The National Rifle Association, the country's largest pro-gun group is backing candidates for the primary election, which could mean a big boost to those in the group's favor at the end of this month.
The group, which occasionally issues endorsements in both national and statewide elections, gave a handful of candidates the green light for their campaigns.
Also included in the endorsement list were individual letter grades for legislators. Candidates were graded on an "A+" through "F" scale based on their commitment to NRA issues and on defending the Second Amendment.
The endorsements are only for the August primary.
The NRA also provided political hopefuls a questionnaire on gun issues. Some candidates don't have a pro-gun voting history, so their responses on the questionnaire determined their ranking.
Candidates who answered the questionnaire and are pro-gun but lack a voting history on Second Amendment issues received an "Aq" ranking, while those who didn't fill out the questionnaire received a "?" grade.
Those who don't support NRA issues and Second Amendment rights were given an "F" letter grade. The NRA calls these candidates "enemies" of gun owners' rights.
NRA endorsements are never a guarantee and were not issued in every single statewide race, which makes the endorsements coveted prizes for many conservative pro-gun candidates who hope to nab a win in their campaigns.
"Our endorsement is not given lightly; it is something that is reserved for those candidates who meet certain criteria and something that must be earned," said NRA past president Marion Hammer.
Some Florida candidates, like U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, are longtime recipients of NRA endorsements.
"[The NRA] thank[s] him for his steadfast support of the Second Amendment and his dedication to defending the rights of law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen,” said NRA-Political Victory Fund Chairman Chris Cox in a statement.
The NRA has endorsed Webster in every congressional election since he was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010.
"I am firmly committed to protecting our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms and am pleased to receive the endorsement of the NRA,” said Webster.
Other Florida lawmakers who received the green light from the NRA at the congressional level included Ron DeSantis, John Mica and Vern Buchanan.
State senatorial candidates who received endorsements included Doug Broxson, Dennis Baxley, Greg Steube and Lizbeth Benacquisto.
To see the full list of NRA grades and endorsements, click here.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
