Carrying of Handguns or Weapons by Law Enforcement Officers Attending Athletic Events
Summary
CS/CS/HB 1021 amends Florida’s concealed carry law to create a narrow exception for active, certified law enforcement officers who are attending school, college, or professional athletic events as private citizens. Under current law, athletic events are generally among the places where concealed weapons and firearms are prohibited; this bill preserves that rule but allows a qualifying officer to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm at such an event if the officer has active certification from the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and complies with any verification requirements imposed by the venue.
The bill does not broadly expand carry rights for the general public. Instead, it carves out a specific exception within s. 790.06, Florida Statutes, while leaving the rest of the prohibited-places list unchanged. The act is set to take effect July 1, 2025, and would affect venue security procedures, law enforcement officers attending events off duty, and the entities responsible for verifying officer status at athletic venues.
Impact
The bill amends Florida Statutes section 790.06, which governs licenses to carry concealed weapons or concealed firearms, by adding an explicit exception to the prohibition on carrying at school, college, and professional athletic events. The practical effect is to authorize active, certified law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons or firearms at those events when attending as private citizens, so long as they meet venue verification requirements. It leaves intact the broader restrictions on carrying in other prohibited locations such as courthouses, polling places, schools, government meetings, airports, and establishments primarily devoted to alcohol service.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been generally favorable in the Legislature. It passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee 16-1, the House Judiciary Committee 21-0, and the House on third reading 111-2, indicating strong bipartisan support and little recorded opposition. The voting pattern suggests lawmakers broadly accepted the limited nature of the exception and the focus on active law enforcement officers rather than a wider expansion of concealed carry rights.
Contention
The main point of contention is the policy choice to allow armed off-duty officers at athletic events, which some may view as a safety enhancement and others as an unnecessary exception to a long-standing weapons prohibition at crowded venues. Any concerns would likely center on venue security, verification of officer credentials, and whether the exception should apply only to active certified officers attending as private citizens. The near-unanimous committee and floor votes suggest these concerns were limited or resolved during the legislative process.