If Florida state Rep. Joel Rudman gets his way, the Sunshine State could soon be known as the "Gunshine State."
Rudman has filed a bill that would remove restrictions and make it legal to carry guns openly, in addition to repeal the state's "red flag" law that was passed after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
"My first bill has been filed for the 2025 Legislative Session," the Republican wrote in a Facebook post on Monday. "And it reiterates my commitment to freedom and to the Constitution. My bill repeals Florida's unconstitutional red flag laws and makes Florida an open carry state. 'Shall not be infringed' will mean something here in the Gunshine state!"
Openly carrying a firearm is currently a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida with a penalty of a $500 fine or a maximum of 60 days in jail. According to the statute, there are exemptions for law enforcement, military, and other officials; weapons manufacturers; people shooting lawful target practice; or anyone "engaged in fishing, camping, or lawful hunting or going to or returning from a fishing, camping, or lawful hunting expedition."
HB 31 also seeks to repeal "red flag" laws that allow law enforcement to seize firearms from people who are deemed a threat to themselves or others.
Additionally, the measure would remove open carry bans in courthouse parking lots, polling places, school and college events, professional athletic events, career centers, and college or university facilities.
While guns would still be prohibited in courtrooms and at meetings of the Florida Legislature, the bill clearly states that judges and members of the Legislature would be allowed to carry a concealed weapon or firearm in their respective places.
Getting the measure through the Florida Senate may be difficult, as it may run into opposition from Senate President Ben Albritton, who has said he does not support open carry laws.
"Let me be clear about this: I've supported law enforcement my entire life," Albritton told reporters last month. "It's the way I was raised, and I've been super consistent as a legislator to support law enforcement in Florida. And I'd encourage you to check that record."
"And I stand with them today in opposition," he added. "They oppose it. I trust my law enforcement officials, and that's where I stand."
Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association President John Kazanjian seconded Albritton's opposition, calling "red flag" laws vital to public safety efforts.
"We need those tools," Kazanjian told the Washington Examiner. "God forbid that gets taken away, and we're not going to have the capability to red-flag these people and take their guns. God forbid they commit some type of violence. So no, you can't touch that. No way."
Rudman, a family medicine practitioner, is running in a special election for former Rep. Matt Gaetz's congressional seat. HB 31 could be the last piece of legislation he introduces in the Florida House, as his resign-to-run letter stated he would quit the chamber on Jan. 1, according to the Examiner.
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
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