Thread: ‘Constitutional carry’ was signed into law in Florida. What does that mean?

‘Constitutional carry’ was signed into law in Florida. What does that mean?

By Gage Goulding
19 hours Ago
Video at the page link

Florida is now the 26th state to sign a “constitutional carry” bill for firearms. That means residents in Florida no longer need a concealed carry permit to carry a firearm out of the public’s view, but it isn’t a free for all.
On Monday, Governor DeSantis quietly signed the legislation, only saying, “constitutional carry is in the books.”
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Florida passes bill to carry concealed guns without permit
25 other states previously passed constitutional carry or permitless carry laws.
What this means is that legal firearm owners will no longer need to apply for and obtain a permit to conceal carry.
Concealed carry is defined as “the act or practice of carrying a concealed firearm in public or the legal right to do so,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
“Concealed means that it must be hidden from public view,” said David Thomas, veteran law enforcement officer and Forensic Studies professor at Florida Gulf University.
The current concealed carry law required Floridians to pay for an instruction course, apply for a permit and prove their competency with the firearm by shooting in front of an instructor. Applications also needed to undergo a background check.
The new law is set to go into effect on July 1, 2023, but there are restrictions.
“Somebody can go in a gun store, they can buy a pistol and then they can put it in their pocket or put it in a holster,” Thomas said.
That idea is split among people, with some for and others against.
“Isn’t the life of a child, or an adult, or another person more important than your right to say, “Oh, I should be able to carry that gun,’” said Bud Kristek.
“Yeah, I would feel like more bold and having the right to be able to carry,” said Rebekah Collins.
The law isn’t as cut and dry as it seems, being “permitless.”
Under the new law, you need to pass a background check, provide ID, be at least 21 years old, and be a citizen of Florida. Convicted felons and those with other certain crimes on their record are automatically disqualified to conceal carry.
In simple terms, if you qualify to purchase a firearm in Florida, you can conceal carry. This new law does not change any of the requirements to purchase a firearm.
“Now this just means anybody can have it and they don’t need any training to go along with it,” Thomas said.
While you don’t need to, you will still be able to get a concealed carry permit in Florida.
The other big confusion is between open carrying and concealed carrying.
When you think of open carrying, think of western movies where every cowboy is wearing a gun out on their hip. That’s open carrying and it’s always been illegal in Florida.
Concealed carry often means in your pocket, a holster tucked in your waistband, a purse or other discreet places.
“Fanny packs have been a way to carry concealed weapons, or firearms, for years, “Thomas said.
One concern shared between people for and against constitutional carry is carrying responsibly and knowing how to use that weapon — God forbid you ever need it.
“If someone who is carrying a concealed gun sees that situation, but they don’t properly know how to use the gun, what’s the whole point of it,” said Kalyssa Collins.
Lawmakers sponsoring the bill say gun safety education is the responsibility of the individual person.
“If you are going to own a firearm, please take the time to go to a class and learn about a handgun, because they are very dangerous,” said Thomas.

‘Constitutional carry’ was signed into law in Florida. What does that mean? - NBC2 News (nbc-2.com)

‘Constitutional carry’ was signed into law in Florida. What does that mean?

Concealed carry is defined as “the act or practice of carrying a concealed firearm in public or the legal right to do so,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
“Concealed means that it must be hidden from public view,” said David Thomas, veteran law enforcement officer and Forensic Studies professor at Florida Gulf University.

The new law is set to go into effect on July 1, 2023, but there are restrictions.

Not In Florida

‘Constitutional carry’ was signed into law in Florida. What does that mean?