Florida school visitor management law

What does the Florida law require?

School districts and charter school governing boards must comply with the campus safety requirements from 30 minutes before school starts until 30 minutes after the school day ends. Gates and access points to a campus's exclusive zone, the area beyond a single point of entry, must stay closed and locked when students are on campus. An exclusive-zone gate may be open or unlocked if it is attended or actively staffed while students are on campus. Schools without a secure exclusive zone must keep all building access doors, gates and access points closed and locked at all times to prevent entry. School staff may control access points electronically or by hand to let in authorized visitors, students and staff. Anyone aware of a violation must report it to the school principal.

Who is covered?

The state rule covers public K-12 schools, including charter schools, that have a Master School Identification Number (the state's school ID). State Board of Education Rule 6A-1.0018(8) requires districts and charter school governing boards to make sure all their schools follow the campus access rules.

Do visitors have to be checked?

A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required for each noninstructional contractor allowed on school grounds when students are present. The district must issue each screened contractor a photo ID badge. The badge must be visible at all times while the contractor is on school grounds.

What about classroom doors?

Classrooms and other instructional spaces must be locked to prevent entry when students are in them, except between class periods. Where the law allows an exception, the classroom door must be actively staffed by a person standing or seated at the door. Cafeterias, gyms, auditoriums and media centers must meet the classroom-locking rule only when used for instruction or testing. Classrooms with a permanently installed lock may also use temporary door locks during an active assailant incident. A temporary lock must come off in a single motion from the inside without a key, and from the outside with a key or credential; it may sit at any height and must meet the Florida Fire Prevention Code. The 2025 school safety law that allowed temporary door locks took effect July 1, 2025.

How is it checked, and how is it funded?

A school security risk assessment using the Florida Safe Schools Assessment Tool (FSSAT) must be done at each public school by October 1 of each year. District school safety specialists must make annual unannounced inspections of all public schools, including charter schools. The Office of Safe Schools inspects every school facility, unannounced, at least once every three years. The safe schools allocation in the state funding formula helps fund district compliance with these safety laws, with priority to safe-school officers. The Office of Safe Schools is directed to award grants to improve the safety and security of school buildings, based on risk assessment recommendations.