ORLANDO - Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers in Florida discovered a total of 817 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage in 2024, down from the total of 834 found in 2023.
Despite the overall statewide decrease in firearms, several airports across Florida saw significant increases, with Miami International (MIA), Palm Beach International (PBI), Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP), Gainesville Regional (GNV) and Melbourne Orlando International (MLB) airports posting local records for detections last year.
Below is a breakdown of TSA firearm discoveries for the past five years at Florida airports:
Airport | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
Orlando Int'l (MCO) | 79 | 124 | 162 | 164 | 150 |
Tampa Int'l (TPA) | 69 | 105 | 131 | 144 | 135 |
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l (FLL) | 86 | 128 | 134 | 135 | 113 |
Miami Int'l (MIA) | 59 | 80 | 94 | 78 | 103 |
Jacksonville Int'l (JAX) | 37 | 42 | 73 | 74 | 61 |
Palm Beach Int'l (PBI) | 10 | 16 | 33 | 36 | 47 |
Southwest FL Int'l (RSW) | 14 | 39 | 49 | 42 | 42 |
Pensacola Int'l (PNS) | 21 | 36 | 30 | 30 | 27 |
Northwest FL Beaches Int'l (ECP) | 11 | 17 | 14 | 18 | 26 |
Sarasota-Bradenton Int'l (SRQ) | 8 | 9 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
Orlando Sanford Int'l (SFB) | 15 | 15 | 8 | 13 | 14 |
St. Pete/Clearwater Int'l (PIE) | 11 | 8 | 20 | 18 | 14 |
Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS) | 7 | 15 | 27 | 12 | 14 |
Tallahassee Regional (TLH) | 6 | 9 | 15 | 14 | 14 |
Gainesville Regional (GNV) | 6 | 5 | 11 | 2 | 12 |
Melbourne Orlando Int'l (MLB) | 3 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 11 |
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) | 6 | 5 | 12 | 16 | 8 |
Daytona Beach Int'l (DAB) | 3 | 8 | 9 | 13 | 5 |
Key West Int'l (EYW) | 3 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
Vero Beach Regional (VRB) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Lakeland Linder Airport (LAL)* | - | - | - | - | 0 |
Florida total | 454 | 666 | 855 | 834 | 817 |
Nationwide total | 3,257 | 5,972 | 6,542 | 6,737 | 6,678 |
*TSA screening operations at LAL began on June 13, 2024
In 2024, TSA screened approximately 904 million passengers and crew at airports across the country. That figure represents a 5.3 percent increase over the approximately 858.6 million screened in 2023.
Statewide in 2024, TSA screened approximately 114.4 million departing travelers at Florida airports, an increase of more than 3.5 percent over the 2023 total.
Nationwide, a firearm was detected for every 135,384 passengers screened. In Florida, the rate was lower with one firearm discovered for every 140,061 passengers screened.
When a TSA officer sees the image of a firearm on an X-ray screen, TSA immediately notifies the local airport law enforcement agency, which responds to the security checkpoint. A law enforcement officer removes the firearm from the X-ray tunnel and makes contact with the traveler. What happens to the firearm and the traveler is up to the discretion of the airport law enforcement agency.
In addition to potential criminal citations or arrest by local law enforcement, travelers face civil penalties for bringing firearms to the security checkpoint. Among the factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount includes whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. The civil penalty can go up to a maximum of $14,950 per violation.
Individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will also have TSA PreCheck® eligibility revoked for a period of up to five years and will receive enhanced screening during future travels.
Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.
At the airport during the check-in process, a passenger needs to go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts. Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.
TSA has additional traveler information specifically related to the transportation of firearms and ammunition. A full summary of TSA’s civil penalties for prohibited items is also available.
Travelers can use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the TSA mobile app, myTSA. Travelers can also Tweet or Message “@AskTSA” if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.