Florida and Illinois represent starkly different views on the Second Amendment, with Florida often seen as a stronghold for gun rights.
However, when it comes to crime rates, the comparison becomes even more drastic. Organizations like Everytown, Giffords, and Brady United might have something to say about this disparity. A study by the Metropolitan Mayors Association examined crime data, specifically looking at the first half of 2026 versus the same period in 2025. The findings showed that Chicago recorded 211 homicides in early 2026, while the combined total for Miami, Orlando, and Tampa was only 29. It’s a staggering difference. I mean, it’s hard to ignore—Chicago’s homicide rate is seven times higher than that of those Florida cities.
To complicate matters, this marks an increase from the previous year’s figures in Chicago, where there were 199 homicides in the same timeframe. In stark contrast, the three Florida cities documented a total of just 30.
Chicago will have 211 homicides through the first half of 2026, twice as many homicides as any other city in the country. Chicago is the murder capital of America. Why not let President Trump fix the city? To me it’s insane that people are putting up with this. https://t.co/qElUkYvTBx
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 11, 2026
Looking at the statistics from Illinois, one might expect, based on reports from Everytown and Giffords, that the state would have lower murder rates, especially with Chicago’s strict gun laws (which apply to Cook County as well). Yet, the data seems to tell a different story.
Now, switching gears to Florida, the perspective is quite different. According to Giffords and Everytown, this state doesn’t fare well when it comes to gun control.
In April 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis enacted a “constitutional carry” law, despite facing criticism from the Biden administration. Additionally, the state’s appeals court overturned a prohibition on firearm possession by individuals under 21. Florida appears to embrace self-defense in a way that isn’t viewed negatively. Many criminals might think twice about their actions, considering the possibility of running into armed citizens rather than relying solely on law enforcement.
