Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN Legal & Legislation

Florida Alert! Florida Sets All-Time Record for Gun Purchase Background Checks

Monday, April 13, 2020

DATE:   April 13, 2020 
TO:       USF & NRA Members and Friends
FROM:   Marion P. Hammer
  USF Executive Director
 

NRA Past President

 

Safety.  Personal safety and safety of family are the reasons for gun purchases of many first-time gun buyers. And, as we are beginning to see, many first-time gun buyers are angry with the gun restrictions they once supported.  Laws that prevent law-abiding people from being able to make purchases without restriction are being called "harassment," "unreasonable," "excessive," and "damned ridiculous." 

The State of Florida logged an all-time high number of gun purchase background checks during March, 2020. One must hope these first-time gun buyers are wise enough to see the error of their previous support for gun control laws they didn't understand.    

Background checks for gun sales reach all-time high in Florida during coronavirus pandemic 

By Merris Badcock, Erik Altmann
WPTV 5 NBC
April 10, 2020 | 5:52 pm 

https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/west-palm-beach/background-checks-for-gun-sales-reach-all-time-high-in-florida-during-coronavirus-pandemic

 
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — As news of a worldwide coronavirus pandemic broke, many rushed to buy toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and guns.

"We had two to three weeks of an Armageddon-type of set up," said Alex Shkop, owner of Guns & Range Training Center in West Palm Beach.

For weeks, long lines could be seen outside gun stores in West Palm Beach with armed guards or law enforcement standing by to help with crowd control.

Numerous gun shop owners told WPTV Contact 5 on background that many purchasers were first-time gun owners.

"We had people that were basically openly admitting that they have never owned a gun, they have never used a gun," said Shkop. "They were purchasing firearms and they were asking questions like how to use them and how to take care of them. A lot of first-time buyer questions."

Contact 5 asked for records from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and found March 2020 was the highest month on record when it comes to background checks for gun purchases. FDLE keeps data as far back as January 2004…

 

TRENDING NOW
Virginia: Anti-Gun Bills Headed to the Governor

News  

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Virginia: Anti-Gun Bills Headed to the Governor

As the 2026 General Assembly enters the final week of the 2026 legislative session, anti-gun lawmakers continue their push to radically change your Second Amendment rights in the Commonwealth. This week four anti-gun bills, SB ...

Senator Mike Lee Introduces National Constitutional Carry Act

News  

Friday, March 6, 2026

Senator Mike Lee Introduces National Constitutional Carry Act

Earlier this week, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced S. 4013, the National Constitutional Carry Act. This legislation would prohibit states from imposing any criminal or civil penalty on U.S. citizens for carrying a firearm in public. ...

Letitia James & Co. Sue to Bring Federal Gun Control Back from the Dead

News  

Monday, March 9, 2026

Letitia James & Co. Sue to Bring Federal Gun Control Back from the Dead

How times have changed. A little over a year ago, the most anti-Second Amendment President ever and his executive branch’s gun control agenda “had gun owners under siege on all fronts.” 

The Incremental Assault on the Second Amendment Continues in the States

News  

Monday, March 9, 2026

The Incremental Assault on the Second Amendment Continues in the States

State “assault weapons” ban legislation continues to gain traction in various jurisdictions this legislative session.

Virginia: Semi-Auto Ban Heads to Governor Spanberger's Desk

Monday, March 9, 2026

Virginia: Semi-Auto Ban Heads to Governor Spanberger's Desk

Yet another piece of anti-gun legislation has made it out of the General Assembly and is on its way to Governor Spanberger.

By George! Washington, D.C.’s Magazine Ban Invalidated by District’s Highest Court

News  

Monday, March 9, 2026

By George! Washington, D.C.’s Magazine Ban Invalidated by District’s Highest Court

Even as its formerly more liberty-loving neighbor, Virginia, goes down the tyrannical path of unconstitutional bans on firearms and magazines, residents of the nation’s capital last week gained a measure of relief from the District’s ...

Michigan: Constitutional Carry Legislation Introduced

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Michigan: Constitutional Carry Legislation Introduced

A package of pro-Second Amendment legislation has been introduced in the Michigan House. House Bills 5653–5657 would make Michigan the 30th state in the nation to recognize Constitutional Carry, allowing individuals who are legally permitted ...

Virginia: Gun Bill Updates As Crossover Deadline Arrives

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Virginia: Gun Bill Updates As Crossover Deadline Arrives

Today, February 17th is the legislative crossover deadline in Virginia, and any bills that have not left their chamber of origin by the end of the day are considered dead for the session.

Oregon: Senate Passes Ballot Measure 114 Bill

Friday, March 6, 2026

Oregon: Senate Passes Ballot Measure 114 Bill

Yesterday, the Senate passed an amended House Bill 4145, now engrossed as HB 4145 B. It will now return to the House for concurrence as amended.

Supreme Court Holds Oral Arguments in Marijuana Related Firearm Prohibition Case

News  

Monday, March 9, 2026

Supreme Court Holds Oral Arguments in Marijuana Related Firearm Prohibition Case

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court held oral arguments in U.S. v Hemani, a case concerning the federal firearm prohibition on marijuana users. 

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.