Permitless carry bill clears first committee
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – After a three hour meeting, a House committee approved a bill Tuesday that would allow citizens to carry a firearm without being required to obtain a concealed carry license from the state.
The permitless carry legislation, also known as “Constitutional Carry” by Florida Republicans, passed through the House Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law, and Government Operations Subcommittee. Rep. Robert Charles Brannan, R-Macclenny, co-sponsored the bill.
“This bill is a big step to help the average law abiding citizen to keep them from having to go through the hoops of getting a permit from the government to carry their weapons,” Brannon said.
While many people spoke in support of the bill, others did not believe it went far enough, criticizing lawmakers for “misrepresenting” the bill as “Constitutional Carry.” These organizations and individuals advocated for the state to include passing “open carry” as well.
Florida is one of a handful states that fully prohibits “open carry,” which allows someone to carry a gun where the firearm is visible.
Current law requires people receive a permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in order to carry a concealed weapon. Currently, the person must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 21 years of age, and satisfy eligibility criteria including not have a disqualifying criminal history. The applicant must demonstrate competency with a firearm and pay multiple fees to receive a concealed weapons license.
“This bill is very simple,” Brannan said. “It eliminates fees and wait times for law abiding Floridians who want to have the ability to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm for self defense.”
The bill allows people to still obtain a license through the state if they meet all of the current requirements with the exception of completing the firearm training requirement, and attesting that he or she is carrying for lawful self defense. Obtaining the license would make it easier for people to carry a firearm into another state through a reciprocity agreement.
The bill sponsor said someone who does not have a concealed weapons license, does not meet the requirements to conceal carry, and still concealed carries, he or she commits a third degree felony.
It requires the person carrying a concealed weapon to carry identification in case law enforcement requests it.
“It is also not going to change who can and who cannot carry a gun. People that are prohibited now will still be prohibited,” Brannan said.
Law enforcement officials shared their support of the bill, citing that criminals would find a way to get their hands on weapons regardless of the law.
Others speaking against the bill during public comment called it “reckless” and “deadly carry” as they commented on the number of mass shootings in the country.
Democrats were concerned about the state not mandating a background check. When asking the sponsor about background checks at gun shows, Brannan said a federal firearms licensed dealer would be required to provide background checks when purchasing firearms.
Rep. Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds, D-West Palm Beach, said it is a “very bad bill” when people are dealing with high insurance rates and rental prices.
“I don’t think right now any of my constituents want this bill. Since I’ve been elected, I have never had a resident come up to me and say I want to expand on train carry,” Edmonds said. “I believe we all are very smart legislators up here and I think we can use our intelligence to help Floridians and not hurt them.”
Democrat lawmakers proposed amendments including ones to require firearms safety classes and require those without a CWL license carry specific insurance. The seven amendments were not approved by the committee.
