Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill into law that eliminates the requirement for individuals to obtain permits to carry concealed firearms. Effective July 1, 2023, eligible citizens aged 21 and above can carry firearms without seeking government permission or paying any fees.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) praised Florida for becoming the 26th state in the country to adopt Constitutional Carry legislation. The new law received overwhelming support from Republicans in both houses of the state legislature.
However, critics have raised concerns about public safety and gun violence prevention measures. Second Amendment advocates argue that this isn't a true "constitutional carry" measure as promised by De Santis.
Democratic lawmakers have called for renewed gun control measures following recent mass shootings across the United States, while Republican lawmakers have reiterated calls for stricter school security measures and mental health resources.
The other states with permitless concealed carry laws are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas Missouri Montana Ohio Oklahoma South Dakota Utah Vermont West Virginia and Wyoming.
Florida's decision is expected to reignite debates over gun control laws in other states as well.