by With the stroke of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) pen, Florida became the 26th state to allow permitless carry. The law will become effective on July 1st. We now have a majority of US states that allow permitless carry including two of the three largest.
Lee Williams, The Gun Writer, who is also a member of the board of Florida Carry had this to say:
The new law allows law-abiding Floridians to carry concealed handguns without seeking a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License, or CWFL, from the government. However, the state’s successful CWFL program will remain in effect. Today, more than 2.4 million Floridians have a CWFL.
The new law does not include a training requirement, which was a major concern for its critics. But neither does it change who is eligible to either purchase or carry a firearm. Its proponents say it “levels the playing field” for law abiding Floridians.
CS/HB 54 does not allow for the open carry of arms, which is why some said the legislation is not “constitutional carry” and did not go far enough.
The law was supported by NRA, GOA, NAGR and Florida Carry, Inc., pro-gun groups which have all promised to seek open carry legislation.
If there was ever a case of “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good” this was it. Getting permitless carry was the objective. Having true constitutional carry including unrestricted open carry would have been great but this is a great first step. It will become the stepping stone upon which open carry will eventually be approved.
Congratulations to all the civil rights activists in Florida who worked so hard and so long to get this passed. Thanks also goes to Gov. DeSantis for signing the bill and advancing the cause of the Second Amendment in the Sunshine State.
UPDATE: A photo of those that attended Gov. DeSantis’ signing of the bill. I notice a number of DC Project members in the photo.
