Starting July 1, Florida’s new permitless carry law goes into effect. Orange County Sheriff John Mina made clear he’s not a fan of this new law, and says it may make our streets more dangerous.
“Even though I’m not in favor of permitless carry for a number of reasons, it’s still the law. So we’re going to enforce it like we normally would,” Mina said.
Mina said it may make things tougher for his deputies and people in Orange County. “So it’s just going to make it a little more difficult for our deputies because there will be more guns on the streets, more people carrying concealed firearms, so we have concerns about that for our safety and the safety of our citizens.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd supports the state’s new permitless carry law. “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” he said.
Both sheriffs say it’s critical that Floridians know what’s in the law. People carrying a hidden gun must have valid ID with them at all times and must show that ID if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. The gun must be concealed at all times. Only US citizens or resident aliens over age 21 may carry a hidden gun. Permitless carriers must have no felony convictions or other legal disqualifier.
“In Florida, we have lots and lots of good guys, but there are still some bad guys, too,” Judd said.
People in downtown Orlando said the new law was unsettling. “I think that operating a gun, something that can kills somebody just like driving a car, you need to go to school for it, to learn how to operate it and learn the repercussions of it. There should be all kinds of safety measures put in place, all kinds of training,” said Stacey Marine.
“I get the point of safety,” Nikhil Arora said, “we have too much data of people getting hurt. We’re now creating a society living in fear. This is not the place we should be.”
Sheriffs Mina and Judd urged anyone planning on carrying a hidden gun to get proper training first.
I totally agree that anyone carrying a firearm, should have to have some sort of training.
Well there’s no training anymore with this law going around
I believe in the second amendment, but also believe that anyone carrying a concealed weapon must have training and knowledge of the firearm and laws. It is very important to know why you need to carry a firearm and the consequences of misuse. A firearm is not a toy and should not be used to scare or threaten someone, and ONLY should be used as a last measure if you or family are in danger of fear of your life.
Totally agree, Mike. However, we could pre-write a script about what will happen when every Tom, Dick and Harry & every Betty, Sue and Lisa start carrying. Every day, what are we hearing on the news? Another husband kills his ex wife and family, another pissed off employee after losing their job takes out his coworkers or another bullied child shoots up a school. I grew up in a time that few families locked their doors at night car or house. Now, in broad daylight teens accost an elderly person putting their groceries in the car! It’s only going to get worse with everyone that will carry a gun. Do you really think most people will acquaint themselves with the rules of law??
I wholeheartedly believe in the second amendment but, this law is all about getting votes.
This law will put many people in danger. The streets of Florida will be more dangereous. The bad guys who cannot buy a gun will ask a friend or a family member to buy it for him. This is a NONESENSE and IRRESPONSIBLE law. There will be more crime, more innocent people will lose their lives. The Second Amendement is different from arming everyone in a state.
We all have a right to protect ourselves.period.
Today everyone, even without carrying a gun, is a potential weapon and should have training. It is called “Education”. If you have that, you will develop social behavior. Having that you will know automatically when and when not to use a weapon for personal life threatening self defence.
I agree the law must be followed, you must be vigilant and safe, and…. Above all have trying!
Where are all the smart, intelligent, educated Americans at? Cause I don’t see or hear about them anymore. I just see stupid, ignorant people everywhere. Where are my fellow patriotic countrymen?
This law is not a true constititional carry law. BECAUSE it does lot legalize the open carry of firearms by legal gun owners. This remains as restrictive in Florida as its always been. You can open carry only when hunting, fishing or to and from a gun range. ANY LAW restricting open carry to CONSEALD CARRY is an infringement on the 2nd amendment. and the God given right to defend youself and others.
An openly armed society is a polite and courteous society by defaut. Bad guys with guns are much less likely to attack law abiding citizens if they fear deadly force retaliation. THIS IS A PROVEN FACT.
Recall that crazed governor what he’s doing is criminal exposing the population of the beautiful state of Florida to murder instead of taking care of the development and maintenance of the infrastructure.