Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed into law a school safety measure that expands Florida’s armed guardian program, sets statewide training standards for campus security personnel, and lays the groundwork for a centralized emergency alert and threat management system.

The bill, Senate Bill 1470 by Sen. Danny Burgess, passed unanimously in both chambers earlier this month and builds on a series of school security reforms enacted by Florida lawmakers in the wake of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

“Every Florida student deserves to feel safe at school. And every parent should be able to put their children on the school bus, or drop them off at school in the morning, without worrying about whether or not they will make it home that evening,” said Burgess. “The strengthened security measures across Florida schools outlined in this bill will foster a safer environment for students to learn. By improving coordination and creating more uniformity with how protocols are implemented, we can bolster campus protections and further prioritize the safety of both students and staff. Every year, we are incorporating lessons learned and looking for improvements. Florida families expect us to get this right. We can’t and we won’t let them down.”

The law requires sheriffs to oversee all training and certification for school guardians and school security guards, standardizing a process that includes background screenings, psychological evaluations, and drug testing. Security agencies must cover the cost of training, and sheriffs are required to maintain detailed records of each certified individual’s qualifications and firearm certifications. Individuals legally permitted to carry a concealed weapon may also receive training through the guardian program.

In addition to public schools, the legislation allows private child care facilities to participate in the guardian program and contract with law enforcement or licensed security agencies to assign trained personnel, though they must cover all associated costs.

The measure also codifies door and perimeter security requirements, mandating that all exterior access points remain secured from 30 minutes before the start of the school day until 30 minutes after dismissal. Instructional areas must remain locked while occupied, with exemptions provided for career and technical education settings where locked doors may pose safety risks. Common spaces such as cafeterias and media centers are exempt from the locking requirement except during instructional hours or testing periods. Substitute teachers must receive school-specific safety protocols prior to their first assignment.

Classrooms equipped with permanent locks may also use temporary locking devices in the event of an active assailant, provided the devices meet fire code requirements and are included in the school’s emergency response plan.

“Over the last several years, the Legislature has partnered with Governor DeSantis, local school districts, and law enforcement to determine steps we can take to keep our schools safe. With input from parents, teachers, school administrators, and law enforcement, this legislation builds on our track record of continuous improvement in school safety,” said Senate President Ben Albritton. “A secure school environment is vital to academic success for our students. Strengthening school safety training requirements will help safeguard students and faculty and give families peace of mind that their children are safe during the school day. I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis for signing this tremendous piece of legislation into law.”

The legislation further directs the Department of Education to develop a centralized platform integrating panic alert systems and digital campus maps, contingent on legislative funding.

In parallel, the bill tasks the Office of Safe Schools with implementing a standardized behavioral threat assessment system, supported by a digital portal that must be operational by Aug. 1.

The law also instructs the Office of Safe Schools to assemble a workgroup of law enforcement officers, school administrators, and mental health professionals to study the creation of a Florida Institute of School Safety. Recommendations are due to the Governor and Legislature by Jan. 1, 2026.

The law takes effect immediately and will apply to all public and participating private schools during the 2025–26 academic year.