Florida already requires background checks for every gun purchase, but not for ammunition. Lawmakers in South Florida argue that gap creates a dangerous loophole, and they’re again pushing legislation to close it.
Right now in Florida, every time someone buys a gun, they have to pass a background check. But if that same person walks into a store to buy boxes of ammunition, no check is required. Lawmakers say this creates a dangerous loophole: a person who legally bought a gun years ago, but who has since been convicted of a crime or otherwise prohibited from owning firearms—can still stockpile ammo.
To close that gap, Sen. Tina Polsky (Boca Raton) and Rep. Dan Daley (Coral Springs) introduced “Jaime’s Law” (SB 88 and HB 41). The proposal would extend the same safeguards used for gun purchases to ammunition sales, making it harder for people with violent histories to arm themselves.
The law is named after Jaime Guttenberg, one of the 17 lives lost in the 2018 Parkland school shooting. For supporters, Jaime’s Law is a way to honor victims by ensuring that background checks don’t stop at the gun counter, but apply to the bullets as well.
Why the Push for Ammunition Checks?
The logic is simple: someone may have passed a background check years ago to purchase a firearm, but circumstances can change. Criminal convictions, restraining orders, or other disqualifying events could prevent them from legally owning a weapon. But under current Florida law, they could still buy unlimited ammunition.
As Sen. Polsky put it:
“Maybe we saved some lives. Maybe this catches someone before they can do something terrible.”
What the Bills Would Do
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Extend screening: All ammo purchases would require a background check.
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Exemptions: Holders of concealed carry permits, licensed law enforcement, and certain rifle/shotgun transactions would be exempt.
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Privacy protections: Related bills (SB 90 and HB 43) would keep FDLE background check records private and require destruction within 48 hours of approval or denial.
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Limited exceptions: Supervised ammo use at ranges, hunting, and temporary transfers would remain allowed.
If passed, the new rules would go into effect October 1, 2026.
The Political Reality
The bills face an uphill climb. Similar efforts in the past have stalled in the Florida Legislature, which has been trending toward looser gun restrictions, including proposed open carry measures. At the federal level, Democrats like Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Sen. Richard Blumenthal have filed parallel legislation, also with little traction.
Still, Rep. Daley insists it’s worth the fight:
“Background checks on ammunition just makes sense… We can’t keep waiting for the next tragedy to act.”
What This Means for Background Screening
Regardless of the politics, one thing is clear: background checks are expanding into more parts of everyday life. From firearms to employment, schools, volunteer programs, healthcare, and even housing, screening is being adopted across industries.
Sure Check delivers fast, reliable, and compliant screening solutions for all types of organizations . While lawmakers debate how far background checks should extend, businesses, nonprofits, and agencies already know: prevention starts with screening.
Want to learn how Sure Check can help your organization stay compliant and protect your community? Schedule a demo today.