Florida Passes Bill Allowing Concealed Carry Without Permit

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Facts

  • On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed legislation that eliminates the requirement of a permit to carry a concealed firearm, making Florida the 26th US state to pass a constitutional carry law.1
  • The law, which passed 27-13 in the Senate and 76-32 in the House, allows eligible citizens who are at least 21 years old to carry the weapon without having to obtain a permit or pay a fee.2
  • The bill also leaves in place previous background check requirements and requires that those who carry without a permit have a valid ID on their person and readily provide it to law enforcement if asked.3
  • Those who fail to provide a valid ID face a $25 fine.2
  • The nonpublic event with only bill sponsors, legislative leaders, and gun rights advocates in attendance came as a University of North Florida poll showed 77% of respondents were somewhat or strongly opposed to the legislation, a number that reportedly included 62% of Republicans.4
  • Meanwhile, The National Rifle Association (NRA) said it was a "NRA-spearheaded initiative" and that it "applauds" the decision.5

Sources: 1FOX News, 2Forbes, 3Daily Caller, 4NBC, and 5Daily Wire.

Narratives

  • Left narrative, as provided by Tennessee Lookout. The pro-gun lobby uses several myths to sway the minds of decent pro-gun Americans. Unfortunately, these myths can and have led to tragic increases in gun violence and death. Gun violence is shown to increase after permit-less carry laws go into effect. The dangers of lax gun laws are understood by most Americans, which is why not only civilians are against such measures, but large swaths of law enforcement across the country as well.
  • Right narrative, as provided by Gunsamerica. While any side of an issue can drum up curated statistics to bolster their political arguments, the truth is that permit-less carry laws don't lead to an increase in violent crime or murder. Beyond the data, common sense dictates that criminals, by definition, don't follow the law. Constitutional carry doesn't necessarily lower crime, but it does allow law-abiding citizens to carry more easily and thus protect themselves from criminals who never cared about the law in the first place.