The proposal has the backing of both the National Rifle Association and the Florida Sheriff’s Association. It would also make the Sunshine State the 26th constitutional carry state in the Union, tipping the balance nationwide towards the Second Amendment.
Specifically, HB 543 would create the following changes:
Authorizes person to carry concealed weapon or concealed firearm if he or she is licensed to do so or meets specified requirements; requires person who is carrying concealed weapon or concealed firearm without license to carry identification & display upon demand by law enforcement; prohibits person who is carrying concealed weapon or concealed firearm without license from carrying such weapon or firearm in specified locations; authorizes nonresident to carry concealed weapon or concealed firearm in this state if he or she meets same requirements as resident.
The bill would remove the necessity for Floridians to have a Concealed Weapon Firearm License (CWFL) in order to legally carry a concealed firearm.
In a press conference in Tallahassee, Florida state Rep. Chuck Brannan declared “our right to bear arms, of course, is enshrined in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.” Further, he announced the bill he would file “continues to advance Second Amendment freedoms through legislation known as ‘constitutional carry.’”
The representative noted that the bad guys “are getting guns anyway…breaking into houses, they’re breaking into cars, and they’re carrying guns illegally.”
Florida citizens who are lawful gun owners would no longer need to ask the state government for a permit and would not be required to pay a fee. The bill does not alter who can and cannot legally carry a weapon.=
It also does not alter penalties for carrying a weapon in a prohibited area.
The bill’s chief House sponsor, Speaker Paul Renner, noted that “we don’t operate in a vacuum. What’s happening in our society now is Defund the Police 2.0. I don’t think there’s ever been a time in my history on Earth that we’ve needed the right to keep and bear arms more than now.”
Many in law enforcement added their voices to the chorus pushing for this expansion of constitutional rights. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey expressed his gratitude to the bill’s sponsors. “This bill is an important piece of legislation for our citizens to have the ability to protect themselves. Criminals don’t go get a permit.”
Ivey added, “Florida sheriffs stand solidly behind this.”
Sen. Jay Collins, who is an Army Special Forces veteran, hailed the proposal as a “monumental moment” and a “major breakthrough for our freedom.”
“My very first lesson as a Green Beret was that it is incumbent on each of us to leave things better than we found them,” Collins declared. “We will take a monumental step to ensure that government does not interfere with a law-abiding citizen’s ability to protect their family.”
The NRA expressed its strong support for the legislation. Florida state director Art Thomm said the organization “is proud to have led this effort across America and looks forward to welcoming Florida into the fold of freedom that constitutional carry provides.
Contrary to some critics’ charges, felons or anyone else barred by federal or state law from possessing a firearm will not be able to carry. Also, previously issued permits remain in effect, and those who wish to obtain a permit to carry in states recognizing Florida’s permits may still do so.
As Second Amendment advocates know, this is another positive step in securing a basic constitutional right for Florida residents. The ability to keep and bear arms is a liberty worth defending and fighting for, and in these reactionary times it is refreshing to see a change that benefits the good guys.
