HB 543, Florida’s Constitutional Carry bill, aims to turn the Sunshine State into the 26th state to enact such legislation, but fails to fix open carry law.
On January 30th, Rep. Chuck Brannan and Sen. Jay Collins introduced the much-awaited Constitutional Carry bill, which includes support from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.
For years, Florida Gun Rights, NAGR’s Florida affiliate group, has been lobbying the Florida Legislature to pass such a bill.
The bill simply allows law-abiding gun owners to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense, without applying for a government-issued license.
However, the bill does not address current law regarding openly carrying a firearm.
Current state law allows one to openly carry a weapon to and from hunting, fishing, camping, a gun range, and in one’s home or place of business. Guests may not open carry on another’s property, even with permission.
Former State Representative Anthony Sabatini urged Governor DeSantis to demand more:
“Constitutional Carry without open carry is fraudulent. Going along with this weak bill would be a major stain on his record.”
Governor DeSantis has previously called for a Constitutional Carry bill be brought to his desk, where he has promised to sign the legislation into law.
Read more at the Tallahassee Democrat.
