Florida House Passes Constitutional Carry House Bill 543 With 76-32 Vote, Senate Version Ready for Consideration

By  //  March 26, 2023

measure that would allow Floridians to carry firearms without concealed weapons license

The Florida House voted on Friday 76-32 to pass House Bill 543 constitutional carry bill, and a Senate version (SB 150) has cleared committees and is ready to be considered by the full Senate. The House approved the measure that would allow Floridians to carry firearms without concealed weapons licenses.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The Florida House voted on Friday 76-32 to pass House Bill 543 constitutional carry bill, and a Senate version (SB 150) has cleared committees and is ready to be considered by the full Senate.

The House approved the measure that would allow Floridians to carry firearms without concealed weapons licenses.

The new measure will require people to have valid identification while carrying concealed weapons and “must display such identification upon demand by a law enforcement officer.”

The National Rifle Association said House Bill 543 strengthens the right to self-defense in Florida by recognizing the right of any law-abiding adult who is at least 21 years old and legally eligible to obtain a carry permit to carry a handgun without first having to obtain government permission.

“This ensures that citizens have their right to self-defense without red tape, delays, or fees. It does not change who is eligible to obtain a carry permit. It also does not affect previously issued permits and allows citizens who still wish to obtain a permit in order to carry in other states recognizing Florida’s permits to do so,” said a NRA spokesperson.

Supporters of House Bill 543 argue that the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants the right to carry a gun without a permit. Opponents say permitless carry laws will allow people who shouldn’t have guns to get them.

The Florida Police Chiefs Association issued the following statement on HB 543/SB 150, Permitless Constitutional Carry Legislation:

“Responsible gun ownership doesn’t begin with the issuance of a government permit. It begins with training in how to safely handle, carry, use, and store a weapon, and it continues with maintaining those competencies while complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Ultimately, gun safety means that a lawful gun owner who meets the statutory requirements for a concealed weapons permit, whether obtaining one or not, can protect themselves while not compromising the safety of their family, the community, or law enforcement.”

“The Florida Police Chiefs Association supports permitless constitutional carry and looks forward to working with Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature on this important issue.”

Currently, other states with permitless carry laws include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

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