Florida lawmakers are introducing new laws for gun owners to carry guns in public WITHOUT a license – after Gov. DeSantis asked them to approve a law change
- Floridans do not currently require permits to purchase guns, but they do for public transportation
- The bill could enter Florida’s Republican House as early as March
- Gov. Ron DeSantis backed legislation proposed Monday
Florida lawmakers will pass new legislation that would allow people to carry guns in public without requiring a concealed carry permit.
Republican Speaker of the House Paul Renner announced the bill during a news conference Monday with support from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Florida Republicans control the state House and have enough votes on their side to win the bill, and it’s expected to pass as early as March.
Currently, Floridians do not require a permit to purchase a gun, but do require a permit to carry it in public. The new bill would remove this requirement.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has backed legislation that would allow Floridians to carry guns in public without a permit
Florida House Speaker Paul Renner announced the legislation Monday
Flanked by sheriff’s officers, Renner on Monday characterized the bill as “central to our freedom.”
“Florida led the nation in concealed carry,” he said, adding that he now wants the state to lead the prosecution in removing the “government carry permit.”
Renner and his supporters have dubbed the bill “constitutional carry.”
But Democratic Rep. Christine Hunschofsky said the title was inaccurate.
“This is not a constitutional transport. It’s untrained carrying,’ she said. Hunschofsky represents the town of Parkland, where one of the country’s worst school shootings took place.
House Minority Speaker Fentice Driskell said she was “concerned” about the bill and expected it to pass
Ron DeSantis pictured January 23rd. He supported the new concealed carry legislation
Renner and the bill’s supporters said they believe gun owners are responsible and know how to use their guns safely.
“We trust people to do the right thing,” said Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis. He is the president of the Florida Sheriff’s Association, which sponsored the bill.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said, “It’s about time. Florida is taking a big step.”
House Minority Speaker Fentice Driskell said she was “concerned” about the bill and expected it to pass.
“I’m very concerned about this potential legislation because I think it would make our communities less safe,” she said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if we saw a special session on this before the regular session.”
If the law were passed, Florida would become the 26th state to allow concealed carry without a permit.
Current concealed carry laws require holders to be 21 years of age and complete a series of safety courses.
Permits range from $97 to $119 in fees, and course prices range from $30 to $100.
The proposed bill would only revoke concealed carry permits. Floridians would still need a permit to carry guns outdoors.