping people safe in places of worship.”

Triumph Church of Tampa pastor Elvis Piggott pointed out that “it can get very costly” under the current requirement for licensed security. He said, “Just for myself at an event could be roughly $900 to $1,000 for two hours.”

(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...


TOPICS: Religion & Politics
KEYWORDS: churches; florida
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1 posted on 02/23/2026 2:10:23 PM PST by Morgana
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To: Morgana

I live in Florida and my church has both so I’m a little confused about this. 🤔


2 posted on 02/23/2026 2:12:58 PM PST by V_TWIN (America....so great even the people that hate it won't leave)
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To: Morgana

Theres a reason to use licensed/business security. Legal liability for one. The temple guards were actually paid for security. They had a structure, training, and rules.


3 posted on 02/23/2026 2:14:55 PM PST by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; not averse to Going Bronson.)
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To: V_TWIN

Does FL require all groups to have licensed guards ?
2. Hows that legal ?


4 posted on 02/23/2026 2:19:10 PM PST by A strike (GB,F,D : "Let's you and him fight" u.s,russia)
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To: A strike

I can’t answer any of that my friend.....like I said, I’m confused.


5 posted on 02/23/2026 2:50:13 PM PST by V_TWIN (America....so great even the people that hate it won't leave)
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To: Morgana

Uhhhhhhh....excuse me for asking, Commodore, but doesn’t the 2nd Amendment already allow that?


6 posted on 02/23/2026 3:07:03 PM PST by Texas Eagle (If it wasn't for double-standards, Liberals would have no standards at all. )
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To: Secret Agent Man

**Theres a reason to use licensed/business security. Legal liability for one.**

Unfortunately you have to let the perps shoot someone before you can defend the others.y


7 posted on 02/23/2026 3:13:49 PM PST by DIRTYSECRET
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To: Morgana

I don’t think we need permission.


8 posted on 02/23/2026 4:18:12 PM PST by Persevero (You cannot comply your way out of tyranny. )
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To: Persevero

👍👍


9 posted on 02/23/2026 4:20:55 PM PST by SaveFerris (Luke 17:28 ... as it was in the Days of Lot; They did Eat, They Drank, They Bought, They Sold ......)
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