Florida Supreme Court upholds law forbidding local governments from over-restricting gun, ammo sales

The Florida Supreme Court has upheld a law that forbids local governments from restricting sales of guns and ammunition beyond state law. 

In a 4-1 ruling, the court said local officials could face stiff penalties if they try to enforce the restrictions that go beyond the Florida law.

Florida passed a law in 1987 the stated local cities and counties could not have restrictions on guns that were more restrictive than the state's, law.

"It is not a core municipal function to occupy an area that the Legislature has preempted, and local governments have no lawful discretion or authority to enact ordinances that violate state preemption," according to the recent court opinion.

Those who violate the decades-old law face a penalty of as much as $5,000. Plaintiffs who think they've been harmed by the local over-restrictions can sue the government for up to $100,000 in damages.