Equality in Arms

Equality in Arms Defensive Training LLC exists because the gun community doesn't always live up to "the Second Amendment belongs to everyone." Christopher Fernandez started this company to fix that.

In 2008, Fernandez walked into his first gun store in Florida—nervous, overwhelmed, and completely out of place. He'd never seen a gun in person. The experience was so intimidating he avoided firearms for 11 years. But by 2020, after surviving two robberies in New York City (one at knifepoint on a public bus), he remembered a feeling he hated worse than anxiety: helplessness.

Watching the Pulse Nightclub shooting impact his community, coupled with COVID-19 unrest and the sudden targeting of marginalized communities, Fernandez decided he didn't want to be a victim again. He became an NRA-certified Basic Pistol and Rifle instructor and founded Equality in Arms to help fellow Floridians become responsibly armed citizens.

"I understand your safety needs because I have lived them."

The Only Explicitly Progressive, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ Owned Firearms Training Company in Central Florida. Equality in Arms explicitly welcomes people who don't feel welcome in traditional gun spaces. That means:

• •No judgment based on race, religion, political ideology, sex, sexual orientation, or gender expression
• •Instructors who understand the fear and insecurity many feel around firearms (not trainers who've forgotten it)
• •A focus on beginner shooters and everyday citizens, not tactical or competitive shooters
• •Training built on real-life scenarios from local and national news, not just drills

Concealed Carry Permit Classes - Covers firearms safety, proper handling and storage, legal aspects of carrying - Includes live-fire session to practice marksmanship - Certificate qualifies for Florida concealed carry permit application - No prior experience required; firearm rental and ammunition provided - Bring your own pistol if you have one (50 rounds, store-bought ammunition, good working order)

Basic Pistol Instruction - For those new to firearms or wanting foundational skills - Covers situational awareness, basic self-defense techniques - Live-fire training under instructor supervision at local ranges - Performance evaluated on self-defense distance drills

Pistol & Rifle Instruction - NRA-certified instruction - All skill levels accommodated

• •March 29 Workshop covers Florida permitless carry laws, legal use of force, prohibited carry areas, and law enforcement interaction. Attendees enter a raffle for a free concealed carry permit class ($200 value).

• •April 12 Range Day at Ares Training Facility (35615 N. Treasure Island Ave., Leesburg, FL 34788) includes:
• •Marksmanship instruction from multiple instructors
• •Free "stop the bleed" training
• •Free Narcan distribution
• •Food and beverages
• •Early bird: $25 (before April 2), General admission: $35, At-door: $45
• •Bring your own firearms and ammunition (some rentals available)

• •May 7 Webinar (7-9pm) covers what Florida's permitless carry law does and doesn't allow, legal justification for force, where carrying is prohibited, law enforcement interaction, carrying ethics, and how to complete concealed carry certification with a range session. First 20 registrations enter to win SABRE pepper spray, SnapSafe gun lock box, or free concealed carry certification for two people.

Certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA) as a Basic Pistol and Rifle Instructor—one of only two organizations legally allowed to certify firearms instructors in Florida. Fernandez is also a Certified Mental Health Advocate through No Limit Counseling and Education, bringing trauma-informed training to self-defense education.

With over 10 years of adult learning and curriculum development experience, plus 5 years of firearms and self-defense law knowledge, Fernandez creates a fun, supportive, inclusive, and safe learning environment.

"The Equality in Arms course with Chris was not only incredibly informative & educational, but also FUN. Chris is a FANTASTIC instructor—I walked away with so much more knowledge than I went in with & a newly gained confidence in my own defense capabilities. This is a MUST TAKE course!" — Asia A., Recent Customer

Do I need to own a firearm to take the class? No. Firearm replicas, rental firearms, and ammunition are provided for students without their own. You'll also get guidance on choosing a suitable firearm for personal defense.

What if I can't attend after registering? Cancellations with 24-48 hours notice allow for rescheduling or refunds.

Why get a concealed carry permit if Florida allows permitless carry? Several reasons: - Reciprocity with 25+ other states that honor Florida permits - Expedited background checks and bypasses the 3-day waiting period on new firearm purchases - Enhanced legal protections and clearer legal standing - Covers all legal weapons, not just handguns (permitless carry limited to self-defense firearms) - Access to restricted areas like state parks and certain businesses - Potential legal defense insurance benefits available only to permit holders

Legal requirements to enroll? - At least 21 years old - Legal U.S. resident - Legally eligible to possess a firearm (check FDLE website for prohibited person list)

Based in Orlando, Florida. Classes held at various locations throughout the state, coordinated with local gun ranges.

• •Mailing Address: 1150 NW 72nd Ave, Tower 1, Suite 455 #17362, Miami, FL 33126 (registered virtual address, not a physical training location)

Subscribe for updates at their website. Equality in Arms respects privacy and never shares subscriber information.