TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Just four months into 2022, Transportation Security Administration officers in Florida have already stopped nearly 200 guns from being taken onto flights. From Tampa to Jacksonville, passengers keep trying to bring guns with them on planes.

Multiple laws since 1961 have adjusted or changed the restrictions for carrying a firearm or other weapon on a flight. Current law prevents guns from being carried on. Firearms are only allowed in checked baggage, according to TSA, and must be properly packed and declared during check-in.

Properly packed, in this case, means unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case.

“Whether or not they had nefarious intent, accidents happen and tragedies could result,” said TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz. “This dangerous trend continues across Florida and across the country. Know exactly where your gun is before you enter the airport and make sure that it is not in your backpack, purse, computer bag or suitcase that you plan to bring into the security checkpoint.”

So far in 2022, and only halfway into the month of April, TSA officers have already seized 195 guns from passengers at Florida airports. Some passengers carried multiple guns on them, others not only had guns, but rounds chambered. Neither option is legal.

Here’s how those some of those seizures break down in Florida’s airports, according to TSA:

  • Orlando International (MCO): 40 guns
  • Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL): 36 guns
  • Tampa International (TPA): 26 guns
  • Miami International (MIA): 19 guns
  • Jacksonville International (JAX): 17 guns

According to officials, “passengers face a civil penalty from the TSA that can reach as much as $13,910 and that is imposed regardless of whether the individual is arrested” by law enforcement officers or agents. Passengers with TSA PreCheck membership also lose their privileges, sometimes permanently.

A TSA release on the guns at Florida airports said that was the case with one passenger at FLL.

“On Monday a man carrying a Beretta into Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport was intercepted by the TSA and while he was not arrested, he will lose his TSA PreCheck privileges and he faces a fine that could exceed $13,000,” TSA said.

A man with a Taurus 9mm loaded with 12 rounds was stopped by TSA and arrested in Orlando on April 8.

TSA provided additional examples of recent stops and recent seizures. Of the examples the administration listed, the majority mentioned had weapons which were already loaded.