Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has expressed his desire to repeal the state’s red flag law, arguing that it violates the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. The law, signed by former Governor Rick Scott in the aftermath of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, allows law enforcement to obtain a court order to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed to be a threat. DeSantis believes that the law is unconstitutional and shifts the burden of proof onto the individual to show they are not a danger, which he claims goes against due process.
The Florida red flag law also raised the minimum legal age for purchasing guns in the state to 21, a measure aimed at preventing future acts of gun violence. However, DeSantis maintains that the law is overly broad and infringes on individuals’ rights, particularly when it comes to their property and constitutional freedoms. He stated that if he had been governor at the time the law was signed, he would have vetoed it. Despite his opposition, there have been nearly 10,000 risk protection order petitions filed by law enforcement in the state between July 2022 and the end of 2024, indicating that the law has been utilized as intended in various cases.
As of now, no bills have been introduced in the Florida legislature to repeal the red flag law. This means that the fate of the legislation will depend on the actions of lawmakers and whether DeSantis can rally enough support to push for its repeal. The discussion around the red flag law comes at a time of heightened debate over gun control measures and efforts to prevent gun violence in the United States. With the country grappling with the impacts of mass shootings and other forms of gun violence, the future of policies like the red flag law remain a topic of contention.
DeSantis’ stance on repealing the red flag law aligns with his broader conservative views on gun rights and the Second Amendment. As a Republican governor in a state known for its gun-friendly culture, DeSantis has garnered support from pro-gun advocates who see the red flag law as an infringement on their constitutional freedoms. However, critics argue that repealing the law could undermine efforts to prevent gun violence and protect public safety, particularly in the wake of tragic events like the Parkland shooting.
The decision to repeal or uphold the red flag law will have far-reaching implications for gun owners and law enforcement in Florida. While DeSantis believes that the law is unconstitutional and unfairly targets individuals, others view it as a necessary tool to address potential threats and keep communities safe. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will take action to repeal the law or if it will remain in place as a means of preventing future acts of gun violence in the state. The outcome of this discussion will shape the future of gun control policies and Second Amendment rights in Florida.
