Gov. DeSantis makes constitutional carry legal in Florida

After Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday making constitutional carry legal in Florida, the practice is now allowed in a majority of states.

Proponents of constitutional carry (concealed carry of a firearm without a permit) argue it is a Second Amendment-guaranteed right as the Constitution assures, “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Nevertheless, many states, including red states, have imposed limitations on this right. Constitutional carry laws seek to remove those limitations.

"The NRA [National Rifle Association] applauds Florida for becoming the 26th state to adopt the vital Constitutional Carry legislation,” said NRA-ILA Interim Executive Director Randy Kozuch. “This NRA-spearheaded initiative empowers Floridians to exercise their Second Amendment rights without undue bureaucratic barriers, affirming the fundamental right to self-defense.”

"We thank Gov. DeSantis for his support of self-defense and Second Amendment laws and for prioritizing the safety and security of Florida residents,” Kozuch continued. “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. Today's NRA victory inspires us to continue advocating for Constitutional Carry laws across the nation, ensuring the protection of Second Amendment rights for all Americans."

The legislation will go into effect July 1, 2023. Currently, Floridians must participate in a firearms training course before being eligible for a permit, which is required for concealed carry. However, as DeSantis pointed out, the Constitution does not intend for government to be the arbiter for who is and is not allowed to carry.

“You don’t need a permission slip from the government to be able to exercise your constitutional rights,” he contended.

“In the State of Florida, government bureaucracy will no longer stand between law-abiding Floridians and their freedom to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said the legislation's sponsor, Rep. Chuck Brannan. “This bill recognizes that while the government has a duty to protect its citizens, its citizens have a right to protect themselves.”

Especially in a time of crackdowns on gun ownership and Second Amendment rights, Ron DeSantis signing this bill is a huge victory for gun owners, the Constitution, and liberty.

To kick the federal government out of the dangerous business of infringing on our fundamental right to self-defense, sign the Convention of States petition below, and join the movement that seeks to save the Constitution by using the Constitution.