If you’ve ever driven down toward the Keys, past the endless rows of tropical fruit stands and those iconic "Robert Is Here" milkshakes, you know the vibe changes. The high-rises of Miami fade into the rearview, replaced by wide-open nursery fields and dusty canal roads. This is the Redlands. This is Homestead. It’s also arguably the best place in the state to pull a trigger.
Whether you're a serious competitive shooter or just someone looking to pop off a few rounds on a Saturday afternoon, shooting in Homestead Florida offers a specific kind of freedom you just won't find at an indoor range in the city.
Indoor ranges are fine. But let's be honest: they're loud, they smell like ozone and burnt hair, and you’re usually stuck in a tiny booth with a pulley system that barely works. Homestead is different. Out here, it’s about the sun, the wind, and having enough space to actually move.
The Heavy Hitter: Homestead Training Center (HTC)
Ask any local "tactical" junkie where they spend their weekends, and they’ll point you to 11700 SW 304th St. This isn't just a range; it’s a 25-acre monster.
Homestead Training Center, or HTC as everyone calls it, is basically the gold standard for outdoor shooting in South Florida. It’s a serious facility. They host everyone from elite military units to local law enforcement, but the "regular" public can get in on the action too.
The layout is pretty wild. You’ve got three main public ranges: a 25-yarder, a 100-yarder, and the big one—the 500-yard rifle range.
If you want to use the 500-yard range, you usually have to be a member or prove you aren't going to launch lead into the next county. But for most people, the 25 and 100-yard public lanes are plenty.
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What makes it cool?
Basically, it’s the specialized stuff. They have a 12-stage military-style obstacle course. They have a "mini shoot house" for room clearing. They even have target simulators. Most places just give you a paper target and a prayer. Here, you can actually train.
The Wild Card: Henry’s Sport Shooting Range
Now, if HTC is the professional, polished big brother, Henry’s is the eccentric cousin who lives in the woods. Located at 31810 SW 228 Avenue, deep in the Redlands, Henry’s is legendary for one reason: freedom.
It’s an outdoor spot that feels much more "old school" Florida. It’s the kind of place where you bring your own targets. I’ve seen people out there shooting at coconuts, old sports balls, and watermelons. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s a total blast.
One thing to note—it requires some "navigational skills" to find. It’s down a dirt road, tucked away from the main streets. If you think you're lost, you're probably getting close.
- Age limit: Minimum 12 years old.
- Vibe: Very relaxed, but don't mistake that for a lack of safety. The RSOs (Range Safety Officers) don't play.
- Best for: Groups of friends who want to have a fun, non-stuffy afternoon.
The Legal Reality of Backyard Shooting
You might think that because Homestead has so much space, you can just set up a backstop behind your shed and go to town.
Slow down.
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Florida Law (specifically Statute 790.15) is pretty specific about this. You can technically shoot on your own property, but there are some big "ifs."
If your property is less than one acre or if it’s in a residential area with a density of one or more dwelling units per acre, you’re looking at a misdemeanor if you shoot recreationally. Even if you have more than an acre, you can’t shoot "recklessly or negligently."
Basically, if a bullet leaves your property or you’re firing over a public road, you’re going to have a very bad day with the Miami-Dade Police Department. Just because you're in the "country" doesn't mean the rules don't apply. Most locals agree: it’s way cheaper and safer to just pay the $20-$35 fee at a professional range than to risk a felony charge.
Other Spots Near the Perimeter
Technically, Trail Glades Range isn't in Homestead—it’s up on 8th Street near the Everglades—but it’s the only public range run by Miami-Dade County. It’s been there since 1952.
It’s cheaper than the private spots, but there’s a catch. You have to take a 30-minute safety course before you can shoot. And honestly? The lines can be brutal on weekends. If you're coming from the south, sticking to the Homestead-specific ranges is usually a better bet for your sanity.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think shooting in Homestead Florida means you can just show up in flip-flops and start blasting.
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Nope.
Every single range out here—from the high-end HTC to the rugged Henry’s—requires closed-toe shoes. Trust me, you do not want a hot brass casing landing between your toes. It happens. It hurts. You’ll do a "hot brass dance" that will be immortalized on someone’s TikTok.
Also, skip the collared shirts. Same reason. A hot shell bouncing off the brim of your hat and sliding down inside your polo shirt is a recipe for a bad time. Wear a crew-neck t-shirt.
Why People Actually Make the Drive
It's the community. When you're out at a place like HTC, you’ll see guys with $10,000 custom-built precision rifles sitting right next to a guy with a $400 Glock he just bought.
People talk. They share tips. They help you zero your scope.
There's a level of nuance to shooting outdoors—dealing with the South Florida humidity, the crosswinds coming off the Atlantic, and the glare of the midday sun—that makes you a better marksman. You aren't just pulling a trigger; you're managing the environment.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to head down, here is the smart way to do it:
- Check the weather: If it rained in Miami, it’s probably a swamp in Homestead. Most of these ranges are dirt/grass. Wear boots you don't mind getting muddy.
- Bring Water: These are outdoor ranges. There is no AC. Homestead in July is like standing on the surface of the sun. Bring a gallon of water and some shade if you can.
- Sign the Waivers Online: Both HTC and Ares (another training spot nearby) have online waivers. Do it before you leave the house. Cell service in the Redlands is spotty at best.
- Ammo Check: Check if the range allows steel-core ammo. Many outdoor ranges don't want you shooting steel at their targets because it damages them or causes sparks that can start fires in dry brush.
- Timing: Go early. Like, 8:00 AM early. By noon, the heat is miserable and the public lanes are usually full.
Shooting in Homestead Florida is about as "Real Florida" as it gets. It’s dusty, it’s hot, and it’s loud—but it’s also the most fun you can have south of the city limits. Just be safe, follow the RSO's instructions, and for the love of everything, don't wear flip-flops.