Guardian Angel drone pilot program begins expanding safety efforts across three Florida school districts

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida school safety efforts expanded again this week with the launch of a new pilot program that introduces drone-assisted emergency response technology to three districts. The initiative—called the Campus Guardian Angel Pilot Program—marks one of the most ambitious steps the state has taken to strengthen rapid response tools on school grounds. While still in its early stages, state officials say the program could eventually become a model for schools across Florida and the nation.

Announced in Tallahassee on November 17, 2025, by Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, the program will roll out in Broward, Leon, and Volusia counties, three districts that already play significant roles in statewide safety partnerships. According to state leaders, these districts were selected because of their size, existing safety infrastructure, and readiness to integrate new technology into active protection strategies.

At the heart of the pilot is a drone system designed to support law enforcement and campus guardians during potential emergency situations. Program leaders say the drones can help create distractions during an active threat while also transmitting real-time video and audio feeds to officials on the ground. Although these situations are rare, the goal is to ensure that every second counts when a school faces a risk.

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Commissioner Kamoutsas emphasized that the addition of drone technology is part of a broader effort to make campuses safer without creating disruption to daily school life. “Ensuring students and teachers have a safe and secure learning environment is one of my top priorities as Commissioner. Florida remains the national leader in school safety because we continue to invest in solutions that protect students and support a rapid, coordinated response,” he said. “The Guardian Angel Program is an important step in expanding the safety tools available to our districts. I thank Governor DeSantis for driving these efforts forward and ensuring our schools have the resources they need.”

Each drone will also be fully integrated with Alyssa’s Alert, the statewide mobile panic alert system used by public schools. This ensures that the new equipment can relay information instantly to first responders already connected through the alert network. Officials said this linkage will help reduce delays and improve communication at times when school staff need support.

Local leaders in the three participating districts responded positively to the announcement, highlighting the importance of continual investment in new strategies.

From Broward County, Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn welcomed the new program’s arrival in his district. “Broward County Public Schools keeps safety at the forefront of everything we do. The integration of the Guardian Angel Program will strengthen our ability to respond swiftly and decisively in the event of a threat,” Hepburn said. “We are grateful to Governor DeSantis and Commissioner Kamoutsas for their leadership in this initiative.”

In Leon County, School Board Chair Laurie Cox underscored the program’s focus on strengthening emergency cooperation. “As we join the Campus Guardian Angel Pilot Program, Leon County Schools is embracing another layer of protection that enhances rapid response, real-time awareness and coordinated action,” Cox said. “We appreciate the state’s commitment to equipping our district with advanced tools and look forward to this partnership helping ensure every campus remains a place of learning and safety.”

Volusia County Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin echoed that sentiment, noting that the drone program aligns closely with the district’s long-term safety goals. “Volusia County Schools is proud to be a part of the pilot for the Campus Guardian Angel Program. By participating in this program, we are reinforcing our commitment to proactive safety measures and smart, coordinated response. This is another important step in ensuring our campuses not only teach students well, but also protect them well,” she said.

The rollout arrives after a series of major state investments that have steadily reshaped Florida’s school safety landscape over the past several years. Under Governor Ron DeSantis, the state has directed more than $1.3 billion toward campus safety initiatives—supporting school hardening, communication upgrades, increased training requirements, and more. For the Guardian Angel program alone, the state is dedicating $557,000 to support implementation and ensure schools have access to the required technology.

The drone program is the latest in a chain of legislative actions and policy changes designed to keep campuses prepared and coordinated. Beginning in 2019, Florida enacted a series of laws addressing a wide range of safety needs. These include statewide behavioral threat assessment tools, parent notification policies, and stronger emergency drill requirements. Programs such as Alyssa’s Alert and the Florida Safe Schools Canine Program—featuring trained firearm-detection dogs—have also become part of the statewide safety network.

Legislation passed between 2019 and 2025 has aimed to refine and strengthen several areas: campus access control, law enforcement coordination, substitute teacher training, student services, and reporting requirements. Senate Bill 1470, passed in 2025, expanded training for school guardians, updated building access standards, and required substitute teachers to review safety protocols before entering a classroom.

Supporters of the Guardian Angel program say the drone technology will not replace any existing safety measures but instead operate as an additional asset for law enforcement and school personnel. Program officials also emphasized that drones will not disrupt normal school routines or appear in daily campus operations unless activated during a potential threat.

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The pilot phase in Broward, Leon, and Volusia counties will be closely monitored throughout the upcoming year. State officials plan to gather feedback from local guardians, school leaders, and law enforcement agencies. If the program proves successful, the technology could be offered to more districts, contributing to Florida’s expanding network of layered school safety systems.

The Florida Department of Education continues to encourage families and guardians to stay informed about school safety resources. Officials note that updates on statewide initiatives—including the Guardian Angel program—can be found on the Safe Schools section of the department’s website.

For now, the three participating districts will begin training, equipment testing, and integration efforts in preparation for putting the new technology into practice. By combining long-term statewide investments with new tools like the Guardian Angel drones, Florida leaders say they remain committed to keeping students and staff secure while supporting schools as places of learning and community.

As Commissioner Kamoutsas emphasized in his remarks, the state’s guiding mission remains centered around readiness and protection. And with the addition of the Guardian Angel Pilot Program, Florida is positioning itself once again at the forefront of school safety innovation.