Florida’s open carry gun law debate intensifies as safety concerns clash with Second Amendment rights, with Governor Ron DeSantis at the helm. Florida allows permitless concealed carry but bans open carry, despite attempted amendments. Gun rights advocates have expressed disappointment over the lack of open carry legislation.
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Concealed Carry Bill
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed a bill allowing permitless concealed carry of firearms, effective from July 1. This new law removes the requirement for a concealed weapons license, background checks, and training for concealed carry. Despite these expansions of gun rights, open carry remains illegal in the state, with specific exemptions for certain groups and activities.
The bill enacts provisions for private schools to establish guardian programs and requires law enforcement agencies to formulate active assailant response policies. It does not alter who can purchase a firearm, keeping existing restrictions on gun ownership in place. Additionally, firearms like machine guns and short-barreled rifles continue to be prohibited.
Open carry gun law sputters in Florida Legislature, despite backing from DeSantis https://t.co/g9ThWBIQan
— South Florida Sun Sentinel (@SunSentinel) November 30, 2024
Law Enforcement and Legislative Stance
Opposition from law enforcement and GOP lawmakers, including Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and GOP Senate President Ben Albritton, stems from concerns over increased violence and negative effects on tourism.
Law enforcement and gun control advocates warn that open carry could lead to more violent incidents. A recent mass shooting in Orlando is often cited as an example of issues related to current gun laws.
Despite the Republican supermajority in Florida, support for open carry remains weak. Advocates criticize this lack of action as “not true constitutional carry.” Recent legislative sessions saw an amendment for open carry filed yet later withdrawn, frustrating Second Amendment supporters.
Open carry gun law sputters in Florida Legislature, despite backing from DeSantis https://t.co/VmXdY4MeD0 pic.twitter.com/S8iQ4llrKn
— Orlando Sentinel (@orlandosentinel) November 29, 2024
Governor DeSantis’ Position and Future Plans
Governor DeSantis has indicated support for open carry, yet he has not aggressively pursued it, leading to criticism from some advocates. His reticence is seen by critics as a failure to capitalize on the Republican stronghold in the state legislature. Efforts to include open carry within the broader gun legislation package have been unsuccessful.
While the governor remains hopeful, stating, “You may get that in this upcoming legislative session. Stay tuned on that,” legislative inertia and opposition from certain GOP leaders make open carry’s future uncertain. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between public safety concerns and Second Amendment advocacy.