Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention for Florida Facilities
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Florida, and what can employers and facility managers realistically do to keep their people safe?
At Omnilert, we specialize in AI security software and emergency notification systems. We work with organizations all across the Sunshine State to help solve for the worst case security scenarios – especially active shooter events.
Here, we provide objective information about Florida gun violence statistics and offer our insight on the limitations of traditional security systems for preventing casualty events. We’ll also look at how our own AI security technology can help keep people safer.
Where Does Florida Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Florida rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #3
3,232 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 3 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #33
14 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida
- Miami Gardens, FL
- Tallahassee, FL
- Palm Bay, FL
- West, FL
- Tampa, FL
Top 5 Safest Cities in Florida
- Pembroke Pines, FL
- Port, FL
- Coral Springs, FL
- Clearwater, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
Notable Mass Violence Incidents in Florida’s History
Florida has experienced several high-profile mass casualty events that have shaped the state’s approach to public safety. A mass shooting event, as defined by the Gun Violence Archive, describes an incident in which four or more people are injured by a firearm in one location around the same time.
These tragic incidents in Florida communities serve as stark reminders of what’s at stake when it comes to public safety and violence prevention across the state.
Ybor City Shooting (2023)
A gunman fired upon people in a street fight after a neighborhood Halloween party.
Hialeah Concert Shooting (2021)
Three shooters stepped out of an SUV and fired at concert goers.
Parkland High School Shooting (2018)
Former student entered a high-school and killed 17 people, injuring 17 others.
Florida’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
Like all states, Florida has established state-specific gun laws to combat gun violence. Most prevention efforts at the state level focus on legislative changes, strengthened law enforcement, and community-based intervention programs.
Key approaches Florida uses to reduce gun violence:
- Background checks for license dealer sales
- Strengthened safety protocols for public schools including security personnel and metal detectors
- Red flag laws and extreme risk protection orders for individual cases
- Enhanced penalties for gun-related crimes
- Three day waiting period for rifle purchases
- Minimum age of 21 for purchasing a firearm (with some exceptions for law enforcement and correctional officers)
- Public awareness campaigns for gun safety and storage
While these approaches can make a meaningful difference in reducing gun violence statistics across Florida, they tend to be more reactive than truly preventative.
Why Florida Needs Help Why Florida Organizations Need Advanced Security Solutions to Stop Gun Violence
Most security systems currently deployed operate with significant limitations that make them less effective for preventing a determined active shooter. When it comes to prevention, these systems are better suited for documenting incidents than they are at actually stopping violence before it happens.
Limitations of conventional security systems for shooter prevention:
- Surveillance cameras only help with investigations after incidents occur
- Gunshot detection waits until someone’s already shooting
- Manual monitoring fails because humans can’t watch dozens of feeds effectively
- Emergency response protocols depend on someone being available to activate them
Put simply, by the time conventional systems respond, it’s often too late.
How Omnilert Can Help Using Military-Grade AI Technology to Detect Firearms Before Shots are Fired
When seconds matter most, AI visual gun detection can identify firearms before shots are fired. Military-grade technology like Omnilert’s can integrate with your existing cameras to protect your facility and enact an automated emergency response if a threat is detected.
By themselves, security cameras can’t prevent what they can’t predict. Omnilert brings gun detection technology to Florida facilities to transform your existing surveillance into an active threat prevention system. Instead of documenting incidents after they happen, AI-powered visual detection spots firearms the moment they appear and triggers immediate response protocols.
Benefits of Omnilert Activating a Full-Scale Emergency Response to Active Shooters
If an active threat is verified at your Florida facility, there’s no time to lose. The situation demands an immediate and comprehensive emergency response. Organizations that deploy Omnilert activate an automated response across multiple technologies to help protect as many lives as possible.
Instant Notifications
Multi-channel emergency notifications instantly alert staff, security, and law enforcement.
Automated Response
Automated response workflows that trigger lockdown procedures, activate alarms, and more.
Mobile Alerts
Mobile applications that keep staff informed and connected during emergencies.
Alarm Activation
Use audio and video systems to sound alarms and deliver clear safety instructions.
Access Control
Lock or unlock doors to contain threats, secure exits, and protect vulnerable areas.
Custom Response
Engage a fully-custom response using your existing security technology.
Law Enforcement
Notify local police of an active threat or verified security incident.
Liability Protection
Omnilert’s DHS SAFETY Act designation offers liability protection.
Protecting Spaces Everywhere Which Florida Industries Face the Greatest Risk of Gun Violence?
Honestly, we deploy our security platform across all types of industries throughout Florida. Organizations that are implementing AI gun detection appreciate our flexible integrations with different technologies, though the specific applications differ. Each setting has its own security challenges, but the fundamental need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About Florida Gun Violence
What is the current annual rate of gun-related deaths in Florida?
In 2023, Florida recorded approximately 3,253 gun-related deaths, comprising 1,064 homicides, 2,099 suicides, and 90 other incidents Johns Hopkins Public Health. Another source estimates around 3.3 thousand total gun-related deaths in 2023 — roughly 13.7 per 100,000 residents — aligning closely with CDC data.
What proportion of gun deaths in Florida are suicides versus homicides?
In 2023, about 65% of all gun-related deaths in Florida were suicides, while homicides and other causes made up the remainder USAFacts. The Johns Hopkins data supports this, showing 2,099 suicides versus 1,064 homicides, which means about 64.5% of Florida gun deaths were suicides Johns Hopkins Public Health.
How does Florida rank nationally in gun death rates and what are the trends?
Florida ranks 33rd-highest in the U.S. for gun death rates, with 13.7 fatalities per 100,000 people. From 2014 to 2023, the overall gun death rate in Florida rose by 19%, compared to a 33% increase nationwide.
What major gun control laws and prevention strategies does Florida have in place?
– A three-day waiting period on dealer firearm purchases and raising the minimum purchase age to 21.
– Implementation of extreme risk protection orders (“red flag” laws), which were utilized more than any other state by early 2025, with over 21,091 orders issued since 2018 and nearly always granted when petitioned.
– Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws, considered felonies in Florida. Studies show CAP laws correlate with reductions in unintentional gun deaths by 23% and teen gun suicides by 11%.
– Additional reforms post-2018 include stricter safety protocols in schools, enhanced penalties, and public awareness campaigns.
– A “C-” ranking on gun law strength and a rate of 13.7 gun deaths per 100K residents in 2025 reports.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html
- https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/explainer
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Ybor_City_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Hialeah_shooting
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkland_High_School_shooting
- https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/FPP/FAQs2.aspx
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/gun-violence-data/state-gun-violence-data/florida
