DAYTONA BEACH — Heads up, Florida residents and visitors.
Starting Saturday, it's going to be legal to carry a concealed firearm in public in Florida without first getting a permit.
Floridians can still apply for a concealed carry permit if they want one, but a new state law that's effective July 1 removes that requirement.
The loosening of requirements makes things easier for gun owners, but the statute passed during this spring's legislative session doesn't remove the rules dictating who can own a gun and where they can take a firearm.
You must be at least 21 years old to buy a firearm in Florida, unless you are a law enforcement or corrections officer, or in the military. You have to be a Florida resident and legal U.S. resident to buy a handgun in Florida. A legal U.S. resident from another state can buy a long gun in Florida.
Those who can't own guns include people convicted of a felony, dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, suffering from a physical impairment that prevents the safe handling of firearms, involuntarily committed to treatment, or convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor.
For those who can legally carry a firearm, the new law removes the requirement for a concealed weapons license and its mandatory background check and firearms training course before a person can carry hidden weapons or firearms on their person or in a vehicle in Florida.
Where are guns illegal in Florida?
While a gun permit will no longer be required, the new law doesn't change Florida's list of places where it's illegal to carry a firearm.
Florida Statute 790.06(12)(a) lists more than a dozen places where people can't have a firearm, whether it's concealed or openly carried. The list is usually emphasized in concealed carry classes, but anyone can read through the law.
On the list are "places of nuisance," which can include a massage parlor, house of prostitution, any place gang members use for criminal gang activity, or a building used for illegal games of chance.
Other places guns are not allowed in Florida include any courthouse; polling place; police, sheriff or highway patrol station; career center; and detention facility, prison or jail.
Also on the list: Any meeting of state legislators, and the meetings of any governing body of a county, public school district, municipality or special district. The state also prohibits firearms at any elementary or secondary school facility or administration building; any college or university facility; and any school, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms.
Guns are also prohibited in any portion of a business licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, and in courtrooms for most people. Judges can have concealed weapons in their courtroom, and judges can determine who else could have a concealed weapon in a courtroom.
You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com
SB 2 (Stats. 2023, ch. 249) – Firearms. Requires a licensing authority to issue or renew a concealed carry license if the applicant is not a disqualified person and at least 21 years of age.
LOS ANGELES — A federal appeals court in San Francisco ruled Thursday that the Second Amendment of the Constitution does not guarantee the right of gun owners to carry concealed weapons in public, upholding a California law that imposes stringent conditions on who may be granted a concealed-carry permit.
The state is now “permitless carry.” A resident, or non-resident, of Florida is eligible to carry a concealed firearm in public if they would otherwise meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Florida concealed carry permit (see below).
Concealed Carry in Louisiana. Last updated August 28, 2024 . On March 5, 2024, Louisiana's governor signed into law a bill that allows any individual aged 18 or over, who may legally possess firearms, to carry a firearm concealed on his or her person in public without a license or permit.
Leading states for gun law strength in the U.S. 2024
California led the way in gun safety in the United States as of January 2024, with a composite score of 89.5 based on the presence of 50 key gun safety policies.
The rule also clarifies what it means for a person to be ''engaged in the business'' of dealing in firearms and to have the intent to ''predominantly earn a profit'' from the sale or disposition of firearms. In addition, it clarifies the term ''dealer'' and defines the term ''responsible person.
“The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.”
Since the Supreme Court ruled that citizens may keep a handgun at home for self-defense in District of Columbia v. Heller, courts across the country have reaffirmed that gun safety laws are constitutional and not in conflict with Second Amendment rights.
Supreme Court allows the carrying of firearms in public in major victory for gun rights groups. The ruling expands upon a 2008 decision that said the Second Amendment safeguards a person's right to possess firearms at home for self-protection.
Walmart — Walmart does not allow open carry of weapons in any of their stores, but they do allow the concealed carry of weapons in accordance with state laws. If a customer is observed openly carrying a firearm at a Walmart location, it is up to the discretion of the store management to decide what to do.
Those without a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL) are required to have the handgun securely encased and not manually possessed, meaning it must be in a secured case likely within luggage and not on the person.
Louisiana permittee may have a loaded handgun in the vehicle only. Vehicle Possession Without Recognized Permit: Firearms may be carried openly or in the glove compartment, console, or trunk of vehicle.
Starting July 1, Assembly Bill 28 requires manufacturers, vendors and dealers to pay an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition to fund violence prevention efforts. It's one of several new laws focused on gun control, including limiting concealed weapons in public and requiring financial institutions to track firearm sales.
The Executive Order will also keep more guns out of dangerous hands by increasing the effective use of “red flag” laws, strengthen efforts to hold the gun industry accountable, and accelerate law enforcement efforts to identify and apprehend the shooters menacing our communities.
This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD).
Introduced in House (02/11/2021) To require criminal background checks on all firearms transactions occurring at gun shows. To require criminal background checks on all firearms transactions occurring at gun shows.
Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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