Randy Fine, Brevard County Republican state Sen. has introduced legislation (SB 814) aimed at extending concealed carry rights to Florida colleges and universities. If passed, the bill would allow individuals with concealed carry permits to carry firearms on college and university properties, including dormitories and residence halls.
What the Bill Proposes
According to the bill’s language, a person “may carry a firearm on the property of any college or university, including, but not limited to, any dormitory or residence hall owned or operated by a college or university, and in any other location he or she is legally authorized to do so.”
The measure also provides an exception for sporting events. It states that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) may grant authorization to colleges and universities to designate certain areas as sensitive locations where concealed weapons would be prohibited. To receive such authorization, the institution must submit a security plan to the FDLE for approval.
Sen. Fine’s Justification for the Bill
Sen. Fine, who is currently running for a congressional seat, has cited security concerns as the motivation behind the legislation. He has expressed particular concerns following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, arguing that “many universities around the country [are] refusing to protect their students from on-campus Muslim terror.”
“The Second Amendment does not take the semester off when you step on a college campus,” Fine said in a statement. “Adults should have the right to protect themselves on campus, particularly after so many universities across America chose to protect Muslim terror advocates over their students. There is no magic force field that keeps criminals from carrying a gun onto campus; this bill will ensure that students have the same rights on campus as they do off.”
Historical Context and Legislative Challenges
The Florida Legislature, which has a Republican majority, has previously been hesitant to pass measures expanding gun rights on school campuses. Since the passage of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, efforts to roll back certain gun restrictions—such as lowering the age to carry a firearm from 21 to 18—have faced resistance.
Sen. Fine has also filed a separate bill (SB 94) for the 2025 legislative session that would lower the legal age for carrying a firearm to 18.
Political Implications and Election Context
Fine is a candidate in the special election for Florida’s 6th Congressional District, scheduled for April 1. He faces Democrat Josh Weil and three independent or third-party candidates in a race for the conservative-leaning district. Fine has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and has submitted his resignation from the Florida Senate, effective March 31.
Debate Over Campus Carry Expansion
The proposal has reignited debate over gun rights and campus safety. Supporters argue that students should have the ability to defend themselves, while opponents warn that expanding concealed carry rights on campuses could lead to increased violence and safety risks.
Similar campus carry legislation has been introduced in the past but has repeatedly failed to gain approval. Critics contend that allowing more firearms on school grounds could escalate conflicts and increase the potential for gun-related incidents.
As the bill moves forward, it is expected to generate significant discussion among lawmakers, educators, students, and advocacy groups on both sides of the gun rights debate.