Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 16, 2018

A leading gun-rights activist on Friday said his group didn’t draft controversial language on concealed weapon licenses (CWLs) in a bill backed by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. It would have allowed the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services‘ Division of Licensing to issue concealed-carry permits without complete criminal background information. Putnam’s department grants permission for concealed carry in the state. Jacksonville attorney Eric Friday, […]

Scott PowersFebruary 12, 2018

A new poll released Monday by the University of North Florida continues to show that Florida Republicans have a different set of concerns and issues priorities than Democrats or independent voters, and that starts with immigration and crime. In the Florida Statewide Poll conducted by Public Opinion Research Lab, a quarter of surveyed Republican registered […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 1, 2017

A credit card company once used the slogan “it’s everywhere you want to be.” If Attorney General Pam Bondi and other attorneys general have their way, the same will apply to concealed-carry permits nationwide. A press release from the National Rifle Association notes that Bondi joins 23 other attorneys general in pushing nationwide concealed carry reciprocity […]

Jim RosicaJuly 18, 2017

Agriculture Commissioner and Republican candidate for governor Adam Putnam Tuesday said “there is absolutely a pathway” to bring back open carry and to permit what’s called “campus carry” in Florida. “We have a track record of law-abiding citizens in Florida who submit their fingerprints, undergo background checks, and lawfully exercise their Second Amendment right,” he told […]

Associated PressMarch 2, 2017

The Florida Supreme Court says there’s nothing wrong with a state law that bans openly carrying handguns. In a 4-2 decision Thursday, the court rejected a claim that the law is unconstitutional because it restricts the federally protected right to bear arms. Concealed weapons permit holder Dale Norman was arrested by Fort Pierce police in […]

Peter SchorschMarch 2, 2017

Florida voters don’t want changes to gun laws and are against plans to cut corporate tax rates according to a new poll released Thursday by the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Laboratory. The poll, which surveyed nearly 1,000 voters, found 63 percent of respondents were against proposed legislation to allow concealed handguns on […]

Larry GriffinDecember 7, 2016

Representative Scott Plakon is spearheading a new bill to remove a prohibition on guns on college campuses. The bill, HB 6005, amends an earlier ruling on where guns are and are not allowed, deleting the portion stating that a license to concealed carry a firearm does not allow guns into “Any college or university facility […]

Staff ReportsMarch 22, 2016

Floridians now can schedule an appointment online to apply for a concealed weapon license, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced Tuesday. “The new scheduling feature is only available to those seeking their initial concealed weapon license,” said a news release from his office. “Consumers can still apply for a concealed weapon license via mail, but a scheduled appointment […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 2, 2016

Sen. Don Gaetz is hoping to breathe new life into a proposal that allows concealed weapon permit holders to openly carry their weapons. The Niceville Republican filed an amendment Wednesday evening to a bill (SB 612) sponsored by Sen. Alan Hays that looks to remove slungshots from the state’s concealed weapon law. Hays’ bill allows […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 2016

With Florida’s Legislative Session only days away, one of the hottest issues to face lawmakers this year is Open Carry. Two bills (SB 300/HB 163) filed by the Republican father-son tag team of State Sen. Don Gaetz of Niceville and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach, would allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry a […]

Tag: concealed carry

Florida Carry says it’s not behind Adam Putnam’s concealed carry language

Republicans worried about immigration, crime; Democrats, indies, not so much

Pam Bondi seeks nationwide concealed-carry legislation

Adam Putnam sees ‘pathway’ to open carry, campus carry

Florida Supreme Court upholds ban on openly carrying guns

Poll finds Florida voters are against campus carry and corporate tax cuts

Scott Plakon files bill that would allow guns on college campuses

Appointments to apply for concealed carry permits now can be done online

Don Gaetz files amendment in attempt to resurrect open carry of guns proposal

Open Carry advocates in Florida should take careful note of Texas’ new gun-toting law

After brutal storms, Gov. DeSantis declares state of emergency, activates Florida National Guard