Washington, D.C., March 30, 2023 – Today, the Florida state Senate passed permitless concealed carry legislation that would allow anyone, regardless of training or background, to carry concealed firearms without a permit or Brady Background Check. Under this law, unlicensed individuals will be permitted to legally carry firearms at childcare centers, parks, hospitals, and places of worship — putting Floridians, children, and law enforcement at increased risk of gun violence.
Similar laws have already contributed to an increase in gun violence in states like Texas and Missouri, where mass shootings and firearm deaths rose dramatically after the enactment of permitless carry legislation. In 10 states that passed permitless carry laws from 2014 to 2020, "officer-involved shootings" also increased by 13%.
Brady President Kris Brown said:
“The Florida Senate's decision to pass this reckless bill is a complete abdication of their duty to keep Floridians safe. This dangerous legislation will only make Florida, a state with a tragic history of mass shootings, even more unsafe. Permitless carry has been proven to increase gun violence, yet they chose to ignore the facts and put the lives of Floridians at risk.
“This is not what Floridians want or need. The majority of Floridians, including gun owners, support common-sense gun safety measures like background checks and permits to carry concealed firearms."
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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