Florida Republican Rep. Joel Rudman has introduced a bill to legalize open firearm carry and repeal the state’s red flag laws. Currently, Floridians can carry concealed weapons, but open carry is prohibited. The proposal also aims to reclassify firearm-free zones, allowing guns in locations like college campuses and polling places. Judges would be permitted to carry weapons in courthouses and determine who may carry concealed firearms in their courtrooms.
Florida’s red flag law, enacted after the 2018 Parkland school shooting that killed 17, allows authorities to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. Rudman described the law as unconstitutional, framing his bill as a defense of liberty.
Opposition is expected in the Florida Senate, with Senate President Ben Albritton siding with law enforcement, who largely oppose the measure, citing public safety concerns. “We need those tools,” said John Kazanjian, president of the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, referring to red flag laws. Former House Speaker Paul Renner also opposed open carry, while current Speaker Daniel Perez has not commented but has an NRA rating of 92%.
Rudman, who is running for Congress in a special election to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz, will leave the state house on January 1, 2025. The Republican primary for Gaetz’s seat is on January 28, with the general election set for April 1.
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