Following a national trend, Florida is poised to adopt three new laws pushed by gun rights advocates. But the most controversial measure — allowing people to carry guns openly in public — was significantly watered down Wednesday.
Groups ranging from the tourism industry, to retailers and law enforcement had fought the open carry law but dropped their opposition after Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, introduced a compromise.
The amended bill protects people with concealed weapons permits who “inadvertently” flash their weapon in public in a non-threatening manner, but still prohibits the open display of firearms.
