Governor DeSantis today signed House Bill 543, known as Permitless Carry. This type of legislation is unpopular amongst many Floridians and in the wake of mass shootings in our nation’s schools it is tone deaf. This bill would allow for the concealed carry of guns without a permit requirement. With this law in place, there are now professions such as barbering that require more training to do legally than it takes to own and operate a gun.
Representative Dianne Hart (D- Tampa) issued the following statement:
“I am deeply devastated about the signing of HB543, allowing the carrying of a gun without a permit in the state of Florida. It is no secret that America has a gun problem; Men, women and children of all races and ethnicities are being subjected to gun violence all around the state of Florida at alarming rates. Removing the only layer of protection and accountability for gun holders is going to exacerbate this gun problem. We must do everything within our power to stay strong and fight for our communities, our lives, and the lives of others. I condemn the apathy that is on display with the passage of bills such as permit less carry, and I promise to continue to work diligently to ensure that everyone has access to their right of safety.
Representative Angie Nixon (D- Jacksonville) issued the following statement:
Every Floridian should have the freedom to live without the threat to our lives by gun violence. By signing permitless carry into law, Governor DeSantis is making it much easier for the inexperienced and those with histories of violence and domestic abuse to carry hidden loaded guns in public without any training or background checks. Following one tragedy after another, we needed reasonable restrictions on gun access that keep our kids and our communities safe in schools, places of worship, grocery stores, movie theaters, and when walking down the street, not more weapons in our neighborhoods.”
Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson (D- Gainesville) issued the following statement:
“The Governor has signed a dangerous bill into law that leaves no room for accountability. Permitless Carry puts the lives of our neighbors and our children at risk because it makes it easier for those who should not have firearms to misuse them. The death toll of children in schools is increasing every day as school shootings become more and more common. A law like this is plain wrong: while the ownership of firearms is a constitutional right, our right to life and safety and our children’s right to life and safety are inalienable. Floridians deserve the freedom to be healthy, prosperous and safe.”
Representative Daryl Campbell (D- Ft. Lauderdale) issued the following statement:
“Allowing guns to flood our communities will not make us safer. Permitless carry represents a complete disregard for what the people want and need. Measures to ensure that firearms do not end up in the wrong hands and cause more carnage in our schools, stores, and places of worship is what is necessary to keep our families safe and I am disappointed to see our state move away from that. “
Representative Felica Robinson (D-Miami Gardens) issued the following statement:
“In the midst of a gun violence crisis, this is one of the most devasting pieces of legislation passed this session. Instead of moving forward by improving gun laws, requiring training, and more astringent vetting of gun owners, this legislation makes it easier for anyone to own and carry a gun. We are taking backwards steps towards protecting Floridians.”
