Florida – -(Ammoland.com)- Every year Florida gun owners have watched our legislative sessions begin and end with barely a mention of the gold standard of gun rights – constitutional carry.
Every year we’ve sullenly said to ourselves maybe next session, or we’ll need to primary some of the opponents.
Every year the politicians responsible have skedaddled out of Tally the minute the gavel came down, claiming it wasn’t them who killed the only gun bill all of us really want because everything else is merely window dressing.
Well, this year is different. This year, one man can change everything and restore what the framers had in mind when they wrote the Second Amendment.
To be clear, Gov. Ron DeSantis can make Florida the 22nd constitutional carry state. If he wants the bill – if he makes it a priority – it will happen.
Yes, he has that type of power. The governor’s critics have accused him of having a stranglehold on the legislature – an iron grip of sorts – and that he is the de facto Speaker, Senate President, and Chief Justice all rolled into one.
Good!
Maybe now we can finally get something done. Maybe now we can finally get some traction. He certainly has the means. While the bill filing deadline has come and gone, there are several ways to get a constitutional-carry bill onto the governor’s desk if he asks for one. In other words, if the Governor requests a constitutional-carry bill, he will get one.
There are two theories about what DeSantis will do, and why. The first claims the governor will not push for a constitutional carry bill because he does not need gun owners or our votes to be reelected. While it is true that DeSantis will win in a landslide over his likely Democratic opponent, Nikki Fried, in my humble opinion this argument has no merit, because DeSantis has never been that type of self-centered politician.
For gun owners, Nikki is a hot mess. She is actively trying to neuter Florida’s preemption statute, which allows only the state legislature to regulate firearms. If she has her way, every municipality could make up its own anti-gun regulations, which would make lawful concealed carry nearly impossible. Also, her stewardship of Florida’s concealed weapon and firearm licensing program has been abysmal. DeSantis could personally burn down Disney, plow up the beaches, and bulldoze Florida’s entire citrus crop and he would still beat her by at least 10 points.
That’s why I subscribe to the second theory – DeSantis will request and sign a constitutional-carry bill because it is the right thing to do.
The governor doesn’t appear interested in bigfooting the legislative process, at least not yet. He’ll likely let leadership have their back-and-forth with their members and the media, but I suspect we may see a request coming soon. The session is nearly half over. We have never been this close before, so it would be tragic to waste such a valuable opportunity. Besides, when Florida becomes the 22nd Constitutional Carry state, it would certainly send another thumb-in-the-eye message to Joe Biden, who’s plotting how to violate our gun rights on a near-daily basis. And we know our governor loves sending less-than-subtle messages to Joe.
I called and emailed the governor’s media staff, who did not immediately respond to my request seeking comment about his likely course of action. When they respond, I shall let you know.
Florida once led the nation in gun rights. We were the first to institute shall-issue concealed carry, the Castle Doctrine, and Stand Your Ground laws. We’ve watched patiently while 21 states passed us by. We’re tired of waiting. The time for action is now, and there’s only one man who can do it.
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About Lee Williams
Lee Williams, who is also known as “The Gun Writer,” is the chief editor of the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project. Until recently, he was also an editor for a daily newspaper in Florida. Before becoming an editor, Lee was an investigative reporter at newspapers in three states and a U.S. Territory. Before becoming a journalist, he worked as a police officer. Before becoming a cop, Lee served in the Army. He’s earned more than a dozen national journalism awards as a reporter, and three medals of valor as a cop. Lee is an avid tactical shooter.
At this point Ron is the smartest republican in the party. The firearms industry needs to change from tactical to practical.The images of homeowners looking like swat or special forces is not the message of all firearms owners. Like they say a picture is worth a thousand words the shooting sports needs to alter the perception form kill or be killed to range days with the family. I truly blame the NRA as they continue to send the wrong messages. Rifles come in many different varieties so do handguns and shotguns some are works of art that are functional. Not… Read more »
What does Constitutional CONCEALED Carry have to do with “images of homeowners looking like swat or special forces”? 2A supporters need to stop cringing, hiding Butting & Fudding.
Image is everything the constitution means little to those that want to take your guns. No one is crying those that are the NRA have been budding & Fudding for all the wrong reasons. Its like street racing light to light in first and second gear you not breaking the speed limit. You are just hurting the image. Democrats care not about the truth the constitution or Americans legal right to bear arms. They care about image for votes, Bidens newest comment on the new supreme court justice nominee “she should black and a women”What about qualified with a legal… Read more »
You’re deflecting. What does ConCarry have to do with “homeowners looking like swat or special forces”? Do you oppose ConCarry?
Sop cringing for folks who will never support you.
“What does Constitutional CONCEALED Carry have to do with ‘images of homeowners looking like swat or special forces?’ 2A supporters need to stop cringing, hiding Butting & Fudding.
john, I would be interested in hearing your response to this question (and comment).
We need less politicians posing with over/under shotguns (not that there is anything wrong with them) in their campaign ads and more politicians posing with suppressed ARs (because there is nothing wrong with them either).
Again image is everything if you do not understand that statement then I can help you. There is a difference when a person who enjoys and shoots with a over and under shotgun and also shoots with many different firearms.
The picture of President Obama holding a shotgun years back was staged for political reasons his stance on firearms was no secret just like Joe Biden and his comments about removing shotguns for law abiding americans. Was years back. His agenda is to remove all firearms from all americans. Unless I miss understand the democrats position on gun ownership.
Says the Whiteboy John. Btw, go ahead and tell us how you feel about President Obama? How bout Trump? Go ahead. I’ll wait for your answers!!
RACIST Deemocrat.
Obama was the president of the united states I disagreed with his administration’s policies, I gave the respect to Obama that the title of president of the united states holds. Your comment is much like that of a angry person that sees the world through hate and racism. In the world of business I do not have to like you to work with you the goal is what gets accomplished for the good of everybody.
@John Dunlap – You may not be familiar with @Dee. He has been sporadically posting here for years. Almost ever one of his posts is filled with racism and pitiful victimhood. He sees the world through a lens of racism, attributing racism to absolutely everything any non-black person does. As a rule of thumb, this makes interactions with him anything but worthwhile.
I think I get this a nike level 4 vest and cap , a shotgun or ar that looks like an exercise accessory
Well according to our former President he’s probably the dumbest. Trump knows he lies! But again they all probably lie but DeSantis looks like a homosexual liar that loves South Beach.
CC in Florida tho would strengthen the dope game and would get innocent people more in trouble without training and firearm insurance which most won’t opt for. We are seeing gun violence in Texas increase with former law abiding citizens because of CC!
I’m for guns for EVERYONE including convicted felons who have done their time but it all has to be done delicately.
“CC in Florida tho would strengthen the dope game and would get innocent people more in trouble without training and firearm insurance which most won’t opt for. We are seeing gun violence in Texas increase with former law abiding citizens because of CC!”
This is the biggest load of horse shit I’ve heard here all week!
I’d say it was a tie with the support for forced wealth redistribution by the government that occurred yesterday. That was interesting.
It sounded like Blanc and Marx:
“from each according to his ability, to each according to his need”
FYI President Donald J Trump did more for ALL Americans then any president since Lincoln. Even more than Reagan. Calling him stupid only reflects on you. Now to the real subject; Much as been said about gun owners and guns in the United States of America. A considerable amount of what has been said is both unfounded and untrue. The untruth for the most part comes from the far left leaning citizens of this country who would like to fundamentally transform it into something no one has asked for few if any citizens understand including those proposing the change and even fewer… Read more »
Wrong. Ike deported millions of invaders. No wall, just 1075 border agents, tiny budget next to Trump’s. Trump insisted on throwing $30B at wall contractors rather than bring military engineers & troops home to do it at a fraction of the cost.
Operation Warp Speed was a crime against humanity. He still lies about “safe & effective”. Accomplice to mass murder.
Ooh, lookit the sock puppet troll votes.
You see I only called DeSantis stupid. So you ranting for all the wrong reasons. I’m saying Trump smarter than DeSantis! DSsntis lies. Trump tell him all the time to tell the truth. He doesn’t.
Well according to our former President he’s probably the dumbest. Trump knows he lies! But again they all probably lie but DeSantis looks like a homosexual liar that loves South Beach. No, that was andrew gillium who ran against desantis. CC in Florida tho would strengthen the dope game and would get innocent people more in trouble without training and firearm insurance which most won’t opt for. only san jose has mandatory firearm insurance, and that will be ruled unconstitutional. We are seeing gun violence in Texas increase with former law abiding citizens because of CC! show me the data… Read more »
I would think that you wished that you were as dumb a Mr Trump as you resent him on all levels. You argue with hate and write with fear in your heart. Are you a convicted felon? Mr Trump said thing that no one likes so has every politician in the world. Here is the thing we are a country that runs by the rule of law the constitution grants every law abiding American freedoms not every freedom is granted some you must earn and respect. Like a drivers licence break the law disrespect those you share the road with… Read more »
Maybe the reason they do that is because they are addressing the number one gun that is under attack and also the most owned and possessed rifle in America. Don’t forget, democraps know after you tell a lie 3 or more times it becomes the truth. Maybe we are using the same science against them. The more they see the image the more they get used to it and maybe they might think that there are so many it would be futile to continue the battle. I don’t know, just a thought. It’s so sad that everything has become a… Read more »
I always heard it was the Republicans in Florida congress that haven’t brought up a concealed carry bill. They all saw Rick Scott get voted in the National Senate after taking our rights away for Parkland and wanted some of that money too.
Now Folks I purchased my South Dakota CC Permit when SD first allowed them and that was like 43 years ago. Today SD no longer requires a CC provided you meet the rules. But, how about we push all these Big Talking Governors to give us National CC? I have been waiting over 43 years for that and so far NOTHING IN SIGHT. They talk big but they do not deliver, so I just CC in any state I happen to be in, but National CC time has come. Push em and Vote em out if they do not make… Read more »
If you’re going to blame anybody about National CC’s look no father than Mitch McConnell! The republican party’s worst friend in the world. Much like our drivers licenses are recognized nationwide the house passed a National Right to Carry bill in 2017, Trump indicated he would sign it if it made it to his desk. The republicans held the senate at that time and the and the bill would most likely pass in the senate, but kill joy Mitch McConnell tabled the bill and never allowed it out of committee for a vote on the floor. Now comes along the… Read more »
The republican party is no longer a separate political party they have quality sold out to a one party government. Not all players are on board but show me a presidential election they wanted to win or a candidate the republicans supported that could win. Mitt Romney Ba Ha ha Bush and family wealth and more lies.
So, why not a National Open Carry recognition? Why not proudly display our right?
HLB
They also need to repeal the Unconstitutional Red Flag Gun Confiscation Orders in Florida the Rick Scott Passed.
This is what I want the next president to say.
Yes, I signed an executive order that America will be constitutional carry while I do understand it is against the law for me to do this, let’s let the court figure it out. It will take years and then they will claim it unconstitutional to make a change after it has been implemented for so long. Sound familiar?
and have filed an order dissolving atf and another enforcing unreasonable search and seizure of 4th amendment and firing of all federal agents that have ever participated in such an action. begin procedures to remove any judge that has ever been involved under title 18 there are more criminals in government than on the streets
God I hope that’s not true. I think the small town cops tend to be more honest than the city cops but there’s always a rotten apple somewhere.
what I saw working dea, sometimes they would just make ship up , if city of newyork had more good cops there would be whole neighborhoods with armed citizens, trained by cops no permit deputize granny and papo and good to go. small towns are a crap shoot some are great some make you think billy bobs gunna get ya boyy
No order needed for dissolving BATFE, just a memo. Judges have to be impeached. Supervisory special agents (GS 14s and 15s are entitled to only two weeks notice. Special agents (GS 13 and below) have a whole panorama of statutory employment rights, to include a hearing.
I think that you are going to be disappointed. I could be wrong.
you know it may be legal what the order would say is he is enforcing second amendment as written and any laws contrary are null and void and direct justise department to arrest any state or federal official that violates under title 18 242
Executive orders can not negate acts of Congress. But BATFE was created by a memo and not an act of Congress. So an Executive order could dissolve the BATFE or a memo could dissolve the BATFE.
a tourist state where people can go in any neighborhood without fear because there are more good people than bad, police would have to return to traffic as primary job oh the horror
The Republicans have a super majority in Florida but are worried about “the tourist image”. Constitutional carry would be used, by Democrats, to promote scaring away tourists and many busisnessmen might go along for the fear factor of losing money. Fear of lost revenue always works.
rinos have majority there are few conservative members in state houses
The cities and states who have the most restrictive gun laws are the places that have the most gun crimes. All by-the-way are run by so called democrats! The crime rates prove this time and time again. Conversely the states and cities with the most relaxed gun laws are actually the safest. Consequently what you say here is propaganda promoted to keep businesses and people out of Florida. Over seventeen states now have constitutional carry none of them have the highest gun crime rates as a matter of fact they are among the states with the least amount of gun crimes. These facts are quite… Read more »
“While the bill filing deadline has come and gone, there are several ways to get a constitutional-carry bill onto the governor’s desk if he asks for one. In other words, if the Governor requests a constitutional-carry bill, he will get one.”
What happened to HB 103?
https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/103/?Tab=BillHistory
Maybe you could organize some of your former colleagues and contact the legislators and indicate that law enforcement supports the legislation.
Since you have it, why not provide contact info for your readers to lobby him? Here’s his email. Maybe you have others, and phone numbers.
[email protected]
DeSantis said he’d sign it, so why not also provide the email of the direct problem, “Pro-gun” Senate President [email protected]
https://www.ammoland.com/2022/01/urge-fl-senate-president-simpson-to-act-now-on-constitutional-carry/