Florida Set To Lower Gun Ownership Age

The Florida House of Representatives passed a bill that would lower the age threshold for purchasing a firearm. The news sets up a likely passage by the Florida State Senate and signature by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and follows on multiple expansions by the governor of 2nd Amendment rights during his tenure.

The bill that would lower the age to be able to legally purchase a firearm from 21 to 18 passed the State House by a large 76-35 margin. The bill looks likely to pass in the Florida State Senate, where Republicans hold 28 of 40 seats.

Should the bill be passed and signed into law, it would go into effect on July 1 of this year.

Florida is also considering a bill that would stiffen penalties for minors found in possession of a firearm. The bill that passed the state House would change the charge for such a crime from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.

Florida bill that would lower the age to buy long guns from 21 to 18 passes House with 76-35 vote, sending it to the Senate: https://t.co/QqwbHGZiP5

— Firearms Policy Coalition (@gunpolicy) March 1, 2024

Last year DeSantis carried through on his promise to extend the ability to legally concealed carry in the state. Florida followed a number of other states in the country in allowing what is often called Constitutional carry without a permit.

According to the law which went into effect last July 1st, adults above the age of 21 could carry without a state permit.

The move was lauded by the National Rifle Association (NRA), which said in a statement that the “NRA-spearheaded initiative empowers Floridians to exercise their Second Amendment rights without undue bureaucratic barriers, affirming the fundamental right to self-defense.”

The NRA specifically thanked the governor for “his support of self-defense and Second Amendment laws and for prioritizing the safety and security of Florida residents. This historic moment is a testament to the dedication of the NRA, our members, gun owners and Second Amendment supporters working together in the state.”

“Constitutional Carry is in the books,” the governor said at the time.

The new law made Florida the 26th state to allow permitless carry in the country, following a concerted movement to allow Americans to more freely exercise their 2nd Amendment rights.