Florida pilot program will use drones to combat school violence

Three school districts in Florida have been chosen to take part in a pilot program that will deploy drones to bolster safety in the event of threats on campus.

The Florida Department of Education says the Broward, Leon and Volusia county districts will participate in the Campus Guardian Angel Pilot Program. 

The program will use drones to distract active shooters and provide real-time audio and video feeds to law enforcement personnel during potential threats on school campuses.

"The integration of the Guardian Angel Program will strengthen our ability to respond swiftly and decisively in the event of a threat,” said Howard Hepburn, superintendent of the Broward County district.

The state has allocated $557,000 for the pilot program, the education department says.

The Volusia County district says the pilot program will begin in early 2026. The results of the pilot will help determine whether the technology will be expanded statewide.