A new bill has been introduced in Florida that would allow people to carry concealed weapons without a permit.
The move, which has the backing of Governor Ron DeSantis, is known as Constitutional carry, and if passed, Florida would be the 26th state to embrace such a rule.
As crime has skyrocketed in the United States, so have gun sales.
The Tallahassee Democrat reports:
Florida lawmakers move to let gun owners carry without permit in ‘Constitutional Carry’ bill
Florida could become the 26th state to allow people to carry concealed loaded guns anywhere without permits under legislation endorsed Monday by House Speaker Paul Renner and the Florida Sheriffs Association.
Dubbed “constitutional carry,” by supporters, the concept behind the bill (HB 543) also has the backing of Gov. Ron DeSantis and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples.
The proposal, however, makes no change in current laws limiting the open display of sidearms or long guns, or so called “open carry” – an expansion some gun advocates want, but which has drawn pushback in a state so dependent on tourism.
“Florida led the nation in allowing for concealed carry and that extends today as we remove the government permission slip… to exercise a constitutional right,” said Renner, R-Palm Coast.
Florida’s concealed weapons permitting would continue under the proposal. Some residents might want the permit to allow them to carry their concealed weapons to other states, under reciprocity agreements, Renner said.
Florida has 2.6 million concealed weapons permits. And residents who receive a permit must have undergone firearms training, along with clearing a background check that shows they are not convicted felons or fall under a host of other restrictions.
The NRA supports the move, as do many political leaders and law enforcement officers in Florida.
🇺🇸 BREAKING NEWS: NRA-Backed Constitutional Carry Introduced in Florida pic.twitter.com/kKGzGAxCBd
— NRA (@NRA) January 30, 2023
You shouldn’t need a permit to exercise a constitutional right.
