Florida Supreme Court Weighs Whether Homeowners Can Sue Gun Range Over Noise

The Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday in a case that could determine whether homeowners across the state retain the right to sue gun ranges for noise-related nuisance — a ruling with direct implications for residents living near shooting facilities on the Treasure Coast.

Adrienne and Eugene Gartman filed suit in 2018 against Southern Tactical Range in Holt, a small Okaloosa County community in the Florida Panhandle, after the sport shooting facility opened adjacent to their property. The Gartmans allege the range's noise constitutes a legal nuisance, but lower courts have grappled with whether Florida's sweeping firearm preemption statutes shield shooting ranges from such civil claims.

The outcome matters beyond Okaloosa County. Martin and St. Lucie counties each host active shooting ranges within or near residential corridors. A ruling that bars nuisance suits against gun ranges statewide would effectively close the courthouse door for any Treasure Coast homeowner who finds a range setting up next door.

The case tests the reach of Florida's firearm preemption law, which has historically been used to block local governments from regulating guns. Whether that preemption extends to private civil nuisance litigation between neighbors has never been definitively resolved by the state's highest court, according to a review of court filings.

A decision against the Gartmans would set a statewide precedent insulating shooting ranges from neighbor lawsuits, potentially accelerating the siting of new facilities near homes. A ruling in their favor would preserve an avenue of relief for property owners but could complicate range operations across Florida.

The Florida Supreme Court is not expected to issue a written opinion immediately. Decisions in argued cases typically follow within several months, and no ruling date has been announced.

Any Florida Supreme Court ruling in this case would apply uniformly statewide, binding circuit courts in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. Residents near existing or proposed shooting ranges in the tri-county area would be directly affected by whether civil nuisance claims remain a viable legal remedy.

This article was generated with AI assistance using publicly available information. It was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication. TC Sentinel uses AI writing tools in accordance with FTC guidelines.