TSA reports overall decrease in the number of firearm discoveries at Florida airports in 2024, though SRQ total same as two previous years

Orlando International leads list, with 150 discoveries

Image from the TSA website.

On Jan. 28, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported that its officers in Florida discovered about 2.1% fewer firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage in 2024, compared to the tally for 2023.

However, the TSA list of Florida airports, which was included with the news release, showed that the count at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) was unchanged in 2024 from the figure for both 2022 and 2023. That was 20.

SRQ ended up 10th out of the 21 Florida airports on the TSA list, given that figure. However, its tally was not even one-eighth of the total for the airport with the most firearm discoveries: Orlando International (MCO), with 150. And while the latest MCO number marked a slight decline from the 164 count for 2023, it was nearly double that airport’s 2020 total of 79.

SRQ did end 2021, 2022 and 2023 with record-breaking passenger numbers, its announced after the conclusion of each of those calendar years. In a news release about the 2023 total, Frederick “Rick” Piccolo, the president and CEO of the airport, pointed out, “The record-breaking growth we have seen over the past 5 years has been phenomenal. For 2023 we recorded over 4.3 million passengers,” which, he noted, marked a 215% increase over the figure for 2018.

The 12-month tally through December 2023, airport staff said, was up 12%, compared to the 2022 total.

In 2022, the passenger count climbed by more than 700,000 from the 2021 figure, an SRQ news release in January 2023 said. The 2022 total was above 3.8 million. Yet, the approximately 3.1 million passengers in 2021 also was a record, SRQ staff noted.

In 2020, the latest TSA chart showed, eight firearms were found at SRQ; in 2021, the number rose to nine.

This is the homepage banner for the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

Tampa International (TPA) was in second place in 2024, with 135 discoveries of firearms; that was also down from the 2023 figure, which was 144.

“[S]everal airports across Florida saw significant increases,” the TSA news release pointed out, “with Miami International (MIA), Palm Beach International (PBI), Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP), Gainesville Regional (GNV) and Melbourne Orlando International (MLB) airports posting local records for detections last year.”

The Florida airport with the fewest firearm discoveries was Key West International, with only one in 2024, the chart showed. The Key West facility had a solitary discovery in 2023, as well, but six were recorded in 2022.

In comparison with the 817 figure for all Florida airports in 2024, the chart showed, the national total was 6,678. That was down from 6,737 in 2023.

In Florida last year, the news release said, “TSA screened approximately 114.4 million departing travelers …” That number marked an increase of over 3.5%, compared to the 2023 total, the release pointed out.

“Nationwide,” the release continued, “a firearm was detected for every 135,384 passengers screened. In Florida, the rate was lower with one firearm discovered for every 140,061 passengers screened.”

Image courtesy of the TSA

The release explained, “When a TSA officer sees the image of a firearm on an X-ray screen, TSA immediately notifies the local airport law enforcement agency, which responds to the security checkpoint. A law enforcement officer removes the firearm from the X-ray tunnel and makes contact with the traveler. What happens to the firearm and the traveler is up to the discretion of the airport law enforcement agency.”

The release also said, “In addition to potential criminal citations or arrest by local law enforcement, travelers face civil penalties for bringing firearms to the security checkpoint.” Among the factors that TSA personnel consider when determining the civil penalty amount are “whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition.” The civil penalty can rise to a maximum of $14,950 per violation, the release noted.

“Individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will also have TSA PreCheck® eligibility revoked for a period of up to five years and will receive enhanced screening during future travels,” the release further explained.

“Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage,” the release pointed out. “Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage,” it added.

“At the airport during the check-in process,” the release said, “a passenger needs to go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts. Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws.” The release also noted that TSA “recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.”

TSA offers additional traveler information specifically related to the transportation of firearms and ammunition, the release said. A full summary of TSA’s civil penalties for prohibited items is available, as well.