At the hospital, at the grocery store, at the gym, at the restaurant: no matter where you are in Florida, the people around you will be able to carry a loaded gun legally, without any license.
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If you’re familiar with Florida, you probably know that the state has a reputation for having fairly lax gun laws. However, the Florida government has just taken a step that many consider dangerous.
On April 3, the Republican Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, signed a bill to eliminate the requirement to obtain a license to carry a weapon, as long as it is not visible. From 1er July, it will therefore be possible for anyone who wishes to walk around with a loaded weapon without having to pass a safety course or a weapons handling course and without any background checks.
The only criteria for carrying a gun in Florida will be:
- Be 21 years old.
- Be a US citizen.
- Not have been convicted of a violent or drug abuse-related crime and not have been charged with a domestic violence misdemeanor.
A history of drug or alcohol abuse, internment in a psychiatric institution or dishonorable military disqualification may also constitute grounds for ineligibility.
It is also prohibited to carry a weapon in government buildings, educational establishments or in stores whose main purpose is to serve alcohol, such as bars.
Not bad everyone is angry
Polls show that a majority of Floridians oppose this policy.
According to other polls conducted previously, the population of this state would also be strongly in favor of a tightening of security measures related to firearms, such as the establishment of a systematic criminal background check.
Groups advocating for better gun control have provided evidence that suggests the law on carrying guns without a license will contribute to an increase in violence. They accuse Governor Ron DeSantis of prioritizing his presidential ambitions over the safety of his constituents. The politician is expected to be the main opponent of Donald Trump for the nomination of the Republican Party.
Judging that the government is too timid, defenders of the carrying of weapons would like as for them that it is possible to carry a weapon without having to hide it.
As a reminder, Florida has been the scene of two of the deadliest shootings in the United States in recent years.
After the bill passes, Florida will be the 26e State out of 50 to allow the carrying of weapons without a license. It will therefore now be possible to carry loaded and concealed weapons without a license in the majority of states in the country.