Florida Democrats respond to permitless carry proposal: ‘dangerous’
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Florida Democrats criticized the Republican proposed permitless carry legislation Monday morning.
Republican leaders said the proposal would “remove the government permission slip” needed to carry a concealed weapon.” The legislation, if approved, would not legalize “open carry” but would instead eliminate the permitting process for carrying a concealed weapon in the state of Florida.
“Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis, who has repeatedly stood up for individual rights and freedoms, we will take this monumental step to ensure that government does not interfere with a law-abiding citizen’s ability to protect themselves and their families,” Republican Sen. Jay Collins said.
Democrat House Leader Fentrice Driskell characterized the bill as “dangerous for Floridians.”
Current Florida law requires people receive a permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in order to carry a concealed weapon. It requires citizens to complete a basic firearm safety course in order to obtain a concealed weapons permit. The proposed legislation would do away with that requirement.
“Floridians deserve the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe,” Driskell said. “And as the current data available to us shows, this will not make Floridians safer.”
Democrat Rep. Christine Hunschofsky of Parkland called the proposed legislation “untrained carry.”
“We should be focusing on responsible gun ownership which includes universal background checks, safe storage, education, expanded risk protection orders, and regulating ghost guns,” Hunschofsky said.
‘Constitutional carry’ introduced in Florida Legislature
Rep. Dan Daley, D-Coral Springs, called the proposed permitless carry law a “step backwards.” He accused Republican leadership of pushing the state of Florida “back in time, pre-MSD shooting, back to the days of the Wild West where gun slingers could wear their guns on their hips and pursue their own justice.”
Republican House Speaker Paul Renner said that the bill would make it easier for Floridians to “exercise their constitutional rights.”
“Floridians shouldn’t need a government permission slip to exercise their constitutional rights,” Renner said. “House Bill 543 will ensure Florida will remain a beacon of freedom. Florida was the pioneer in the modern carry movement in America and this historic legislation continues our proud tradition.”
The proposed bill does not affect laws relating to the purchase of a firearm and will not allow anyone prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry concealed.
“Violent career criminals are not applying for a state permit to carry a gun,” Hernando County Sheriff and Florida Sheriffs Association President Al Nienhuis said. “Removing the permitting process will assist our law-abiding citizens with the protections they need to defend themselves and their families from those criminals who intend to do them harm.”
