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 ...
I live in Florida and my church has both so I’m a little confused about this. 🤔
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.
Does FL require all groups to have licensed guards ?
2. Hows that legal ?
I can’t answer any of that my friend.....like I said, I’m confused.
Uhhhhhhh....excuse me for asking, Commodore, but doesn’t the 2nd Amendment already allow that?
**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
I don’t think we need permission.
👍👍
Why is legislation necessary? We have a sheriff’s deputy paid to secure the parking lot and volunteer security (mostly active or retired LEOs) inside. We didn’t ask anybody’s permission.
I am in Florida and the churches around here already have concealed carry volunteer teams. Didn’t know there was a rule against that.
maybe there is no rule against it but the insurance companies might be giving church groups grief.
Meanwhile, I can’t help but snicker over the idea off having a pastor named Elvis Piggott.
Triumph Church of Tampa pastor Elvis Piggott
Florida law, as well as (unfortunately) most of the country prohibits carry of firearms on or near a school. Many churches have schools. While the FL Legislature made changes back in 21 to allow houses of worships, there’s a very sticky legal scenario if there’s a school on the grounds, as there usually are.
I have a friend who is a rabbi here in SE Michigan and his church has armed members who have been trained in security.
Every church I know that isntvrun by AWFULS has armed security
Our Emmaus community is now asking for security. Crazy.
Armed worshippers need not be registered with the almighty state, county or local authorities to be effective.
What's to stop churches from banding together to self-insure, like that Christian insurance group I see advertised?
Christian medical insurance, that is.
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