EXCLUSIVE
The guys from Florida Georgia Line want to make it clear they have total respect for men and women in blue -- but, respectfully, there's a good reason they didn't need their help backstage.
Sources close to FGL's Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard tell us security for all their concerts is handled through promoters at the venues. It's just part of their contracts for each gig.
We're told local cops regularly ask if they can help out backstage, and are usually told it's not necessary. FGL's team believes this frees up law enforcement for other security needs around the venue.
TMZ broke the story ... an Iowa sheriff was fuming after getting turned away backstage. Our FGL sources said that incident and one in Wisconsin are rarities, because most law enforcement welcome the fact the band is self-sufficient.
Bottom line, according to our sources -- Florida Georgia Line is extremely "pro-police."