Florida’s Open Carry Debate: Exploring Perspectives and Controversies

Gun and bullets on Second Amendment document.

Florida’s gun legislation debate heats up as Governor Ron DeSantis hints at potential open carry laws, sparking both support and opposition.

At a Glance

  • Governor DeSantis signed a bill allowing permitless concealed carry, effective July 1, 2023
  • Open carry remains illegal in Florida, with specific exemptions
  • Despite Republican supermajority, open carry lacks traction in the Florida Legislature
  • Law enforcement and gun control advocates express concerns about potential increases in violence and impact on tourism

Florida’s New Concealed Carry Law

Florida’s gun laws have undergone significant changes recently, with Governor Ron DeSantis signing a bill that allows permitless concealed carry of firearms, effective July 1, 2023. This new law eliminates the need for a concealed weapons license, background checks, and training for concealed carry. However, it’s important to note that open carry remains illegal in Florida, with specific exemptions for certain groups and activities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl_7UVpEG-4

The new legislation includes provisions for private schools to establish guardian programs and mandates law enforcement agencies to develop active assailant response policies. It’s crucial to understand that the law does not change who can buy a firearm; existing restrictions on gun ownership remain in place. Machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and destructive devices are still prohibited under Florida law.

The Open Carry Debate

While Florida has taken steps to relax concealed carry regulations, the debate over open carry legislation continues. Governor Ron DeSantis has hinted at potential legislation for open carrying of firearms in Florida, stating, “You may get that in this upcoming legislative session. Stay tuned on that.” However, despite the Republican supermajority in the state legislature, open carry lacks traction among lawmakers.

“Constitutional Carry is in the books” – DeSantis

GOP Senate President Ben Albritton opposes open carry due to law enforcement objections. This stance has led to criticism from gun rights advocates. Luis Valdes of Gun Owners of America expressed disappointment, saying, “Senate President Ben Albritton spit in the face of gun owners after they sent Republicans to Tallahassee with a resounding victory on a pro-gun mandate.”

Concerns and Opposition

Law enforcement and gun control advocates have voiced concerns about open carry potentially leading to increased violence and affecting tourism. State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith highlighted these concerns, stating, “The last thing tourists want to see are neo-Nazis openly carrying rifles at Disney Springs and the streets of Lake Buena Vista. Permitless carry has already cost lives in Florida. Open carry will make it worse.”

“I like Gov. DeSantis, but quite frankly, the inability to get open carry included in this bill is embarrassing for him,” Collins said. “It’s failed leadership and it’s weak. And finally, it begs the question that if the governor cannot get a very friendly Legislature to add open carry to this bill, then how do we think he’s going to do trying to convince Congress to act on anything if he becomes president?” – Source

Critics of open carry legislation point to recent violent events as warning signs against such policy changes. A recent mass shooting in Orlando has been cited as an example of issues with current gun laws, fueling the argument against further relaxation of firearm regulations.

Florida’s Unique Position

It’s worth noting that Florida is one of the few states prohibiting open carry, alongside California, Connecticut, and Illinois. This places Florida in a unique position as it navigates the complex landscape of gun rights and public safety concerns. As the debate continues, lawmakers, law enforcement, and citizens alike will be closely watching how Florida’s gun legislation evolves in the coming months.

Sources:

  1. ‘Open Carry’ measure now off the table, disappointing Second Amendment advocates
  2. Open carry gun law sputters in Florida Legislature, despite backing from DeSantis

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