NEW OPEN CARRY BILL FILED FOR 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
A new open carry bill that would allow Floridians to openly carry firearms has been filed and will be up for consideration during the
2025 Legislative Sessions.
The new open carry bill would also repeal a "red flag" law which was passed after the Parkland shooting in 2018. That law
allows authorities to take guns from anyone found to pose a significant danger to themselves or others.
The bill was filed on Monday, December 9th, State Rep. Joel
Rudman, R-Navarre. It faces opposition from Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula.
Rudman is running in a special election to replace former U.S. Rep.
Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. In a Facebook post, Rudman says the Florida's red flag laws are unconstitutional.
Due to his congressional candidacy, Rudman will be leaving
the state House before the legislative sessions begin on March 4, 2025.
While residents of Florida can carry concealed weapons, open carry is currently
prohibited.
When asked about the issue last month, Albritton cited opposition from law-enforcement officials to what is known as open carry.
“Let me be clear about this, I’ve supported law enforcement my entire life. It’s the way I was raised, and I’ve been super-consistent as a legislator to support law
enforcement in Florida. And I’d encourage you to check that record,” Albritton told reporters.
“And I stand with them today in opposition. They oppose it. I trust my
law-enforcement officials, and that’s where I stand.”
The red-flag law has drawn pushback from Second Amendment advocates and some law-enforcement officials. But
supporters say the law has saved lives.
