In August 2003 the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Capitol Police committed to forming a team of officers specially trained to respond to critical incidents. With the regularity of large crowds visiting the Capitol Complex for legislative session and committee meetings each year, the potential for a critical incident is always prevalent. FDLE/Capitol Police recognized the vital need and created a Critical Incident Team, currently known at the Special Operations Team (SOT).

The mission of the Capitol Special Operations Team is to immediately respond to a critical incident within the Capitol Complex and assume control. In addition to critical incident response, the Capitol SOT provides security to dignitaries within the Capitol Complex and the Governor’s Mansion when needed.

In 2007 the Capitol SOT and the FDLE North SOT began combining resources on call-out operations; thus expanding the mission of the Capitol SOT to include service of high-risk warrants, and assisting in the apprehension of fugitives and violent suspects.