History of Florida Gun Owners
2021: Florida Gun Owners is Founded
Formed in 2021, Florida Gun Owners was launched to expose and confront the weak Republican leadership in Tallahassee that has blocked real pro-gun reforms for years. From day one, FGO made it clear: we’re not here to play insider games — we’re here to build a grassroots army of gun owners ready to fight.
2022: Building the No-Compromise Movement
FGO mobilizes across the state with petitions, direct mail, digital ads, and targeted campaigns — hammering lawmakers for keeping Florida one of just four states (alongside New York, Illinois, and California) to still ban open carry. Gun owners rally behind the mission of demanding full Constitutional Carry, not half-measures.
2023: Permitless Carry Becomes Law
After relentless grassroots pressure, Governor Ron DeSantis signs HB543 on April 3, 2023, making Florida the 26th state to adopt permitless carry. The law takes effect July 1, 2023 — a major step forward for gun owners, but a reminder that the political class deliberately watered it down by keeping open carry illegal.
2024: Fighting for Real Constitutional Carry
With permitless carry secured, FGO shifts immediately to demanding true Constitutional Carry, including open carry rights, expansion of where law-abiding citizens can carry, and aggressive action to roll back decades of weak compromises forced on Floridians.
2025: Expanding Freedom
FGO is laying the groundwork for the next generation of fights, including the Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA) to block federal gun-control enforcement in Florida, full open carry legalization, and broader carry law expansions. The mission is clear: Florida must live up to its pro-gun reputation by leading, not following.