Speaker 1 (00:00):
Legislation allowing people in Florida to carry concealed weapons without a permit is now law.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Governor DeSantis signed the public safety bill this afternoon, making Florida the 26th state to allow permitless carry. News 6’s Brian Didlake joins us now in the studio. And Brian, there have been strong reactions on both sides of the issue.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Yes, that’s correct. There have been strong opinions on both sides of the bill, now termed law, some saying now they are worried about increased gun violence while others say this is a step in the right direction.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
I’m very worried that when you loosen regulations that it’ll be much more difficult for us to keep our communities safe.
Speaker 5 (00:41):
Permitless concealed carry is a good thing, but the end result is, this isn’t what we were promised.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Mixed reactions Monday after Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB543, titled Public Safety into law. The law would no longer require a gun owner to have a permit while carrying a concealed weapon.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
And within 20 or 30 minutes, he signed it into law with no press conference and clearly trying to avoid criticism.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
Democrats criticizing the timing of the governor’s signing.
Speaker 6 (01:09):
Florida Sheriff’s Association wholeheartedly supported this bill.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
Brevard County’s Sheriff Ivey was able to attend the closed signing. He provides this graphic, reminding people that while they can now carry a concealed weapon without a permit, all other laws still apply. A person still needs to have a background check to purchase a weapon. And if [inaudible 00:01:28] a felony, you still can’t buy a gun.
Speaker 7 (01:30):
Because at the end of the day, ignorance of the law is no excuse. You’re getting a tool that has the ability to take life.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Chris Louissant is a firearms instructor and owns a weapons range in Orange City.
Speaker 7 (01:44):
Turn.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
He says while this may affect some businesses like his, he says with the law going into effect July 1st, it’s now the people’s responsibility to know the law.
Speaker 7 (01:55):
We have to take this very seriously and make sure that we’re well-trained. And if you’re not, then you have to be honest with yourself and invest in becoming a responsible, trained individual.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Second Amendment advocates say while this is a step in the right direction, they will continue to push for more.
Speaker 5 (02:10):
We want permitless open carry added to Florida law for Floridians are no longer restrained and fully exercising their Second Amendment rights like everyone else in the country.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
As for Democrats, they say they will focus on promoting firearm safety moving forward.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
We have to hold the line on many other dangerous policies that loosen gun laws and emphasize safety as the priority.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
And now, again, this law will go into effect July 1st. While speaking with Louissant, the firearms instructor, he tells me any qualified person coming into the state can also carry without a permit, but Floridians needs a check if a permit is required if trying to carry out of the state. We’re live in the studio. Brian Didlake getting results, News 6.