Florida Governor Issues Statewide Order – Firearm Industry Deemed “Essential”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a statewide order to enhance social distancing as part of his ongoing effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. Executive Order No. 20-91, which will last 30 days beginning on Friday, April 3, at 12:01 a.m., requires the closure of businesses and services that are not considered “essential.”

Gov. DeSantis’ order contains an explicit reference to all services detailed in the Department of Homeland Security’s CISA guidance on essential workers. The updated guidance (as of March 28) includes “workers supporting the operation of firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors, and shooting ranges.” This critically important language was incorporated in the recently updated CISA guidance at the request of NSSF^®. 

Please Note: NSSF is currently seeking clarification on firearm industry businesses located in localities that have deemed them “non-essential” and ordered them to close. If you’re a manufacturer, retailer, distributor, or importer state law preempts local government from regulating your business. However, if you are a manufacturer, retailer, distributor, importer or shooting range and have been ordered to close, please send an email to tsantos@nssf.org with the name of your business, where you are located, and contact information.

In addition to this order, the Governor listed hunting and fishing as “essential activities” that Floridians may continue to engage in while the order is in effect.

NSSF urges all members to closely follow CDC guidelines, practice social distancing and take precautions to protect the health and safety of their employees and customers.