The Florida Senate gave final passage to a bill Thursday that will allow people to carry a concealed weapon in public without a government-issued permit, a top priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The legislation will also end an existing state requirement to undergo training before carrying a concealed weapon outside the home. Applicants for a permit must currently demonstrate competency with a gun by taking a firearm safety or training course. The application process for a permit also includes a background check, which will also no longer be required if the bill is signed into law.
A news release for the legislation notes that it “leaves in place the current licensing process and background screening, so that those who choose to obtain a permit for reciprocity or other purposes are free to do so.”
DeSantis said he is proud “to support the Second Amendment” at a recent event on his book tour and reaffirmed his commitment to sign the legislation when it hits his desk. “You don’t need a permission slip from the government to be able to exercise your constitutional rights,” DeSantis said Thursday.
If signed, the bill would go into effect on July 1, making Florida the 26th state to recognize permitless carry. The bill previously passed the Florida House last week.
Since July 1, 2022, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has rejected 4,134 applications for permits because the applicant was deemed ineligible. The bill, however, does not change who is otherwise qualified to carry a firearm in public. Additionally, one would still need to undergo a background check to purchase a gun.
As of last month, the state has issued more than 2.6 million concealed weapons permits.
The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Chuck Brannan, said Floridians should be able to conceal carry their firearms without “government…
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