TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida is preparing to deploy drones as part of a first-of-its-kind pilot program aimed at distracting and disrupting potential school shooters. State lawmakers allocated $557,000 for the initiative, which will launch in Broward, Leon and Volusia counties by early 2026.
Campus Guardian Angel, a Texas-based company, will operate the system using non-lethal drones equipped with sirens, strobe lights, pepper spray and other devices designed to disorient attackers and slow down violence. The drones do not carry firearms; the company argues doing so could risk bullets penetrating walls and endangering bystanders.
The drones can be remotely directed toward an active threat and will supply real-time audio and video to law enforcement as incidents unfold. Installation and testing are underway across the three districts, the company said.
The pilot is part of a broader $1.3 billion statewide investment in school safety. Recent legislation has required expanded threat-assessment instruction, mobile panic alert systems, stricter access control for school entry points, and clearly marked safe shelter zones.
Florida has experienced at least 33 school shootings since 2008, according to a CNN analysis cited in the report, prompting continued political pressure to improve campus security.
State officials say the drone program offers a non-lethal intervention option that could save lives during the critical minutes before police arrive.
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