Florida House passes bill lowering firearm purchase age to 18

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida House of Representatives passed legislation Friday to lower the state firearm purchase age to 18.

It was previously 21, a restriction implemented after the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

The federal age to buy a handgun is still 21 from a licensed dealer.

Democratic critics of the bill warned against removing the restriction, citing the tragedy, and warning it could jeopardize school safety.

“I’m not worried about our schools,” bill sponsor Rep. Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, said in closing. “Our schools are safe in Florida.”

The bill passed 76-35.

“What I’m worried about is my kids, my grandkids and your kids that can’t defend themselves,” he said.

Rep. Tyler Sirois, R-Merritt Island, also sponsored the bill, HB 1223.

“Today, I’m standing on the side of our framers [and] Constitution,” Payne said. “They can’t buy a long gun in our state, but can in 43 other states.”

Payne also noted that those under 21 can be drafted the military, can sign contracts and can be subject to the death penalty.

There is no Senate companion bill. To reach Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk, the Senate must give full passage by Friday, March 8.