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TALLAHASSEE, FL — Several firearm-related bills are advancing in the Florida Legislature, reflecting continued efforts to adjust gun laws in the state. Three key bills—one lowering the firearm purchase age, another allowing off-duty law enforcement officers to carry weapons at certain events, and a third removing firearm restrictions during emergencies—have successfully passed committee votes and are now heading to the Florida House floor.
Lowering the Minimum Age for Firearm Purchases
House Bill 759 (HB 759) seeks to lower the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Florida from 21 to 18. If passed, it would allow 18-year-olds to buy long guns from licensed dealers and handguns from private sellers. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman (R), passed the House Judiciary Committee by a 16-6 vote and is now scheduled for a full House vote.
The Senate companion bill, SB 920, sponsored by Sen. Jay Collins (R), has three committee stops remaining before it can proceed to the Senate floor for a vote.
For this measure to become law, either HB 759 or SB 920 must pass both the House and Senate in identical form before being sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for approval.
Allowing Off-Duty Officers to Carry Concealed Weapons at Events
House Bill 1021 (HB 1021) would allow off-duty law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons into schools, colleges, and professional athletic events when attending as private citizens. Rep. Jeff Holcomb (R) is sponsoring the measure in the House, and Sen. Jay Collins (R) is carrying the Senate version (SB 1248).
HB 1021 has passed through its necessary committees and is now set for a vote on the House floor. Meanwhile, SB 1248 still has three committee stops before it can reach the Senate floor.
If the House and Senate pass different versions, lawmakers would need to reconcile them before the bill can proceed to the governor’s desk.
Easing Firearm Restrictions During Emergencies
House Bill 6025 (HB 6025) seeks to remove the automatic ban on selling and carrying firearms and ammunition during a declared local state of emergency due to potential violence or public disorder. Under current law, such restrictions are automatically enacted, limiting the rights of lawful gun owners.
Rep. Monique Miller (R) is carrying HB 6025 in the House, while Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R) is sponsoring the Senate version, SB 952.
HB 6025 has cleared its committee process and is now headed to the House floor for a full vote. SB 952 has one remaining committee stop before it can advance to the Senate floor.
What Happens Next?
- House Floor Votes: All three House bills (HB 759, HB 1021, and HB 6025) must be debated and voted on by the full House.
- Senate Committee Reviews: The Senate versions (SB 920, SB 1248, and SB 952) are still working through their committee processes.
- Final Passage & Reconciliation: If both chambers pass their respective bills, they must ensure the language matches before sending them to Governor DeSantis for approval.
These legislative efforts highlight Florida’s ongoing focus on Second Amendment rights and self-defense measures. If passed, these bills could bring notable changes to the state’s firearm laws in the coming months.
