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DeSantis expects Florida to pass permitless carry gun law in 2023

Approving ‘constitutional carry’ has emerged as a priority for legislative leaders, the governor said.
 
Jillian Biltz places a Sig Sauer MCX556 rifle on a display wall on Friday, June 19, 2020, at the Mad Dog Armory guns and ammo store in Largo.
Jillian Biltz places a Sig Sauer MCX556 rifle on a display wall on Friday, June 19, 2020, at the Mad Dog Armory guns and ammo store in Largo. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times (2020) ]
Published Dec. 16, 2022

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he expects lawmakers during the 2023 regular legislative session to pass a major change in Florida gun laws.

The change would allow what supporters call “constitutional carry.”

Under current law, people who want to carry guns must get concealed-weapons licenses from the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Constitutional carry would allow people to carry guns without the licenses.

Related: DeSantis promises Florida permitless carry gun law before he leaves governor’s office

DeSantis was asked about the issue Friday during an appearance in Lee County, after House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, indicated Thursday that the House would approve constitutional carry.

“Basically, this was something that I’ve always supported,” DeSantis said. “The last two years, it was not necessarily a priority for the legislative leadership. But we’ve been talking about it, and he’s (Renner’s) pledged publicly that’s moving forward, and it’ll be something that will be done in the regular session.”

The 2023 session will start March 7.