Florida City Accused Of Having ‘Illegal Firearm Registry’

A Republican city council member in Jacksonville, Florida, accused the city of creating an ‘illegal gun registry.’

“This is chilling—and it should outrage every law-abiding Floridian. The Deegan Administration has kept a registry of individuals who lawfully carry personal firearms into City Hall—a blatant violation of state law and likely the Constitution. Florida is a ‘no registry’ state for a reason. Violating that law carries steep penalties,” Councilman Nick Howland said.

“This reckless move exposes taxpayers to serious legal liability. Jacksonville families could be on the hook for millions in legal fees, damages, and settlements. I’ll be investigating this matter further,” he continued.

This is chilling—and it should outrage every law-abiding Floridian.

The Deegan Administration has kept a registry of individuals who lawfully carry personal firearms into City Hall—a blatant violation of state law and likely the Constitution. Florida is a “no registry” state for… https://t.co/M1ZMx7rxQm

— Nick Howland (@NickHowland15) May 1, 2025

“Mayor Donna Deegan’s Office said on Friday that a firearm registry policy that’s being questioned by a councilmember was created before she took office,” News4JAX reports.

“If true, this is a serious breach of Florida law by the City of Jacksonville. Government gun registries are antithetical to the right of the people to keep and bear arms. My office is looking into this allegation, and we will be in contact with local officials to ensure those responsible are held accountable,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said.

If true, this is a serious breach of Florida law by the City of Jacksonville.

Government gun registries are antithetical to the right of the people to keep and bear arms. My office is looking into this allegation, and we will be in contact with local officials to ensure those… https://t.co/pZlPdj54Ix

— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) May 1, 2025

News4JAX reports:

Former Mayor Lenny Curry sent a letter warning that if true, this policy could expose the city and taxpayers to lawsuits.

Howland also said he asked the Mayor’s Office, Office of General Counsel, and Public Works to attend the Rules Committee meeting on May 5 at 2 p.m. to discuss the alleged illegal firearm registry.

“What we know is that since July 2023, when this administration took office, it’s apparently been collecting names and personal information of people who’ve brought legally owned firearms into City Hall and the Yates Building,” Howland said. “What we don’t know is who gave that directive. Was it someone who is a contract administrator within public works, or does it go high up in the administration?”

BREAKING: Former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry scathes reported “gun registry” run by the Mayor Deegan Administration at City Hall

“Under Florida law, cities cannot track, list, or register lawful gun owners. Period.”

“If the current administration has been keeping tabs on who… pic.twitter.com/JkkhQJEoBE

— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) May 1, 2025

A closer look:

WATCH:

WATCH: Jacksonville City Councilman @NickHowland15 provides insight into an investigation launched against the administration of the Democratic Mayor of Jacksonville for unlawfully registering individuals who are lawfully carrying firearms pic.twitter.com/9cR4Oo327t

— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) May 2, 2025

Per Action News Jax:

Since July 1st, 2023, state law has prevented local governments from prohibiting legal gun owners from carrying concealed in government buildings.

It’s the same day Mayor Donna Deegan officially came into office.

But Howland told Action News Jax he’s learned that same month, private security guards working the entrance of two city buildings allegedly began keeping a list of people who entered with firearms.

He claimed those alleged lists were kept at both City Hall and the Yates Building, which houses the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser’s Offices.

“They were asked to document their first name, last name, contact information and the type of firearm they were carrying,” said Howland.

ADVERTISEMENT

Violations by local governments come with a civil penalty of up to $5 million and individuals who violate the law could be charged with a 3rd degree felony.

“In those notebooks for two years, that info has been gathered. Florida is a no-registry state. So, that is a clear violation of state law,” said Howland.