Starting October 1, 2026, firing a gun within 1,000 feet of a Florida school during school hours or a school activity is a second-degree felony. That means up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The change comes from House Bill 757, a broad school safety law signed on May 15, 2026 (Chapter 2026-80, Laws of Florida). Most of the bill took effect right away. The discharge rule in Florida Statute 790.115 started October 1.
Attorney James Phillips of The Firearm Firm walks through the new rule in this short video:
What the new law says
| Topic | What HB 757 says |
|---|---|
| The offense | Discharging any weapon or firearm within 1,000 feet of a school |
| When it applies | During school hours, or during a sanctioned school activity |
| Penalty | Second-degree felony: up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine |
| What counts as a “school” | Any preschool, elementary, middle, junior high or high school, career center, or college or university — public or private |
| After an arrest | The person stays in custody until a judge sets bail at first appearance |
| Law | Fla. Stat. 790.115, as amended by HB 757 (Ch. 2026-80) |
Firing a gun on school property or at a school event was already a felony. HB 757 pushes that line out to a 1,000-foot zone around every school.
The exceptions — and what they don’t cover
The law does not apply when you fire:
- In lawful self-defense or defense of another person
- For another lawful purpose
- On private property you own, or where the owner invited or authorized you
Those exceptions are narrower than they sound. They do not override Florida’s other gun laws, such as the bans on reckless discharge and on firing in public places. And they never make it legal to bring a gun onto school property itself.
HB 757 is about firing a gun, not carrying one. It does not create a new ban on simply having a firearm inside the 1,000-foot zone. But existing laws still apply there: Florida’s school-property rules, and the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act, which restricts possession within 1,000 feet of a school. If you live or work near a school and carry, talk to a Florida firearms attorney about how those rules apply to you.
What it means for South Florida businesses and schools
In Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, a 1,000-foot circle around every school covers a lot of ground: shopping plazas, apartment complexes, churches, offices and parking lots.
- Property owners near a school should know the zone exists and make sure anyone carrying on their property understands the rule.
- Private schools, daycares and colleges are all “schools” under this law, so the zone around them counts too.
- Armed security officers working near a school need to know where the line is and when school hours or school events are in session.
Atack Protection Group provides armed and unarmed security officers across South Florida. We help schools, churches and nearby businesses plan coverage that keeps people safe and stays inside the law.
Need security near a school? Contact Atack Protection Group or call (954) 559-0486 for a free, confidential consultation. You can also see our armed and unarmed security officers.
Sources
- Florida Senate: HB 757 (2026) bill summary
- Florida House: Final bill analysis for CS/CS/HB 757 (Ch. 2026-80)
- Florida Senate: HB 757 bill page and enrolled text
- The Firearm Firm: What Florida Gun Owners Must Know This October 1st (video)
This article is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a Florida attorney about your situation.