Florida GOP leaders want to get rid of gun permits

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis smiles during a press conference, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Saying gun owners don’t need a government permission slip to protect their God-given rights, Florida’s House speaker proposed legislation to eliminate concealed weapons permits. Republican leaders, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, have expressed support for the idea. 

“What we’re about here today is a universal right that applies to each and every man or woman regardless of race, gender, creed or background,” Florida’s House Speaker Paul Renner said at a news conference. 

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Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said people who want to do harm to others won’t be stopped by the permit requirement. 

“Criminals don’t get a permit. Not one of them. They don’t care about obeying the law. Our law-abiding citizens have that immediate right, guarantee and freedom to protect themselves,” Ivey said.