Florida has ~22 million residents, a large older population, and consequently elevated SCA incidence. The state’s AED legal framework reflects this — Florida Statute §1006.165 mandates K-12 AEDs, FS §768.1325 codifies Good Samaritan protection, and FS §1013.371 covers state agency facilities.
K-12 schools — FS §1006.165
Florida Statute §1006.165 requires every public K-12 school to have an operational AED on campus. Schools must also conduct annual CPR and AED training for designated staff and integrate AED response into the school emergency plan. The mandate is statewide and unconditional — no enrollment or athletic-program threshold.
Health studios — FS §768.1325(4)
Florida health studios with 500+ members are required to have at least one AED on premises. Studios must employ at least one CPR + AED-trained staff member during operating hours. The threshold is one of the highest in the country (California is 200+, NY is 500+), but the operational obligations are otherwise standard.
State agency facilities — FS §1013.371
Florida state-owned facilities serving 1,000+ daily occupants must have AEDs. This covers state university campuses, large state government buildings, and Department of Health facilities. Maintenance and staff training requirements parallel K-12 obligations.
Good Samaritan protection — FS §768.1325
Florida’s Good Samaritan AED protection is broad: lay rescuers acting in good faith without harmful intent are protected from civil liability; owners who maintain devices per manufacturer specs are protected; trainers providing CPR + AED instruction are protected; physicians providing medical oversight to AED programs are protected. Protection does not extend to gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Registration with the Florida Department of Health
Florida requires AED owners to register devices with the Florida Department of Health. Registration includes device location, model, and contact for the responsible party. The state maintains a registry to support 911 dispatch routing during cardiac events. Registration is free.
Florida compliance checklist
| Requirement | Applies to | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AED on premises | All K-12 public schools | Required |
| AED in health studios | 500+ members | Required |
| AED in state agency facilities | 1,000+ daily occupants | Required |
| CPR + AED trained staff | K-12 + 500+ gyms + state facilities | Required |
| FDOH registration | All AED owners | Required |
| Annual maintenance | All AED owners | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Do all Florida schools need AEDs?
Yes. FS 1006.165 mandates AEDs in every public K-12 school, statewide.
What gyms in Florida need an AED?
Health studios with 500+ members per FS 768.1325(4).
Does Florida have Good Samaritan AED protection?
Yes. FS 768.1325 provides broad protection for rescuers, owners, trainers, and program physicians acting in good faith.
Do I need to register my AED in Florida?
Yes. Register with the Florida Department of Health.
What’s the maintenance standard in Florida?
Manufacturer specifications, plus monthly visual inspection. Failed maintenance may void the owner’s Good Samaritan protection.
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Sources
- Florida Statute §1006.165 — K-12 AED mandate
- Florida Statute §768.1325 — Good Samaritan AED + health studios
- Florida Statute §1013.371 — State facility AEDs
- Florida Department of Health
Educational content. Not legal advice. Verify current statute with the Florida Department of Health or qualified counsel.
