DeSantis Takes Aim at Gun Control Laws

In a bold move that has ignited fierce debate across Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing to dismantle post-Parkland gun control measures. The Governor’s crusade for Second Amendment rights is testing the resolve of his Republican counterparts and drawing sharp criticism from Democrats who see these regulations as vital public safety protections.

At a Glance

  • Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to repeal gun control measures enacted after the 2018 Parkland shooting
  • DeSantis specifically targets red flag laws and age restrictions on firearm purchases
  • Florida is one of only four states that doesn’t allow open carry, which DeSantis wants to change
  • Despite a Republican supermajority, legislative leaders have previously blocked repeal efforts
  • Democrats argue repealing these laws would break promises made to Parkland families

DeSantis Leads Charge Against Post-Parkland Gun Laws

Governor Ron DeSantis is ramping up pressure on Florida’s Republican-controlled legislature to repeal gun control measures passed after the 2018 Parkland school shooting. The Governor, who has positioned himself as a champion of constitutional rights, argues that Florida has fallen behind other conservative states in protecting Second Amendment freedoms despite its reputation as the “Free State of Florida.”

His primary targets include the state’s “red flag” law, which allows courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous, and the provision raising the minimum age for purchasing firearms from 18 to 21.

Republican Roadblocks

Despite controlling both chambers of the legislature with supermajorities, Republicans have previously hesitated to fully embrace DeSantis’s gun rights agenda. The Governor has expressed frustration with this reluctance, highlighting that Florida lags behind other conservative states in Second Amendment protections.

Second Amendment advocates share the Governor’s frustration. One pro-gun group member was reportedly removed from the Capitol after attempting to deliver petitions supporting open carry legislation, demonstrating the passionate divide even within Republican circles over how far gun rights should extend.

Democrats Sound Alarm on Public Safety

Democrats have reacted strongly against DeSantis’s proposals, framing the debate as a matter of public safety and honoring commitments made after the Parkland tragedy. House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the Governor’s push to roll back these protections.

“It seems to me that we’re breaking our promise to the parents and the students of Parkland. (The changes) would be awful for our law enforcement. We absolutely want to keep them safe as they do their job,” Driskell said.

State Senator Shevrin Jones didn’t mince words in his assessment of the Governor’s stance: “I think the Governor is absolutely on the wrong side of history on this.” Democrats argue that the post-Parkland measures were carefully crafted bipartisan responses to one of the state’s darkest moments, and dismantling them would dishonor the 17 lives lost in that tragic shooting.

Permitless Carry Already in Place

DeSantis has already achieved one significant victory for gun rights advocates when he signed legislation in 2023 allowing permitless concealed carry in Florida. This law eliminated the requirement for Floridians to obtain a permit to carry concealed weapons, though it stopped short of allowing open carry, which remains the Governor’s next objective.

With the Florida Legislature in session until May 2, and several gun-related proposals under consideration, the battle over the state’s approach to firearms is far from over. DeSantis appears determined to reshape Florida’s gun laws to align with his vision of robust Second Amendment protections, regardless of the political resistance he faces.

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