What’s the new gun law in Florida?
Florida has long been known for its relaxed gun laws, but recent changes have implemented stricter regulations to improve public safety. The new law, officially known as SB 7030, was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 27, 2019, and took effect on January 1, 2020.
What changes were made to the law?
The new law introduces several significant changes to Florida’s gun laws, including:
- Increased minimum age requirement: The minimum age to purchase or possess a firearm in Florida is now 21, up from 18 for rifles and shotguns, and 21 for handguns.
- Red flag law: The law allows courts to temporarily confiscate guns from individuals deemed to be a threat to themselves or others. This is done through an emergency risk protection order (ERPO) petition.
- Three-day waiting period: Before purchasing a firearm, a three-day waiting period will be required, allowing authorities to perform background checks.
- Expanded background checks: Background checks will be conducted for all firearms transactions, including private sales, online purchases, and at gun shows.
- Enhanced mental health checks: Mental health professionals are now required to report to authorities individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others.
Key Provisions of the Law
The following provisions are significant in understanding the new gun law in Florida:
- Gun Storage: Owners must store firearms in a locked container or secure area, with an emphasis on safe storage practices.
- Private Sales: Private firearms sales, including online purchases and transactions at gun shows, must be conducted with a background check.
- Universal Background Checks: All firearms transactions, including private sales, must undergo a background check.
- Confiscation: The court may order the confiscation of firearms for individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Individuals who fail to comply with the new law will face criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Benefits and Concerns of the Law
The new law aims to improve public safety by reducing gun violence and improving background checks. However, some critics argue that the law infringes on Second Amendment rights and may lead to increased violence. Advantages of the law include:
- Increased public safety: The law aims to prevent individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others from accessing firearms.
- Improved background checks: Expanded background checks will help to ensure that individuals with mental health or criminal issues do not acquire firearms.
- Reduced gun trafficking: The law will help to disrupt illegal gun trafficking by requiring background checks for all firearms transactions.
On the other hand, concerns about the law include:
- Increased government control: Critics argue that the law represents an overreach by the government in regulating personal freedoms.
- Violence increase: Some believe that the law may inadvertently lead to increased violence by restricting the ability of individuals to protect themselves.
- Implementation challenges: There are concerns about the logistical challenges of implementing the law, including the need for increased resources for law enforcement.
Impact on Gun Ownership in Florida
The new law has had a significant impact on gun ownership in Florida, with some estimates suggesting that over 100,000 firearms licenses have been revoked. The law has also led to a decrease in the number of gun-related violent crimes in the state. Gun ownership statistics in Florida include:
- Percentage of households owning a firearm: 16.6% (as of 2019)
- Total number of firearms owners: approximately 1.3 million individuals
- Number of concealed carry permits issued: over 2.1 million (as of 2020)
Conclusion
The new gun law in Florida has implemented significant changes to the state’s firearms laws, including increased age requirements, red flag laws, and expanded background checks. While the law has faced criticism from some groups, its primary goal of improving public safety and reducing gun violence remains a key focus for the state. As the law continues to be implemented and evaluated, it will be important to monitor its impact on gun ownership in Florida and consider potential amendments or adjustments as needed.
