Florida Colleges Have Not Adopted Guardian Program

No Florida institutions have opted to allow staff to carry weapons under the new state policy.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Higher Education

Florida Colleges Have Not Adopted Guardian Program

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Universities across Florida have not implemented the campus guardian program despite the Florida Legislature passing HB 757 earlier in 2026. The legislation would allow staff to carry weapons on campus after completing mandatory training and evaluations.

Why it matters

The program was designed as an expansion of the K-12 School Guardian Program to bolster security, yet adoption remains nonexistent among higher education institutions as of October 2026.

Participating staff must complete 144 hours of training alongside drug and psychological evaluations. Additionally, HB 757 establishes that firing a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school constitutes a second-degree felony.

The players

Florida Legislature

This is the state legislative body responsible for passing laws, including the HB 757 policy regarding campus security.

Florida Board of Governors

This entity oversees the State University System of Florida and must be consulted by universities before they can implement the guardian program.

University of South Florida

This public research university is currently evaluating the feasibility and requirements of the state-authorized armed staff program.

The details

Universities are required to consult with the Florida Board of Governors before implementing the program, which allows presidents to appoint staff for armed security roles. The University of South Florida is currently reviewing the implementation requirements to determine if and how the institution will move forward.

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting massacre occurred in February 2018.
The Florida Legislature passed HB 757 during the 2026 regular legislative session.
As of October 2026, no colleges have adopted the campus guardian program.
Voters will consider gun policy in upcoming elections in November 2026.

Culture Shift

The campus guardian program represents an expansion of the K-12 School Guardian Program, signaling a broader attempt to standardize armed security across educational environments. This shift reflects ongoing societal debates regarding safety protocols and firearm presence on campuses.

Residents and students should monitor university policies as institutions like the University of South Florida review the program requirements. This evaluation process will determine whether faculty and staff will carry firearms on local campuses in the future.

The takeaway

The lack of adoption suggests that university administrations are approaching the new security policy with caution. Stakeholders should stay informed about potential shifts in school safety regulations as the state approaches upcoming elections.