The state of Florida will help the country itself make history if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill regarding self-defense rights.
The Florida Senate passed a bill on Friday that would remove the need for individuals to obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm, and the legislation is now headed to DeSantis’ desk.
On Thursday, the Florida Senate approved a bill that allows individuals who are 21 years old and above and have a clean criminal record to carry a concealed firearm without obtaining a permit or paying a fee. The bill passed with a vote of 27-13, making Florida the 26th state to adopt what supporters refer to as “constitutional carry” laws, Fox News reported.
The legislation does not modify the criteria for eligibility for a carry permit, and those who wish to obtain one can still do so even after the new law takes effect, pending DeSantis’ signature.
“There are currently 25 states that have constitutional carry or permitless, carry laws on the books, meaning Florida could tip the U.S. into becoming a constitutional carry-majority nation,” Fox News noted.
“This is a momentous step in the constitutional carry movement as now the majority of American states recognize the Constitution protects the right for law-abiding Americans to defend themselves outside their homes without fees or permits,” Randy Kozuch, interim executive director, NRA-ILA, told the outlet. “The carry movement began decades ago and the NRA has been working to get this legislation passed throughout America. Therefore, today is indeed a day to celebrate.”
The constitutional carry bill was initially introduced in the Florida House by members in January, claiming it as legislation that would enhance the safety of Floridians and their families. The state House approved the bill with a 76 to 32 vote on Friday.
“This bill is a big step, a big step to help the average law-abiding citizen, to keep them from having to go through the hoops of getting a permit from the government to carry their weapon,” GOP state Rep. Chuck Brannan said last week, according to Fox 13 Tampa.
“It is also not going to change who can and who cannot carry a gun. People that are prohibited now are still going to be prohibited,” he added.
Fox News noted further: “Georgia became the 25th state with a constitutional carry law on the books last April when Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed the state bill into law.”