Florida House and Senate have now passed HB543 which would eliminate the need for law abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm in public without a permit. At the time of writing this, Governor Desantis has yet to sign this bill into law, though it’s highly likely he will do so. So what does this mean? Up to this point, to carry a firearm in public the state of Florida required a Concealed Weapon Permit, known as CCW or CWP licenses, issued by the state or one of the other thirty seven reciprocating states for visiting out of state residents. CCW holders must keep firearms and other weapons concealed at all times while out in public. Additionally, even with a CCW, you cannot conceal carry a firearm just anywhere. Federal buildings like post offices prohibit carrying firearms. State and other local buildings mostly prohibit carrying firearms, but they can decide if they allow it. Public schools strictly prohibit firearms on property, this extends to personal vehicles while on school property. Meaning if you have a firearm in your vehicle and you pick your child up from school, you are in violation of the law.
So what does constitutional carry do, and how does it affect those wishing to carry a firearm? Well, to carry a firearm you must first be a law abiding citizens who is not prohibited from owning a firearm and be 21 years of age or older. In a stark contrast from other states that have enacted constitutional carry, Florida will remain a state where all firearms must remain concealed. Just from my personal experience working the gun counters, I’ve heard a lot of confusion about this topic. States like Texas that have constitutional carry and allow citizens to carry a firearm openly without a license and concealed with, may be the reason there’s been so much confusion about this change. But please make no mistake that openly carrying a firearm while out in public is going to be a violation of the law.
Here at Shoot Center, we will continue to advise that those wishing to carry a firearm appreciate the extreme responsibility that carries. You will still be responsible for knowing the laws associated with caring a firearm, and that can best be done by taking a class from an accredited instructor. Additionally, you still may want to get a CCW as it allows you to take a firearm home day of purchase, and it allows you to carry a firearm in the 37 other reciprocating states.
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