TAMPA, Fla. — March 20 marked the single highest day for firearm background checks in Florida over the past eight years, an I-Team analysis of state data reveals.
That’s the same day Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an order banning dining at all bars and restaurants.
RECOMMENDED: Dining-in no longer an option at Florida restaurants due to coronavirus
Florida conducted the highest number of background checks in March. That’s more than any other month, according to records going back to 2004.
Last month, the state averaged 5,000 background checks a day. So far in April, that average has dropped to under 3,000 background checks a day.
This isn’t just a trend in Florida. As concerns about the coronavirus pandemic have grown, FBI numbers show, nationally, March had the most gun background checks since the system began in 1998.
