Gun Rights Groups Sued City of Jacksonville
The legal action challenges firearm restrictions enforced at several city-owned venues.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Florida Carry, Gun Owners of America, and Gun Owners Foundation have filed a lawsuit against Jacksonville. The plaintiffs allege the city unlawfully restricted firearm access at local venues.
Why it matters
The lawsuit argues that Florida law reserves firearm regulation solely to the state, prohibiting local governments from enforcing their own venue-specific bans.
Plaintiffs filed a legal challenge against the city and city officials seeking a judicial declaration that current venue policies are invalid. The case remains active as the court reviews claims that policy enforcement illegally denied access to lawful carriers.
The players
Donna Deegan
Donna Deegan is the Mayor of Jacksonville and is named as a defendant in the legal action.
T.K. Waters
T.K. Waters serves as the Sheriff of Jacksonville and is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Florida Carry, Inc.
Florida Carry, Inc. is one of the gun rights organizations acting as a plaintiff in this legal challenge.
Gun Owners of America
Gun Owners of America is a national organization participating as a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
James Uthmeier
James Uthmeier is the Florida Attorney General who previously sued the city over firearm logbooks.
The details
The lawsuit contends that security personnel and law enforcement officers denied entry or threatened trespass to individuals legally carrying firearms at sites like EverBank Stadium. The action names Mayor Donna Deegan and Sheriff T.K. Waters as defendants alongside the city.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: The lawsuit was filed against the City of Jacksonville.
Legal Context
This dispute over local venue rules follows a well-established pattern of litigation regarding Florida firearm preemption statutes. The state has historically prohibited local governments from enacting or enforcing firearm restrictions that deviate from state law.
Residents and visitors planning to attend events at city-owned venues should remain aware of ongoing policy disputes regarding security protocols. The outcome of this case may clarify whether security personnel or law enforcement can legally enforce private restrictions at these sites.
The takeaway
The case highlights the ongoing tension between local facility management and state-level firearm preemption laws in Florida. Stakeholders should monitor future court rulings to understand how these policies may change for future events at local stadiums and theaters.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the region, visit Law Enforcement.
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