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  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
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  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

Florida Ignoring Cost-Effective Firearms Training Reforms While Approving Expensive Drone Programs

Florida Ignoring Cost-Effective Firearms Training Reforms While Approving Expensive Drone Programs
Simple, Life-Saving Firearms Reforms Stalled While Millions Spent on Drones
Valortec has proposed low-cost reforms to Florida’s firearms training—stricter passing scores, realistic target spacing, licensed instructors, and mandatory English instruction—to better prepare for active shooter threats. Despite the urgency, the state has ignored the proposal while funding expensive drone testing.

Valortec, a leading firearms training academy based in Orlando, has proposed straightforward, low-cost reforms to Florida’s firearms licensing standards that would directly improve public safety and active shooter response. Yet, the state has not acted.

Instead, Florida has approved millions of dollars in drone technology testing—an initiative far more expensive and less immediately impactful than simply fixing the deficiencies in firearms training already required by law.

Key Reforms Proposed

Valortec’s recommendations include:

  • Spacing targets in proficiency tests to reflect real-world threat engagement.

  • Raising passing scores to ensure shooters can perform under stress.

  • Requiring licensed instructors for all civilian self-defense training.

  • Mandating English instruction for Class D and G training to avoid life-threatening miscommunication.


“These are practical, affordable changes that could be implemented tomorrow,” said Herfel Torres, Valortec Co-Owner and Master Instructor. “Yet while lives are at risk, Florida has chosen to fund drone projects instead of fixing the basic training failures that affect every licensed armed professional in the state.”

Silence from Tallahassee

The proposal was submitted formally to FDACS Commissioner Wilton Simpson in January 2024. Nearly a year later, no response has been issued.

Attorney Alexander Penalta, who authored the submission, added: “Every day of inaction leaves the public exposed. Florida found money for drones, but refuses to even answer a proposal that costs virtually nothing to implement and directly saves lives.”

Media Contact
Company Name: Valortec
Contact Person: Herfel Torres
Email: Send Email
Phone: 4076983396
Address:390 N Orange Ave #2300
City: Orlando
State: FL
Country: United States
Website: https://valortec.com/

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