Malcolm Rivera
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 543, also known as the Constitutional Carry bill, into law on July 1, 2023, making Florida the 26th state to enact such legislation. The bill allows Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a government-issued permit, provided they are over the age of 21 and legally eligible to own a firearm. While supporters of the bill argue that it strengthens the right to self-defense and removes unnecessary red tape, opponents raise concerns about public safety, particularly in a state that relies heavily on tourism. With the Constitutional Carry law in effect, Florida residents and non-residents with valid licenses from their home states can carry concealed weapons while in Florida.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bill Number | SB 150 |
| Bill Name | Constitutional Carry |
| Date | March 2023 |
| Stage | Passed committee, heads to Senate |
| Sponsor | Republican State Senator Jay Collins from Hillsborough County |
| Supporters | Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, House Speaker Paul Renner, Florida Sheriffs Ass., NRA-ILA |
| Opponents | Giffords (gun safety organization), State Sen. Geraldine Thompson from Orange County, State Sen. Linda Stewart |
| Effect | Strengthens the right to self-defense in Florida by recognizing the right of any law-abiding adult who is legally eligible to obtain a carry permit, to carry a handgun without first having to obtain government permission |
| Implementation Date | July 1, 2023 |
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What You'll Learn
Florida's Constitutional Carry Bill
The bill was introduced and endorsed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who stated his support for constitutional carry and indicated that it would be a priority for the legislative session starting in April 2023. The bill was also backed by House Speaker Paul Renner and the Florida Sheriffs Association. Supporters of the bill argue that it strengthens the Second Amendment rights of Floridians and ensures their right to self-defense without bureaucratic hurdles, delays, or fees.
However, the Constitutional Carry Bill has faced opposition from gun safety organizations and some lawmakers. Critics argue that permitless carry laws endanger the public by removing safety measures designed to ensure that individuals carrying concealed weapons have received proper training and vetting. They point to rising gun crime and mass shootings, making the case that gun restrictions should be strengthened rather than loosened. A poll conducted by the gun safety organization Giffords found that 61% of Florida voters opposed permitless carry.
Despite the opposition, the bill passed in the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee with an 11-6 vote and moved on to the full Senate for further consideration. It eventually passed in the Senate and was signed into law by Governor DeSantis on July 1, 2023, making Florida the 26th state to enact Constitutional Carry legislation.
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Public Safety Bill
The Public Safety Bill, also known as the 'Constitutional Carry' bill, has been a topic of discussion and debate in Florida. Sponsored by Republican State Senator Jay Collins from Hillsborough County, the bill aims to allow Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a government-issued permit. This proposal does not alter the current laws prohibiting the open display of sidearms or long guns, commonly referred to as "open carry".
The bill has received support from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who stated that it aligns with his stance on implementing constitutional carry in the state. DeSantis indicated that the bill could be introduced in the legislature when it reconvened in April 2023. Supporters of the bill argue that it strengthens the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and ensures their right to self-defence without bureaucratic delays or fees.
However, the Public Safety Bill has also faced opposition from gun safety organisations and some lawmakers. Opponents argue that permitless carry laws endanger the public by removing essential safety measures designed to ensure that individuals carrying concealed weapons have received proper training and vetting. They highlight the increase in handgun homicide rates and police shootings in states that have relaxed their gun permit laws. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential safety repercussions, including challenges for law enforcement in scenarios where multiple individuals are armed.
Despite the opposition, the bill has progressed through the legislative process. In March 2023, the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee approved Senate Bill 150, with an amendment to align its language with the House's version. The bill then advanced to the full Senate for further consideration. On July 1, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the House Bill (HB) 543 into law, making Florida the 26th state to enact Constitutional Carry legislation.
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Second Amendment rights
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 543 in April 2023, strengthening Floridians' Second Amendment rights. The bill allows residents to carry concealed weapons without a government-issued permit, making Florida the 26th state to enact Constitutional Carry legislation. The bill will come into effect on July 1, 2023.
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms. This right has been a topic of debate and has been interpreted differently over time. The Second Amendment states, "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." The amendment was adopted on December 15, 1791, as part of the Bill of Rights.
The right to bear arms is subject to certain regulations and restrictions. For example, individuals must meet specific criteria to legally purchase and possess firearms. These requirements often include background checks, waiting periods, and other safety measures. The Second Amendment also does not allow for the possession of certain types of weapons, such as automatic firearms or explosives.
While some argue that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to self-defense, others interpret it as a collective right associated with service in a militia. The Supreme Court has generally upheld the individual right to bear arms, but it has also recognized the government's ability to regulate firearms to ensure public safety.
In Florida, the Constitutional Carry legislation has been a subject of debate. Proponents of the bill argue that it aligns with the Second Amendment by removing government restrictions on the right to self-defense. They believe that law-abiding adults who meet the legal requirements to own a firearm should be able to carry it without additional permits or licenses. This perspective emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and self-reliance.
On the other hand, opponents of the bill raise concerns about public safety and the potential for increased gun violence. They argue that permitless carry laws remove vital safety measures, such as proper training and vetting of individuals carrying concealed weapons. Some also worry about the impact on law enforcement, as indicated by former senior sergeant Jim Diamond, who stated that "it'll either cause us to overreact or become too acclimated to the presence of firearms."
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Support for Constitutional Carry
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed support for constitutional carry in the state, suggesting that it could be introduced in the legislature in April 2023. DeSantis affirmed his stance, stating that he has “always supported" the measure. This aligns with the sentiment of Florida Senate Republican, Jay Collins, who defended the proposed legislation by stating, “I do believe that we are standing up for constitutional rights and freedoms, and pushing that agenda forward.”
The constitutional carry bill, also known as the 'permitless carry' bill, would allow Florida gun owners to carry concealed weapons without a government-issued permit. This proposal does not alter the existing laws prohibiting the open display of sidearms or long guns, commonly referred to as "open carry." Florida's concealed weapons permitting process would be maintained under the proposal, providing an option for residents who wish to carry their concealed weapons to other states with reciprocity agreements.
Additionally, proponents of constitutional carry argue that it aligns Florida with the majority of states that have already implemented similar legislation. As of July 1, 2023, when House Bill (HB) 543 went into effect, Florida became the 26th state to enact constitutional carry legislation. This move is seen as a reinforcement of Floridians' Second Amendment rights, emphasizing the right to bear arms.
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Opposition to Constitutional Carry
The "constitutional carry" bill, also known as the "permitless carry" or "unrestricted carry" bill, has faced significant opposition in Florida. This bill would allow individuals to carry concealed firearms in public without a permit, training, registration, or government licensing. While supporters argue that it upholds the Second Amendment and enhances self-defense, opponents raise several concerns.
Firstly, opponents argue that removing permitting and training requirements compromises public safety. They worry that individuals without proper training may not handle firearms safely, increasing the risk of accidental shootings. Additionally, they contend that unrestricted carry could make it more challenging for law enforcement to distinguish between legal and illegal gun possession, hindering their ability to prevent gun-related crimes effectively.
Secondly, critics of the bill emphasize the potential for increased gun violence. They refute the claim that open and concealed carry would deter criminals and reduce gun violence. Instead, they argue that more firearms in public spaces could escalate minor disputes and increase the severity of violent incidents. Opponents also highlight the dangers of allowing firearms in sensitive locations like schools, healthcare facilities, and government buildings, which could become targets or sites of active shooter incidents.
Another concern is the impact on businesses and private property owners. While some states with permitless carry laws allow businesses and institutions to limit firearms on their premises, supporters of the bill in Florida have pushed for restricting public universities from enforcing such limitations. Opponents argue that this would infringe upon the rights of property owners to determine what is best for their premises and the safety of their employees, customers, or students.
Lastly, critics argue that the bill undermines the role of government in regulating firearm possession for public safety. They contend that the government has a responsibility to implement reasonable restrictions and safeguards, especially in a state with a high number of gun-related deaths and injuries. By removing permitting requirements, the bill could make it more challenging to track and regulate firearms, potentially leading to an increase in gun-related crimes and accidental shootings.
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Frequently asked questions
The 'Constitutional Carry' bill, also known as the Public Safety Bill, is a proposal to allow Florida gun owners to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the House Bill (HB) 543 into law on 12 April 2023. The law will come into effect on 1 July 2023.
Supporters of the bill, including Governor DeSantis, argue that it strengthens the right to self-defense and removes unnecessary government red tape, delays, and fees.
Opponents of the bill, including gun safety organisations, argue that it endangers the public by removing vital safety measures and that it will lead to an increase in gun crime and police shootings.
The bill states that non-Florida residents who meet specific requirements, including having a valid license to carry a firearm in their home state, can carry a concealed weapon while in Florida.
