Gulf County delays vote on gun‑range ordinance, schedules further public hearing March 31

County attorneys and staff presented a draft Gulf County ordinance March 3 that would establish policies, safety standards and an annual policy process for county‑run gun ranges, referencing Florida Statute 790.33 and guidance from Florida Fish and Wildlife.

The draft ordinance sets baseline gun‑safety rules, authorizes the administration to develop an annual policy sheet for hours and fees, and proposes proof of training or membership (examples cited: hunter‑safety card, NRA, or USCCA) as a baseline for user qualifications. The administration said residents would be able to show existing credentials — such as hunter‑safety cards or concealed‑carry credentials previously issued in Florida — and that the ordinance can be modified to reflect local cost concerns.

Commissioners expressed interest in prioritizing Gulf County residents, avoiding overwhelming demand from nonresidents, and ensuring military veterans and lower‑income residents would not be disadvantaged by membership requirements. Sarah Hodson (St. Joe Beach) urged the board to recognize prior military training and warned the recurring cost of annual association memberships could be burdensome.

Staff proposed advertising the ordinance for a second public hearing; the board directed staff to advertise and bring the ordinance back for further public comment and final consideration on March 31 so commissioners can review policy details (fees, resident rates, approved training sources and exemptions) before a potential adoption vote.

Outcome: Ordinance presentation accepted for further review; public hearing and policy finalization scheduled for March 31.