According to data from NBC 6 Miami, Miami-Dade now holds the top spot for the most concealed weapon licenses in Florida. Despite the fact that Florida lawmakers allowed the carrying of weapons without a permit two years ago, millions of state residents still choose to obtain a license.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports that Miami-Dade leads with 186,435 concealed weapon license holders. Broward County follows with 168,641, and Palm Beach comes in third with 131,454. By the end of April, roughly 2.4 million individuals in Florida had concealed carry licenses.
The Impact of Permitless Carry Legislation
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the permitless carry law on April 3, 2023, sparking heated debates between Republicans and Democrats. Republicans championed the law, arguing it supports the rights of law-abiding citizens to carry weapons. In contrast, Democrats pointed to past tragedies, such as the 2018 Parkland shooting and the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, to highlight potential dangers.
Despite the millions who hold licenses, experts have observed a notable decline in the number of gun owners attending safety courses. Florida Politics indicates that permit applications, which include safety classes, dropped nearly 64% compared to the same period last year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Concealed Weapon Licenses in Florida
Why do Florida residents still obtain concealed weapon licenses?
Despite the ability to carry without a permit, many residents choose to get licensed for various reasons, including the desire to demonstrate responsibility, comply with reciprocal state laws, and access benefits like safety courses.
What are the primary concerns regarding the permitless carry law in Florida?
Critics, including Democrats, worry about increased risks of gun violence and point to past incidents like the Parkland and Pulse shootings to underscore their concerns.