Family First Defense

Family First Defense operates as a defensive training academy in North Central Florida (Gainesville area), specializing in firearms safety, Florida Concealed Weapon License (CWL) preparation, and progressive defensive skills development. They've built their reputation on hands-on instruction with real firearms, real ammunition, and real ranges—no paintball guns or classroom shortcuts.

Their training follows a step-by-step progression at your own pace:

• •Safety & Concealed License Class ($79 + $20-25 range fee) - All-day class starting at 9am, finishing around 5pm. Covers handgun safety, shooting fundamentals, ammunition choices, the legal use of force, Florida carry law, and violence aftermath. One-on-one instruction included. Class certificate is valid for life and usable for Florida CWL applications.

• •Introduction to Defense - Foundation course building on safety fundamentals

• •Defensive Shooting Skills Level 1 ($125 + range fee) - Requires Introduction to Defense completion. Covers counter ambush, speed & precision, reaction response, defensive presentation, rapid shooting trigger control, one-handed shooting, reloading procedure, holster presentation. Needs 200-250 rounds of ammunition.

• •Defensive Shooting Skills Level 2 - Advanced progression requiring Level 1 completion

• •Home Defense Planning - Tactical planning specific to residential protection

• •Specialty Training - Night/flashlight skills, carbine/shotgun skills, pistol fighting levels 1 & 2, close-quarters battle, force-on-force training, active shooter/group defense (requires evaluation and interview)

• •Emergency Medical Training - Available to all levels

Their Guarantee: Not satisfied? Full refund at the class, no questions asked.

Beginners welcome—they actually prefer students with no bad habits. Students as young as 13 can attend with parental approval (younger ages have specific requirements). Anyone can take classes regardless of prior experience; out-of-state and foreign nationals welcome. All-day format ensures students get comprehensive information instead of abbreviated permit-less shortcuts.

• •Driver's license or state ID
• •Own pistol (optional—handguns and ammo provided for CWL class)
• •50 rounds of ammunition minimum for CWL class
• •Eye and ear protection (ear protection provided)
• •200-250 rounds for advanced classes

No handgun yet? They provide firearms and ammunition for CWL classes included in the $79 fee. For advanced classes, there's a $20 daily rental option if needed.

All training staff hold NRA and USCCA certifications plus credentials from civilian, law enforcement, and military training organizations both domestic and international. Every instructor is certified as a Range Safety Officer (RSO) or Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO).

Most North Central Florida classes held at Rural King Store in Gainesville. Classes are offered multiple dates monthly (check calendar for current availability). They also travel throughout the Southeast for:

• •Private family training
• •Business and organization instruction
• •Church active shooter training
• •Group customized training

Email [email protected] for private group quotes and discounts.

The Safety/CWL class certificate qualifies you to apply immediately (if 21+, permanent US resident, pass background check) or anytime in the future. Benefits of the 7-year license include:

• •Waiting period waived on firearm purchases
• •Recognition and reciprocity in 30+ states
• •Immunity under the Federal Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1990
• •Can conceal handgun, electronic weapon, teargas gun, knife, or billie
• •Non-resident licenses available for reciprocity while traveling

As of July 1, 2023, Florida allows permitless carry at 21+, but the instructors strongly recommend getting licensed anyway for legal clarity and reciprocity advantages.

Phone: (352) 283-8340 (text or call) Email: [email protected] Registration: Classes $79-125 + range fees ($20-25 typical in Gainesville area) Register with no down payment; pay at class. Walk-ins accepted unless class full or student unqualified.

• •"Amazing class! I learned so much about gun safety and self defense. I'm very excited to take more classes. Mike was an excellent instructor. 10/10 would recommend." —Connor M.

• •"Absolutely terrific experience. All questions answered. Found a new gun range I didn't know about. Definitely recommend." —Osvaldo R.

• •"Their knowledge is extensive and shows in how they carry out information. They make sure you're comprehending everything, kept the class alive with humor, but serious topics got serious treatment. Highly recommend." —Ashley W.