TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Since Sept. 25, Floridians have been free to openly carry firearms, but the new move has raised concerns about inconsistencies with the state’s current gun laws.
“The question going forward is what to do in lieu of the court’s decision,” said Rep. Sam Garrison (R-Fleming Island).
Back in September, the First District Court of Appeals struck down the state’s open carry ban. The law originally operated in tandem with Florida’s law regulating concealed weapons.
“The problem is that there are several laws in place in Florida that are based on open carry being prohibited, so the current language doesn’t make a lot of sense and needs some cleaning up,” said state Rep. Christine Hanshofsky (D-Parkland).
Hunschofsky said the court’s decision could unintentionally create a loophole that could allow individuals to openly carry long guns into places where handguns are still prohibited, such as school board meetings and courthouses.
“Many city and county governments now have backup plans in place in case someone shows up and tries to get into a chamber where a meeting is taking place with an AR-15,” Hanczowski said.
The unrest has prompted state leaders like Attorney General James Usmeyer and sheriffs like Grady Judd to urge lawmakers to “tighten” the state’s gun laws.
“When you take out a part of it, as the Court of Appeals did, without giving the rest a chance to strengthen, it makes the rest of the law a little shaky,” Judd said.
Sheriff Judd said he has spoken with the Governor’s Office, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House about addressing these concerns during the next legislative session.
Republican lawmakers in the state Legislature said they are currently grappling with the balance between protecting the right to bear arms while addressing these new concerns and prioritizing public safety.
