Provided by Leonard J. Dietzen, Esq., General Counsel for the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA)
Nothing in these summaries should be considered a legal opinion; these summaries are for informational purposes only. The FPCA advises you to consult with your own legal counsel on this new law.
In response to the horrific shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the Florida Legislature produced, during its 2018 Legislative Session, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Safety Act. The 105-page act, previously Senate Bill 7026, amends many statutes and creates new responsibilities for law enforcement agencies, the Department of Education, clerks of courts, school superintendents and school districts.
To supplement its members’ resources, the FPCA will provide a summary of those sections of this Act that deal primarily with the new law enforcement responsibilities. The summary will be presented in a series of technical assistance papers. This first paper will introduce the Act and will focus solely on the new “Risk Protection Order Act” petition process.
Normally the clerk of court will furnish all documents related to risk protection orders to the sheriff at the county where the respondent resides. However, the chief judge of each circuit, in consultation with the appropriate sheriff, may authorize a law enforcement agency within the jurisdiction to effect service. Accordingly, FPCA members need to review all aspects of this Act and begin training.