What we know about Florida's proposed 'constitutional carry' gun law

Katie Kustura, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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The Florida State Legislature convenes Tuesday, and one of the more intensely-debated proposals coming to this session is HB 543.

Supporters have dubbed the proposed legislation "constitutional carry."

If HB 543 passes, which is likely given the 2–1 advantage Republicans hold over Democrats in both the Florida House and Senate, Florida would be the 26th state to allow people carry concealed loaded guns without a permit.

Gun rights groups want 'open carry':Here's what Gov. Ron DeSantis had to say

But some gun rights advocates would go further, asking that people to be allowed to openly display loaded guns in public places.

Gov. Ron DeSantis recently was asked by Luis Valdes, Florida director of Gun Owners of America, if he would support such a provision to HB 543.

"Yeah, absolutely," responded DeSantis.

However, DeSantis doesn't believe lawmakers would approve an "open carry" addition to the proposed law.

Here's a look at what HB 543 would do and what people are saying:

What would HB 543 do?

The bill, proposed by Rep. Charles Brannan, R-Macclenny, eliminates the longstanding requirements for a concealed weapon license that includes fees, a criminal background check and completion of a firearms training course.

It doesn't change current laws limiting the open display of sidearms or long guns nor does it change current gun-buying laws.

Am I eligible?:How to know if you meet the requirements to purchase a firearm

"I just don't feel that you ought to have to jump through these government hurdles to exercise your rights to what the U.S. Constitution and the Florida Constitution says is the right to bear arms. This bill simply removes those hurdles and makes it easier for law-abiding citizens," Brannan said.

What are local law enforcement officials saying?

The News-Journal emailed 10 local law enforcement department chiefs on Monday for their thoughts on the proposed legislation and the amendment favored by gun rights groups.

Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the bill will pass regardless of his feelings.

"My focus is how to legally and safely police our community and keep my deputies safe while doing so," Chitwood said Monday.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly responded Wednesday.

"As the Sheriff of Flagler County and a life member of the NRA, I support Constitutional Carry. Criminals do not follow the law, they do not receive training or get a permit to carry a weapon. They just do it! Therefore, why should law-abiding citizens have to obtain a state permit to carry a weapon to defend themselves against a criminal or exercise their Constitutional right?" Staly said. "The current training requirement is a joke and it makes no logical sense to put additional burdens on law-abiding citizens just to exercise their Constitutional right. With Constitutional carry there are still many reasons to obtain a Florida CCW license, which will still be available, such as reciprocal concealed carry licensing between states."

Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood shows a picture of a gun during a recent press conference. Chitwood said Monday that constitutional carry legislation would pass regardless of his feelings on the bill and that his focus is how to legally and safely police the community and keep his deputies safe while they do so.
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood shows a picture of a gun during a recent press conference. Chitwood said Monday that constitutional carry legislation would pass regardless of his feelings on the bill and that his focus is how to legally and safely police the community and keep his deputies safe while they do so.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina voiced his opposition to the bill on "The Problem with John Stewart," which streams on AppleTV+.

"Somewhere along the line, we stopped listening to law enforcement, the men and women who patrol the streets every night at risk of their own lives," Mina said. "Go ask the street cop what he or she thinks about encountering lots of people with a gun stuck in their waistband. It's not going to make our communities safer. It's going to make them more dangerous."

Who has voiced support for the bill?

DeSantis, House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and the Florida Sheriffs Association have endorsed the proposed legislation.

Who has voiced opposition for the bill?

Opponents have called the bill dangerous and shortsighted, especially considering two of the worst mass shootings in the country — Orlando's Pulse nightclub and Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — occurred in Florida.

The organization March for Our Lives was born out of the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. It is a "youth-led movement dedicated to promoting civic engagement, education, and direct action by youth to eliminate the epidemic of gun violence," according to the organization's website.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida Legislature to debate 'constitutional carry' gun law