TALLAHASSEE, F.L. - Today, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund launched the updated "Gun Law Rankings" for 2026, an online tool and website that ranks all 50 states based on the strength of their gun laws and catalogs gun safety laws state by state. This year, Everytown's state gun law rankings also shows whether states' rankings increased or decreased over the past year, reflecting action to pass common-sense gun safety policies or gun-lobby backed dangerous measures. Everytown's analysis found that Florida ranks 23rd in the nation for its weak gun laws, down two spots from last year.

In 2025, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier fundamentally weakened public safety by refusing to defend the state's long-standing open carry ban. By refusing to defend this common-sense law, Uthmeier has opened the door for firearms to be carried openly throughout our communities. This reckless rollback of gun safety protections caused Florida's national ranking to drop, proving that when leaders prioritize the gun lobby over their constituents, our communities pay the price.

The consequences of Florida's already-weak gun laws were felt last year, when a mass shooting at Florida State University left two people dead and several others injured. Despite demands from Floridians for their lawmakers to take action, state leaders failed to strengthen these laws in the wake of yet another school shooting, choosing instead to allow the state's safety standards to erode.

During the 2026 session, lawmakers are prioritizing bills to lower the legal firearm purchase age to 18 and force "campus carry" onto Florida's colleges. These moves represent a blatant rejection of the students and survivors who have spent years demanding common-sense safety standards.

"As a mother, my top priority is the safety of our children and the neighborhoods where they play. By refusing to defend our state's open carry ban, Attorney General Uthmeier has prioritized extremist interests over the peace of mind of every Florida family," said Jennifer Massey, chapter lead with the Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action. "We refuse to accept a 'new normal' where firearms can be openly brandished in our public squares and social spaces, and we will continue to hold our leaders accountable until our safety comes first."

"Our generation is sick and tired of being told to 'run, hide, and fight' while politicians dismantle our already-weak gun laws. The shooting at FSU last year was a terrifying reminder that nowhere is safe, including our schools," said Samantha Mason, a volunteer with the Florida State University chapter of Students Demand Action. "Instead of honoring the victims with action, politicians like Attorney General Uthmeier are making it easier for guns to be carried in our communities. We aren't just students; we are a generation of survivors who are tired of being ignored, and we will be the ones to vote for a future where our lives matter more than the gun lobby's agenda."

To speak with an expert about Everytown's State Gun Law Rankings or gun violence prevention efforts in Florida, please contact [email protected]