The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act legislation makes significant reforms to make Florida schools safer, while keeping firearms out of the hands of mentally ill and dangerous individuals. Resulting from this act is the Safety and Security of School Buildings Grant Program. These funds will be used to improve the safety and security of school buildings based upon recommendations from the security risk assessment completed by school districts.
Risk assessments must be completed prior to August 1, 2018. Proposed expenditures must meet the following criteria and be:
Funds may be used to obtain items such as steel doors, laminated glass, metal detectors, security systems, security cameras, monitors, lighting and remote controlled access gates.
Funds may not be used for expenditures related to maintenance of existing security features, administration or compensation of school district employees. Additional unallowable expenses include:
Completed applications must be submitted to the FDOE as soon as possible but no later than December 1, 2018. Completed applications prior to this deadline will be processed within 30 days.
For the 2018-2019 fiscal year, up to $98,962,286 is available in funding. Awards are allocated by formula. Minimum award is $100,000. The department shall award grants no later than January 15, 2019.