GOP Lawmakers Looking To Lower Gun Purchasing Age in Florida

Republican lawmakers are moving to lower the state’s legal gun purchasing age to 18, sparking intense debate over safety and constitutional rights.

Quick Takes

Current Florida law prevents gun sales to anyone under 21, a measure enacted after the Parkland tragedy.
State Rep. Michelle Salzman sponsors the bill advocating for a return to Second Amendment rights for all adults.
The bill passed the initial committee review across party lines but faces challenges ahead.
Governor Ron DeSantis supports the move, citing alignment with military service age.
The bill would allow 18-year-olds to purchase long guns, but federal law would keep the age at 21 for handguns.

Law Change Pursued

Florida Republicans are working to lower the legal gun-buying age from 21 to 18, challenging a law passed in response to the Parkland shooting. The bill, sponsored by Congresswoman Michelle Salzman, aims to realign gun-purchasing rights with those doing military service, granting full Second Amendment rights to young adults. This initiative is backed by the National Rifle Association, which has been contesting the 2018 restrictions in federal court following its fatal consequences.

Opponents of the proposal, including Democratic Rep. Robin Bartleman, argue that it disrespects the efforts of Parkland survivors and victims’ families who were instrumental in raising the purchasing age to 21. Concerns persist regarding the maturity and readiness of 18- to 20-year-olds to own firearms, but proponents counter this by pointing to their existing responsibilities and the need for self-defense. The issue is closely tied to constitutional interpretations and individual rights versus collective safety concerns.

Notably, the bill would only lower the age for purchasing long guns, as a federal law mandates only 21-year-olds and up can buy handguns.

Florida lawmakers are pushing to lower the state's gun-buying age from 21 to 18, reigniting a debate over gun rights and public safety years after the law was enacted in response to the Parkland school shooting.

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Backed By Leadership

The bill has received notable support from leadership figures such as Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez and Governor Ron DeSantis. In addressing the legislative push, Governor DeSantis stated, “They come home and they can’t even buy a rifle to go hunt.” This statement underscores the argument that if 18-year-olds can serve their country, they should also possess the means for personal protection and utility use like hunting. The bill’s passage in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee stage (13-5 vote) highlights its political momentum in the state House.

Advisors and detractors are holding a vigilant watch over the proposal’s progression, with the state Senate expected to be a pivotal battleground. The unyielding divide among stakeholders, therefore, sets a stage for fierce debates in the coming legislative sessions. Historically, similar initiatives faced resistance, lacking the traction necessary to navigate Florida’s legislative framework. Former Governor Rick Scott felt pressure in passing the age restriction post-Parkland, illustrating the longstanding nuances of this topical legislation.

Constitutional Implications

The proposal’s intersection with Second Amendment rights lies at the heart of the discussion, alongside a significant U.S. appeals court ruling that deemed unconstitutional the federal mandate of 21 as the purchasing age for handguns. This development may provide additional judicial leverage for proponents seeking to draft state legislation aligned with the court’s interpretation. Furthermore, the discrepancy between long gun and handgun acquisition age limits invites further scrutiny, with each legislative stepping stone subject to intensive public and political discussion.

The compelling tug-of-war between public safety and constitutional freedoms illustrates the intricate challenge faced by Florida lawmakers. As the political winds gust toward increased personal liberties concerning firearm access, the ultimate outcome will likely shape the trajectory of Second Amendment discussions, not just in Florida, but potentially as a broader national precedent.