Florida pushes bill to become 26th permitless carry state

The Florida state legislature is moving forward with a measure to make the state the 26th in the country with constitutional carry, which would allow qualified individuals to carry concealed firearms without first obtaining a permit.

The bill, Concealed Carry of Weapons and Firearms Without a License, was introduced Monday with 14 House sponsors. The state House Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee is set to hear the bill on Feb. 7, according to the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action.

Florida House Speaker Paul Renner supports the bill, which he says "respects Floridians' right to bear arms" and "ensures that those who are eligible to own a gun do not need additional permission from the government to carry it."

The bill would allow any person who is qualified to obtain a concealed carry license to carry a concealed firearm without obtaining a license. This means any person over 21 who is a law-abiding adult would be able to carry without asking for government permission.

The bill would still prohibit firearms from being carried in schools and similar facilities.

At least three county sheriffs have come out in support of the bill, according to Renner.

Nebraska is in contention with Florida to become the 26th state with permit-less carry.