Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has enacted House Bill 757 (HB 757), a comprehensive school safety law that extends the state's armed guardians program to include public universities and colleges across Florida.
The legislation was signed by DeSantis at Miami Dade College in the presence of officials and lawmakers during the Education Commissioner's Summit, which operated under the theme "Supporting Safe Schools," as reported by Local 10.
This newly passed law broadens the School Guardian Program, initially established in 2018 following the tragic Parkland shooting that claimed 17 lives. It now allows designated university employees and faculty, appointed by the president of each institution, to carry firearms after undergoing specialized training.
Prior to the passing of HB 757, the guardians program was limited to primary and secondary schools (K-12).
Role of Law Enforcement in the Program
The law mandates that sheriffs collaborate with public postsecondary institutions to implement the program and to establish or coordinate the training of the guardians.
In a statement on X, DeSantis encapsulated the new law's intent: "We will continue to advocate for policies that ensure the safety of our students in Florida's higher education institutions."
Additional Provisions and Penalties
The legislation introduces a new second-degree felony for discharging a firearm within 1,000 feet (approximately 304 meters) of a school during school hours or activities, and it requires annual security risk assessments on all state campuses.
Furthermore, the law mandates the transfer of student behavioral records, psychological evaluations, and threat assessments from K-12 to postsecondary institutions upon enrollment. It also establishes threat management teams and training for faculty to address students exhibiting behavioral health issues.
Background and Controversy
An immediate catalyst for this legislation was the April 17, 2025, shooting at Florida State University, where 20-year-old student Phoenix Ikner, the stepson of a Leon County sheriff's deputy, opened fire on the Tallahassee campus, resulting in two fatalities.
Despite its intentions, the law has faced criticism. Organizations such as Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action have voiced opposition, arguing that it "dismantles gun-free zones" on public campuses and poses a danger to students.
The enactment of HB 757 is part of a broader educational reform agenda pursued by DeSantis. In 2025, he signed a legislative package that included a ban on cellphones in primary and secondary schools and initiatives for student mental health.
Understanding Florida's Expanded School Safety Law
What is the main purpose of HB 757 in Florida?
The primary goal of HB 757 is to extend the School Guardian Program to public universities and colleges in Florida, allowing designated staff to carry firearms after specialized training, thereby enhancing campus safety.
Who can participate in the School Guardian Program under the new law?
Under the new law, university employees and faculty members appointed by the institution's president can participate in the program, provided they complete the required specialized firearm training.
How has the law been received by the public?
The law has faced opposition from organizations like Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, who argue that it compromises gun-free zones on campuses and poses risks to student safety.