New Florida law now lets churches use armed volunteers instead of paid security

SAN CARLOS PARK, Fla. (WINK)—A new law allowing places of worship to use armed volunteers instead of hired security officially went into effect, sparking mixed reactions from worship leaders.

Senate Bill 52 permits churches, synagogues and mosques to use armed volunteers for security rather than hiring private companies in an effort for smaller congregations to save costs. Under the law, volunteers must have a valid Florida concealed weapons permit, pass a Level 2 background screening and operate under a security plan authorized by the local sheriff's office.

Pastor Charles Parker of Fireside Community Church said he supports Second Amendment rights but has concerns about the new option.

"I'm a big believer in our Second Amendment rights. So, never tell anybody no, just, just be cautious, you know," Parker said.

Parker started Fireside Community Church in November as a place of worship, community and healing after he lost his son Malachi in a fatal motorcycle crash.

"The fireside is birthed out of that tragedy, but we put a fire pit on our pool deck, and we bought a bunch of bunch of lawn chairs, which sounds a lot like something Malachi would do, and because there was a fire pit, we called it the "Fireside Devo"," Parker said.

The church was homebased for several months before moving to Three Oaks Middle School this year. Security was at the top of the checklist.

"Per the contract we have with the middle school, we had to hire private security, so that the security officer is the only one that's armed," Parker said.

But Parker said operation costs can add up quickly.

"It's a third of our budget." Parker said.

While the new law could help smaller congregations save money, Parker expressed concerns about training requirements for armed volunteers.

"There's such a big difference between the person that goes to a fire range and just shoots, then the person that goes through scenarios, because when the stress level goes way up, you react much differently," Parker said.

Parker said he remains open to the new reality but wants his church to focus on safe worship with hired professionals.

"I think we just all fall back on the cautions. It's the way the world is today. There's just so many uncertainties, and you just don't see emergencies coming from a mile away like you used to, so preparedness is key. And then just mitigate the financial cost the best you can," Parker said.