Bay County gun shops expect uptick in sales as FL's permitless carry law goes into effect
PANAMA CITY BEACH − Gun sales might soon spike across the state thanks to Florida's controversial permitless concealed carry bill.
With HB 543 slated to take effect Saturday (July 1), eliminating licensing requirements to carry a concealed weapon or firearm in most public places across Florida, the News Herald reached out to local gun stores on Friday to get reactions on the bill and how it might affect gun sales.
Though officials at two shops had different opinions on whether the bill is a good idea, both said they expect its will lead to increased sales. One shop owner said he already was noticing a spike.
"Many people have been in purchasing new guns, getting ready for the bill to hit," said Grant Lambe, owner of Black Sheep Armory. "I'd say (it's) about a 25% uptick, (but) after July 1 more people will start buying more concealed carry handguns."
Though his business does not offer concealed carry classes, Lambe said he believes such classes are vital for anyone who wants to carry a gun. He cited a few key reasons: Participants get practice shooting the firearm, and they also get an education on state gun laws and the places where concealed weapons are and are not allowed.
But once the permitless concealed carry bill is in effect, he said, there is no doubt fewer people will take such classes.
"I think anybody that is carrying a handgun should 100% take a concealed carry class," Lambe said. "I'm a big supporter of the Second Amendment, but ... I think it's a bad idea just to allow anybody to carry without any type of training.
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"If you're carrying a firearm, which is a huge responsibility, you should 100% have a formal training."
That said, William Tucker, manager of Jay's Guns And Accessories IV, believes the permitless concealed carry bill is a good step toward what the founding fathers envisioned for the Second Amendment.
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"I feel that (it) is absolutely a step in the right direction," Tucker said. "I am 100% happy with any liberties being used."
As of Friday, his business had not yet experienced a spike in sales; however, he expects it to happen as more people become aware of the new law. His shop offers at least one concealed carry class per month.
"The firearms market goes though ebbs and flows, and we're kind of in a summer slump right now," Tucker said. "It hasn't picked up any (for us) ahead of the constitutional carrying going into effect. I do feel that business will pick up some with it being easier to carry."
He and Lambe agreed concealed licenses still are important, even if they are no longer required to concealed carry a firearm in Florida. Those who have a concealed carry permit do not have a waiting period when purchasing a gun, and they also can still concealed carry in the states with a reciprocity agreement with Florida. The same is not true for regular citizens concealed carrying under HB 543.
More information on HB 543
Past reports state only those eligible for a concealed license will be able to carry a concealed weapon under the bill. This means the person must be at least 21 years old, or a law enforcement officer, corrections officer or member of the military.
There also are restrictions for people convicted of a felony, dishonorably discharged, adjudicated mentally defective or involuntarily committed to treatment, convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor, or other conditions recognized by the state.
Carrying a concealed firearm if you are prohibited from owning a firearm is a third-degree felony.
Though HB 543 will allow people to carry a concealed firearm in most public areas in Florida, there still are a some places where it will remain illegal. This includes:
Police, sheriff or highway patrol stations
Detention facilities, prisons or jails
Courthouses
Polling places
Airports
Career centers
School, colleges or professional athletic events not related to firearms
Meetings of the Legislature or a legislative committee
Meetings of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality or special district
Establishment primarily devoted to selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises
Colleges or universities unless the licensee is a registered student, employee or faculty member there and the weapon is a stun gun or nonlethal electric weapon or device designed solely for defensive purposes and doesn't fire a dart or projectile
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Conceal carry law goes into effect July 1; will gun sales increase?
