On the issue of gun rights, the 2023 Florida legislative session was vastly different from this year.
Last year, it became legal to carry a concealed weapon in Florida without a license for anyone legally allowed to possess a firearm, but in the 2024 Florida Legislative Session, it was an absolute zero on any pro-gun measures getting to the governor’s desk.
This year there were 10 bills proposed to either limit firearms sales and increase penalties or loosen firearm restrictions. All of them died in committee except for HB 485, which would have required the county sheriff or local police chief to return to a suspect upon request any weapon confiscated during an arrest. It was ultimately rejected.
Gun Owners Of America (GOA) Florida Director Luis Valdes says state GOP lawmakers aren’t doing enough to push forward second amendment rights in the state.
“Florida Republicans constantly campaign that they’re pro-gun and being the only thing stopping Democrats from passing gun control. But the nagging question every gun owner is asking is this. Why is it that pro-gun bills are dying under Republican leadership,” Valdes said.
Florida GOA keeps a scorecard of how elected officials voted on gun measures and list several pro-guns bills that died in this year’s session under Republican leadership.
Repeal Under 21 Purchase Ban. Repeal FDLE’s ability to abuse waiting periods and delay gun buyers for months to years. Legalize Open Carry. Legalize campus concealed carry on Florida colleges and university campuses.
Valdes also says Florida is the only Republican state in the nation with mandatory waiting periods, a ban on open carry, and Republican-sponsored Red Flag laws.
J.D. Johnson, one of the hosts of the Talon Outdoors Show on IHeart Radio, says the next two big items the state will have to address regarding Second Amendment issues are lowering the age from 21 to 18 for anyone looking to purchase a rifle and constitutional carry, known as open carry.
