Guns

The bills would ban the sales of "assault weapons" or magazines with over 10 bullets; require background checks to buy ammo; limit where guns can be carried; and make drivers lock away guns inside their cars.

Some activists say the recent court rulings are strengthening their call to expand gun rights in the state and adding more pressure on legislators to clarify the legal landscape.

The ruling focused on an age limitation for carrying concealed weapons — which is separate from a more highly publicized state law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns.

Boyd served in the House from 2010 to 2018 before getting elected in 2020 to the Senate, where he serves as majority leader. He will succeed President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, after the 2026 elections.

The Supreme Court's decision will have a big impact on the Florida lawsuit.

State Attorney General James Uthmeier had initially said open carry was allowed immediately following the judge's decision. But his spokesperson later clarified there was a 15-day window before it would start.

The attorney general’s announcement opens the door to legal challenges across Florida, from defendants whose weapons cases are pending or from those already convicted.

In the guidance, Uthmeier told prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies to refrain from arresting or putting on trial “law-abiding citizens carrying a firearm in a manner that is visible to others” as Florida courts couldn’t convict such people.

Florida has allowed people to carry concealed weapons for decades but has barred openly carrying firearms. DeSantis on Monday said he would renew a push for lawmakers to end the open-carry prohibition.

Gov. Ron DeSantis made the statement during a news conference in Plant City to mark the start of sales tax exemptions through the end of the year on hunting, fishing and camping equipment.

The tax holiday starting Monday also will allow people to avoid paying sales taxes on camping and fishing equipment through the end of the year. It was part of a broad tax package (HB 7031) that lawmakers passed in June.

Uthmeier said in March he would not defend the law, but Wednesday’s brief appeared to go further by arguing the Supreme Court should take up the case and find the law unconstitutional.