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TALLAHASSEE, FL — A Florida Senate bill that would have allowed law-abiding adults to carry firearms on college and university campuses has failed to advance this session. SB 814, introduced by Senator Randy Fine, was voted down by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on March 25, 2025, with a narrow 3–4 vote. The bill was subsequently laid on the table, effectively ending its progress for the year.
SB 814 Aimed to Restore Self-Defense Rights on Campus
The proposed legislation sought to eliminate the long-standing prohibition on campus carry in Florida, allowing lawful firearm carriers to carry on college and university property—including dormitories and other facilities—just as they can in most other public spaces throughout the state. It also included provisions for universities to temporarily designate certain areas, like stadiums during athletic events, as “sensitive locations,” subject to approval from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
SB 814 was a critical measure to restore the right to self-defense for students, faculty, and staff who currently have no legal means to protect themselves on campus. In recent years, several other states have successfully implemented campus carry laws without the negative outcomes critics often predict. Florida gun rights advocates had hoped SB 814 would follow that trend.
Setback This Year, But Not the End
While this vote is a setback for campus carry supporters, it’s far from the end of the effort. Lawmakers and Second Amendment advocacy groups have already signaled that similar legislation is likely to be reintroduced in future sessions. The narrow committee vote shows that support is growing, and with further grassroots efforts, public education, and legislative pressure, a renewed push for campus carry in Florida is expected.
Senator Fine and others behind the bill have not indicated that they are backing down. Instead, they see this as a temporary roadblock in a long-term effort to eliminate “gun-free zones” that leave college students and staff defenseless against violent threats.
Looking Ahead
Campus carry remains a key issue for gun rights supporters in Florida, and SB 814 has helped keep the conversation moving forward. Although the bill won’t advance in 2025, its introduction and near passage through committee are clear signs that momentum is building. With continued support from Florida’s gun-owning community, it’s likely the campus carry debate will return in future legislative sessions—stronger and more focused than ever.
