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Proposal Would Allow Open Carrying Of Firearms
September 15, 2015
A House Republican on Monday filed a proposal that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry firearms.
The bill (HB 163), filed by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, will be considered by lawmakers during the 2016 legislative session, which starts in January.
The bill also would make other changes in gun-related laws, including giving direction for judges to use “strict scrutiny” when reviewing laws dealing with the right to bear arms or self defense.
“The right to bear arms is a fundamental and individual right that exists in any place that a person has the right to be, subject only to exceptionally and narrowly tailored restrictions that employ the least possible restriction on the right in order to achieve a compelling government interest,” the bill says.
by The News Service of Florida
Comments
14 Responses to “Proposal Would Allow Open Carrying Of Firearms”
The thing is that we, the law abiding citizens, have to go through a little discomfort to obtain a hand gun and go through obtaining a conceal carry permit. I realize this my be considered an infringement of our rights but at least a criminal will not be able to purchase a hand gun at a local retailer. My point is that the criminal doesn’t worry about hand gun laws because it is the least of their agenda. Just look at all the shootings and who’s doing the crimes. Not the legal carriers, it’s the criminals and they are cowards by picking easy targets. Take away easy targets by a strong defense. Simple as that!
Warf Rat
That’s your decision and you are free to make it. Others may not feel the same way.
But whether you carry open or concealed, if your head’s not on a swivel at all times, you may not want to carry said firearm.
Think about this scenario. You are in a store, probably a convenience store. There are other customers there with you. You are the only one with an open carry. The thug of the day is watching you. When he makes his move, who do you think he is going to take out first?
I’ll keep my weapon secured and hidden. Don’t ask, don’t tell.
@Louise
Florida is a non-registration state. We do not register our firearms.
That’s great and I fully support it. However, my question is why do we have to REGISTER our guns when everyone knows the criminals don’t. I think the gun registration database is just so the gov’t can keep track of who owns a gun so when the time comes they deem it necessary to retrieve said guns they will know right where to go.
Open Carry by licensed persons would surely give the criminal element an indication of what they would have to deal with.
Hey, maybe we shouldn’t rob this Chicken joint, peoples are carrying guns.
100% for open carry….YES.
Like I have said many times before on this forum, Why should I have to be registered with the State to practice my 2nd amendment right? Thank you Florida for telling me I can carry, BUT first I have to get their permission and pay them a fee to do so. Is that not an infringement? But really what is all about? Knowing who is carrying? Or is about the money? Personally I think it is both. All the ,want to be, law abiding citizens will spend the money and be legal. And now the state has a data base of law abiding gun owners. It is impossible to count and keep track of the criminal’s guns, so let’s count and keep track of the law abiding citizens who own guns. And what is going to happen if you decide to not renew your permit? Well they now know who you are and where you live.
Sorry Sam, misread.
You can carry now if the shirt tail covers it.
I would think it would be safer to carry a weapon in a holster, snapped in, rather than in one’s pocket or the waistband of one’s pants! This is a common sense law, and as Sam says, the only difference is now the folks can tuck their shirts in . The weapons will be there one way or the other if a person has the permit.
Great to hear….please take the time to contact your local representatives. They need to know the community supports this bill. Florida is one of only a few states that does not have an open carry law.
AB-SO-LUTELY!
Do you know how difficult it is to conceal carry anything but a mouse gun wearing shorts and a tank top during the Florida Summer heat?
I support this bill. The only thing different about this bill is you wouldnt have to keep your shirt tail out to cover your pistol. It’s there regardless.
YES. YES. YES.