By Jeremy Merchant
Over the past couple of years, Florida has witnessed quite a dramatic rise in gun ownership, particularly among the female population. This increase is a direct reflection of a broader shift being seen nationwide.
Historically it's been a male-dominated demographic, but gun owners are becoming increasingly female year after year, with more women seeking not just gun ownership, but concealed carry permits as well.
This trend is also not just about firearms, but just as much of a reflection of shifting social dynamics, heightened concerns about safety, and the continued, growing empowerment of women who are choosing to protect themselves and take matters into their own hands.
A surge in female gun ownership in Florida
Florida, a state known for its robust and well-established gun culture, is seeing an identifiable surge in female gun buyers.
Nationally, the number of women purchasing guns has steadily increased, and Florida is no exception to that trend. In fact, 40% of all gun purchases in 2020 were made by women, marking a significant demographic shift compared to years past.
This increase in female ownership, as one might imagine, is largely driven by a desire for personal safety. When asked, many women cite rising crime rates, social unrest, and concerns about law enforcement’s ability to respond promptly and in a reasonable time frame as reasons for taking steps to arm themselves.
Even more interesting, the COVID-19 pandemic, with its accompanying social tensions and stresses, acted as a catalyst that drove many first-time female gun buyers to take action on previous ideas of becoming gun owners that hadn’t yet come to fruition.
Terry Marsh, a Florida resident who recently decided to purchase her first handgun, spoke to the fact that the fear of being unable to protect herself pushed her to make the decision.
“If I had a gun or a way to protect myself, I’d have felt secure,” Marsh stated, reflecting a sentiment echoed by women not only in Florida but across the nation.
But beyond safety, women are also embracing gun ownership as a form of empowerment and self-reliance. Organizations like The Well Armed Woman and A Girl & A Gun have experienced sharp membership increases as more women seek training, community, and confidence in their abilities with firearms.
On top of that, women's concealed carry awareness platforms like Elegant & Armed, are focused on introducing women to the space and offering insight on how to conceal carry in a fashionable way. Voices like these are bringing to light a different side of the concealed carry space, where women can arm themselves but can do so both comfortably and elegantly.
Why women are choosing to carry guns
The motivations behind gun ownership vary, but protection is consistently the top reason for most women.
A Pew Research study found that over 70% of women who own firearms do so for personal protection. For many, the decision is primarily influenced by real-life concerns and experiences.
Single women, mothers, and those living in high-crime areas are particularly drawn to the idea of taking their safety into their own hands, and eventually pursuing a firearm license.
However, protection is not the only factor to keep in mind. There’s also a cultural shift at play, especially moving towards the end of an important election year. The portrayal of women as capable protectors, alongside changing gender roles, has redefined what it means to be both feminine and strong.
More women are starting to reject the notion that firearms are exclusively for men and are actively seeking out resources that cater to female gun owners.
Furthermore, the accessibility of training and education has played a massive role in this change. Women-oriented courses, designed to teach firearms safety and self-defense in a supportive environment, are gaining popularity in just about every major city.
In Florida, shooting ranges and firearm instructors have adapted to and leaned into this demand, most of now offering women-only classes and events to cater this exploding female audience.
As one firearms instructor noted,“We’re seeing single moms, middle-aged women, and even grandmothers coming in for concealed carry training. It’s not just young women, but a cross-section of ages and backgrounds.”
This inclusiveness has now only helped break down barriers to the industry, but has also encouraged more and more women to feel comfortable stepping into gun ownership.
Concealed carry permits on the rise
Florida has long been a leader in concealed carry permits when it comes to volume, and the number of women seeking these permits has grown in tandem with these gun sales.
Between 2012 and 2020, the percentage of women applying for concealed carry permits nearly doubled.
This increase points to a broader trend of women wanting to not only own their own firearms, but also carry them on their person in case of an emergency.
Concealed carry permits in Florida require quite a rigorous process that includes everything from background checks and fingerprinting to safety training. While in the past this might have been a turn off, many women now view this as a worthwhile investment, as it enables them to legally carry a firearm for protection in an increasingly dangerous world.
For women who live alone, work late, or commute through isolated areas, the needs only compound. Having the ability to carry a gun can provide safety and peace of mind.
With this drastic, continued rise of carriers in the state of Florida, critics argue it could lead to more incidents of accidental shootings or escalations during conflicts. With that being said, advocates on the other side of the coin maintain that a well-trained and responsible concealed carry community is more likely to prevent crime than contribute to it.
Women, in particular, are seen as highly motivated to engage in thorough, rigorous training, with many even opting for advanced courses even after receiving their permits.
The industry’s response to the female market
Just as any business sector would, the firearms industry has adapted quickly to the rise in female gun ownership.
Recognizing that women are not only buying guns, but also purchasing accessories and seeking out more thorough training than other consumers, companies have tailored their products and offerings accordingly.
This includes putting further development into firearms designed specifically for women, with smaller grips, lighter frames, and more reasonable recoil control. Additionally, manufacturers have developed a wide range of accessories, from stylish holsters for women to tactical gear, all that cater to female buyers.
Retailers, too, have shifted their marketing strategies to hit this growing customer base. Gun shops are now more likely to stock products that appeal to women, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
The days of “shrink it and pink it” (a marketing tactic where products are simply made smaller and colored pink) are giving way to more thoughtful, practical designs that genuinely meet the needs women are voicing.
Moreover, most of the entire firearms training industry has expanded its offerings for women. Women-only classes and shooting clubs have seen a massive increase in membership.
Female firearm organizations also provide a supportive environment for women to learn, practice, and perfect their shooting skills. These spaces also foster a sense of community, allowing women to share their experiences and challenges as gun owners, as well as creating easy avenues for those curious about the space to get involved.
Legal and social implications
With more women carrying firearms, the legal landscape is shifting as well. As we stated earlier, there are clashing beliefs on whether this a good or a bad thing.
Florida’s gun laws are relatively permissive, making it easier for residents to obtain firearms and concealed carry permits when compared to other states.
But, this has sparked a debate, especially as women gun ownership numbers continue to rise. Some lawmakers are pushing for stricter background checks, more extensive training requirements, and limits on certain types of firearms, while others argue that the Second Amendment guarantees the right to carry without excessive, or any, government regulation.
Beyond legal debates, this rise of armed women has social implications.
Women who carry firearms are often women who challenge traditional gender roles, asserting their independence and self-sufficiency. This empowerment is not only about personal protection, but also about redefining societal expectations of women.
Looking forward: The future of female gun ownership in Florida
With more and more women in Florida embracing gun ownership, the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Whether driven by safety concerns, empowerment, or a desire for independence, women are making their mark on the firearms industry and reshaping the conversation about gun ownership in the U.S.
The future will almost certainly hold more innovations in training, products, and support systems that cater strictly to women.
For now, what’s clear is that women are an increasingly powerful force and voice in the world of firearms. Whether they are first-time buyers or seasoned carriers, Florida women are arming themselves with more than just guns—they’re embracing a new sense of empowerment and control over their personal safety.
