On Friday, a significant ruling took place that could have wide-reaching implications for gun owners in Florida,ย based on what happens nextย South Florida. For over 30 years, Florida has had a โpreemption lawโ. This prevents local governments from passing gun control measures that are more restrictive than the state of Floridaโs. Against the backdrop of potential local activism several years ago, a 2011 law was passed that added โteethโ to Floridaโs preemption law. Under the 2011 law, local officials who violated Floridaโs preemption law could be subject to prosecution, fined and potentially removed from office by the governor. It was this law that was struck down on Friday by a Leon County court judge.ย
What doesnโt change is that local governments canโt pass more restrictive gun control measures than Florida. However, what's different is that specific local officials canโt be held accountable for violations of Floridaโs preemption law.
What happens now? Itโs likely the state appeals the decision but in the meantime at a minimum these changes take effect. Hereโs the next question, will this encourage local governments, especially in South Florida to pursue gun control measures to specifically set up a showdown with the state on the preemption law itself knowing that they personally canโt be held accountable? This is worth watching and could impact gun rights across the state going forward.ย
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