Florida is launching a pilot program using drones to improve school safety in three districts: Broward, Leon, and Volusia County.
The drones, developed by Campus Guardian Angel, are designed to respond within seconds of an emergency. They can issue verbal warnings, deploy pepper spray, and, if necessary, physically strike an active shooter. Operators control them remotely from Texas using a digital map of the school.
State officials say the program expands safety tools and reflects a proactive approach to protecting students. Florida has allocated about $557,000 for the initiative, with each drone costing roughly $3,000.
However, critics raise concerns about safety risks, potential misuse, and civil liberties, including fears of accidental harm to students and increased surveillance.
The program comes amid ongoing concerns about school shootings, though recent data shows a decline in mass shootings in Florida compared to last year.
