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State Rep. Joel Rudman, R-Navarre filed a bill Monday that would allow Floridians to openly carry firearms, though Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, has expressed opposition to the idea.
The bill (HB 31) also seeks to repeal a “red-flag” law that allows authorities to take guns from people found to pose a “significant danger” to themselves or others.
The Legislature approved the red-flag law as part of a wide-ranging measure after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
Rudman, who is running in a special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said in a Facebook post that the bill “repeals Florida’s unconstitutional red flag laws and makes Florida an open carry state. ‘Shall not be infringed’ will mean something here in the Gunshine state!”
Because of his congressional candidacy, Rudman will leave the state House before the 2025 legislative session, which will start March 4.
Floridians can carry concealed weapons, but lawmakers have stopped short of allowing people to openly carry firearms.
When asked about the issue last month, Albritton cited opposition from law-enforcement officials to what is known as open carry.
“Let me be clear about this, I’ve supported law enforcement my entire life. It’s the way I was raised, and I’ve been super-consistent as a legislator to support law enforcement in Florida. And I’d encourage you to check that record,” Albritton told reporters. “And I stand with them today in opposition. They oppose it. I trust my law-enforcement officials, and that’s where I stand.”
The red-flag law has drawn pushback from Second Amendment advocates and some law-enforcement officials. But supporters say the law has saved lives.
One Response to “A bill in the state House would allow the open carry of firearms in Florida”
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I live in one of the most difficult, and depending upon location this state is one of the most dangerous in the US. I as part of my job, has to work in Baltimore City at night many times and in different places. It’s not legal to carry without jumping through so many hoops, so most people give up. But a hidden pistol that someone sees by accident on anyone will get you arrested. But if you’re completely legal and legitimate and have passed all testing of safety and other law’s, but I see a open carry, either that person is Crazy or Legally allowed to do so. The Concealed makes someone look and feel as though they are hiding and doing something wrong…Cut and dry, 2nd amendment is clear on the issue, until those who are truly uneducated on life, and daily life. Law’s made by people who either have carry privilege, or they have secret service protection, and they don’t go around unprotected and are carrying a gun. So does that mean it’s okay for them but not those of of us law abiding citizens who only want to protect themselves and their families from those who want to cause harm to others. Fact I’d They exist and Most people are easy targets for some, and even gangs that I have witnessed. This is a way to provide knowledge, and in return a safer way of life, this has been proven to be the truth and factually documented in so many State’s, and other places to be the true story in every day life.So what is more important, to possibly be victimized by a crime, or 2nd to at least have a chance to protect and save one’s self, and do something that was given to us all by law…