Seminole County is poised to potentially renew a lease for a gun range in Geneva, but the club would no longer be allowed to require its members to also join the National Rifle Association.
The Seminole County Commission on March 12 will vote to potentially approve a lease of 61 acres of land to the Seminole County Gun and Archery Association Inc. for $120 per month, or $1,440 annually. The last time the lease was renewed, objections were raised because the range requires an NRA membership to join.
That requirement is no longer in place.
“No, NRA membership is no longer required,” wrote Seminole County spokesperson Andy Wontor.
Seminole County first leased the land to the gun range in 1994, giving the Seminole County Gun and Archery Association the ability to build a gun range on publicly-owned land near the Seminole County landfill in Geneva. That original lease agreement was for 30 years. The new lease renews every five years.
“[Seminole County Gun and Archery Association] agrees that the only requirement for membership will be limited to background checks, completion of safety orientation inclusive or written and practical test, and demonstration of safe handling of firearms and archery equipment,” Seminole County staff wrote in a memo.
The renewal of the lease agreement in 2013 drew criticism from former Cocoa Police Chief Eric Liff, who objected to the NRA requirements. Liff objected to the NRA’s support of armor-piecing rounds.
“I object very strongly to them dictating political policy,” Liff told the Orlando Sentinel in 2021. “It’s improper.”
Interview requests sent to the Seminole County Gun and Archery Association were not returned before press deadline. However, its website says that new members “will verify his or her proof of NRA membership with the Secretary and Vice President.”
The gun range does offer public days where an NRA membership isn’t required. The new lease terms actually increase the amount of days the range will be open to the general public.
The Seminole County Gun and Archery association “agrees to make a minimum of 50% of competitive shooting events open to non-members and advertise such activities accordingly,” Seminole County board documents say. Additionally, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission can use the range without charge for hunter safety and related courses.
Seminole County residents also receive a 5% discount on membership. The lease renews for a five-year term.
Seminole County isn’t alone in having publicly operated gun ranges. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission operates 11 gun ranges across Florida, including one in Osceola County and in Marion County.
Attempts to reach Seminole County Commissioners before deadline were not successful.
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