In Your State

Florida

Florida has had 126 mass shootings since 2020 and guns are the second leading cause of death of children. Lawmakers must do more to keep kids safe from gun violence. Learn more about what you can do to help in your state and community.

Take Action Now

Join us right now and urge your representatives to make Florida safer by passing laws to close dangerous loopholes.

Florida had the

20th

highest firearm death rate in the U.S. in 2021.

Gun fire was the

2nd

leading cause of death for Florida children in 2021.

Florida had the

20th

highest firearm death rate in the U.S. in 2021.

Gun fire was the

2nd

leading cause of death for Florida children in 2021.

Take Action Now

Join us right now and urge your representatives to make Florida safer by passing laws to close dangerous loopholes.

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Close Dangerous Loopholes

A deadly loophole allows guns to be sold between a seller and a buyer who don’t know each other – and no background check is required. Florida can close this “stranger-to-stranger” loophole and expand background checks to prevent dangerous people from buying guns.

123

children died by gun fire in 2021.

1928

Floridians died by suicide with a firearm in 2021.

30

mass shootings in 2023.

Mass Shootings in Florida

On Valentine's Day in 2018, Parkland, Florida joined a rapidly growing number of American communities that have been affected by the deadly consequences of gun violence. A 19-year-old former student pulled the fire alarm and opened fire at terrified students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as they were dismissing for the day, killing at least 17 and injuring many others. Surviving students and loved ones of those killed have gone onto take action for reform. Read one student's blog post about how she's making a difference.

Two years earlier, Floridians faced one of the most lethal mass shootings in America. In what was the most deadly mass shooting in history at the time, 49 lives were taken by gun violence at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.

Gun Laws in Florida

Enhanced background checks
Restrictions on certain semi-automatic rifles
Secure storage
Temporary transfer

Our Impact in Florida

Throughout Florida, Sandy Hook Promise has engaged youth & adults in our mission and prevention programs.

188195

Supporters in the state

1061

Volunteer Promise Leaders who help raise awareness & engage communities

3400000+

Trained students and adults in 5,643 schools across the state to Know the Signs and stop violence before it happens

24662

students involved in 933 SAVE Promise Clubs across the state

Prevent gun violence in Florida

You can help make Florida a safe place for kids and for your whole community. We urge the legislature to pass proven policy solutions including closing the stranger-to-stranger loophole to prevent gun violence and tragedy. These policies keep the public safe from harm while protecting individual rights.

State Issue

A deadly loophole allows guns to be sold between a seller and a buyer who don’t know each other – and no background check is required. Florida can close this “stranger-to-stranger” loophole and expand background checks to prevent dangerous people from buying guns.
State Issue

Our model legislation known as the Safety and Violence Education for Students Act (SAVE Students Act) makes lifesaving violence prevention training, like Sandy Hook Promise’s Know the Signs programs, available to all students in grades K-12.
State Issue

Active shooter drills have become a popular solution to prepare and protect students. But a dangerous variation of these drills hurts students rather than helping them. Active shooter simulations mimic a real-life shooting. Students should never have to participate.
Mark Barden
“We are proud to work with the bipartisan champions to ensure we're doing everything we can to protect our kids and that millions more students will be trained to know the signs of violence and act to save lives. Our work does not end here, we will continue to bring our prevention programs to schools and communities across the country and advocate for life-saving policies.”
Mark BardenSandy Hook Promise Co-Founder and Co-CEO

News and Resources

Stay informed about current issues and stories about preventing gun violence and promoting school safety.

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