MIAMI — A new Florida law taking effect Wednesday gives churches, synagogues and mosques the option to authorize qualified volunteers to carry guns as part of their security teams.
Supporters say the measure provides an added layer of protection for congregations, particularly smaller houses of worship that cannot afford professional security. Others, however, worry about introducing more firearms into places meant for prayer and peace.
State Rep. Omar Blanco, a Republican who co-sponsored the legislation, said the law allows members of a congregation who are already legally permitted to carry a firearm to volunteer as part of a security team after meeting the law’s requirements.
“This law allows there to be volunteer armed security to protect the places of worship,” Blanco said.
Law aims to improve security
Lawmakers said the legislation was prompted by a series of deadly attacks at houses of worship across the United States over the past two decades.
Blanco said there were 379 violent incidents at houses of worship nationwide between 2000 and 2024, resulting in 487 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
The law is intended to supplement—not replace—law enforcement by providing an immediate response if violence breaks out before officers arrive.
“Especially for those of smaller congregations that don’t have the budgets to allow for armed security,” Blanco said.
To qualify, volunteers must be members of the congregation, be legally allowed to carry a firearm under Florida law and complete the required screening and training.
“You have to be legally able to constitutionally carry a weapon,” Blanco said.
Former Miami Police Chief Manny Morales said training and coordination with local law enforcement will be critical for any congregation choosing to participate.
“I would encourage anyone who is thinking about having volunteers at their religious institution, or any individual themselves that are going to be taking part of this new process, to train themselves thoroughly,” Morales said.
Reactions vary among South Florida faith leaders
Religious leaders across South Florida are divided on whether they plan to participate.
At the Islamic School of Miami in Kendall, security measures already include controlled-access gates, surveillance cameras and monitored entry points.
“We have cameras everywhere, we have signs everywhere, we have live TVs so we can see who came in from the gate up to here,” said Bilal Karakira, of the Islamic School of Miami.
Despite those precautions, Karakira said most members of the congregation oppose allowing armed volunteers.
“With my research with the congregants, male and female, I’m telling you, more than 90% said no,” he said. “They don’t want that. They don’t want guns on the premises.”
At Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Gardens, worshippers already pass through metal detectors before entering services, while uniformed and undercover police officers provide security inside the church.
Pastor Arthur Jackson said his church has the resources to maintain a comprehensive security plan but believes the law could benefit smaller congregations.
“It allows smaller congregations and less affluent congregations that can’t staff a security team or have a full-time security team to have parishioners and volunteers to serve as their quasi-security staff,” Jackson said. “And I think it’s a good idea.”
Rabbi Mak Kushner also expressed support for the law, emphasizing that any volunteers should be carefully selected.
“Someone that’s level-headed, someone that obviously has training, and someone that is capable of doing the job,” Kushner said. “And not just leaving it up to anybody.”
Participation is optional
Blanco said the legislation is ultimately about ensuring Floridians can worship without fear.
“I think at the end of the day, this bill is so that every Floridian who wants to practice their faith can feel safe, protected and free to do so,” he said.
The law does not require houses of worship to create volunteer security teams. The decision is left entirely to each congregation.
Some South Florida religious institutions said they have no plans to participate, while others have already begun evaluating potential volunteers. Regardless of their approach, faith leaders say the shared goal is keeping worshippers safe.
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