Florida lawmakers are moving closer to expanding taxpayer-funded security to certain political candidates, as a bill advancing in the state House would require law enforcement protection for nominees for governor and lieutenant governor after primary elections.
House Bill 401 cleared the House Budget Committee on Tuesday and now heads to the full chamber for consideration. The measure directs the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to provide security details for major political party nominees immediately after primary results are certified.
According to a legislative analysis, the initial expansion of security coverage could be absorbed within FDLE’s existing budget. The department received an additional $4.9 million in recurring funding during Fiscal Year 2023-2024, along with 38 new full-time positions intended to help manage workload and operational costs tied to protective services. FDLE also receives $1.2 million in recurring base funding to support vehicle purchases.
However, the analysis notes that overall costs could increase depending on the scope of security operations. Potential expenses include overtime pay, new equipment, and additional vehicles tied to the agency’s eight existing special agent positions assigned to protective details. The department may request additional non-recurring funding every four years if necessary.
An earlier version of the bill would have extended security to cabinet officers running for office, such as candidates for attorney general or agriculture commissioner. That provision was removed from the latest version.
Rep. Kevin Chambliss, a Democrat from Homestead who voted in favor of the measure, said he would support giving FDLE discretion to provide security to certain third-party candidates if credible threats arise.
Rep. Tyler Sirois, a Republican from Merritt Island and one of the bill’s sponsors, said he agreed in principle but wanted to limit the measure to major party nominees due to cost concerns.
“I felt it was appropriate to limit it to major party candidates,” Sirois said, noting that security services come at a price and taxpayer dollars must be used responsibly.
The financial impact of political security is significant. Florida taxpayers spent $9.4 million on security for Gov. Ron DeSantis and his family during the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to FDLE data.
The push for expanded candidate protection comes amid rising concerns about political violence nationwide. In 2025, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their home, and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a public event.
Other states are weighing similar measures. Arizona is considering allowing candidates to use campaign funds for security expenses, while Ohio has proposed allocating $10 million to its State Highway Patrol to protect candidates for governor and lieutenant governor.
