Florida experienced a surge in mass shootings in 2023, with 30 reported incidents, according to the Gun Violence Archive. This is a slight decrease from the 31 incidents in both 2022 and 2021, and 35 in 2020. These shootings led to 134 injuries and 38 deaths across the state. Nationally, the United States saw its second-highest total of mass shootings in 2023, with 656 incidents reported.
Despite the high number of mass shootings, the Gun Violence Archive noted an overall decrease in deaths and injuries from gun violence in 2023 compared to previous years. Some cities even saw a decrease of more than 20%. However, Florida’s violent start to 2023 was particularly concerning, with seven attacks occurring in January alone.
Mass shootings are defined as incidents where four or more people are shot, not including the shooter. The FBI also closely monitors incidents of mass killing, which involves four or more individuals killed intentionally.
In 2022, there were 648 mass shootings in the United States, resulting in over 44,000 deaths, including 314 children and 1,361 teenagers. The Gun Violence Archive recorded 42,926 gun deaths in 2023, with 18,836 classified as homicide, murder, or defensive gun use, and 24,090 ruled as suicides. Additionally, 297 children and 1,383 teenagers aged 12-17 lost their lives to gun violence.
Florida, while not topping the list, was among the top 10 states with the most mass shootings in 2023. Furthermore, in 2023, Texas reported 65 mass shootings, Illinois had 51, and California had 50, among others. Overall, Florida experienced a below-average year in terms of mass shootings, despite the significant number of incidents that occurred throughout the year.