After Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law Monday that eliminates the requirement for an individual to obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm, the United States now has a majority of states with constitutional carry laws on the books.
“The NRA applauds Florida for becoming the 26th state to adopt the vital Constitutional Carry legislation. This NRA-spearheaded initiative empowers Floridians to exercise their Second Amendment rights without undue bureaucratic barriers, affirming the fundamental right to self-defense,” NRA-ILA Interim Executive Director Randy Kozuch exclusively told Fox News Digital in a statement.
The Florida Senate passed the constitutional carry bill by a vote of 27 to 13, sending it to DeSantis, who signed it into law on Monday morning. There were already 25 states with permitless or “constitutional carry” laws in place, so Florida tipped the scales in favor of the United States becoming a constitutional carry-majority nation.
The law allows eligible citizens 21 and older to carry without obtaining a permit from the government or paying a fee. The legislation makes no changes to who is eligible to obtain a carry permit, and those who wish to do so may do so under the terms of the law.
“We thank Gov. DeSantis for his support of self-defense and Second Amendment laws and for prioritizing the safety and security of Florida residents. This historic moment is a testament to the dedication of the NRA, our members, gun owners, and Second Amendment supporters working together in the state. Today’s NRA victory inspires us to continue advocating for Constitutional Carry laws across the nation, ensuring the protection of Second Amendment rights for all Americans,” Kozuch added in his comment to Fox.
“We extend our gratitude to the Florida legislature and all those who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality in the Sunshine State.”
The law will officially go into effect on July 1, 2023.
“Constitutional Carry is in the books,” DeSantis said in a press release Monday.
Republicans in the state argued for months that the bill would protect residents and their families from potential crimes while also advancing Second Amendment rights.
“This bill is a big step, a big step to help the average law-abiding citizen, to keep them from having to go through the hoops of getting a permit from the government to carry their weapon,” Republican state Rep. Chuck Brannan said last month.
Democrats and activists in Florida argued that allowing concealed carry would lead to more violence.
Georgia became the 25th state to have a constitutional carry law when Gov. Brian Kemp signed a similar bill nearly a year ago.