Florida Republicans are pushing back against gun restrictions imposed after the Parkland tragedy, with a new bill that would restore the right to purchase rifles at age 18.
At a glance:
• A Florida House committee has approved legislation to lower the minimum rifle purchase age from 21 to 18
• The current age restriction was enacted following the 2018 Parkland high school shooting
• Bill sponsors Reps. Michelle Salzman and Tyler Sirois argue 18-20 year olds deserve their constitutional rights
• Gun rights advocates say the bill would allow young adults, including women and college students, to protect themselves
• Governor Ron DeSantis supports repealing the age requirement and has indicated he would sign the legislation
Republican Lawmakers Champion Constitutional Rights for Young Adults
Florida Republicans have introduced House bill (HB 759), new legislation that is designed to reverse restrictions that were hastily implemented after the tragic Parkland shooting in 2018. Republican Representatives Michelle Salzman and Tyler Sirois are leading the charge to restore Second Amendment rights to citizens aged 18-20, arguing that legal adults deserve their full constitutional protections.
Many GOP legislators have rallied behind the measure, pointing out the inconsistency of allowing young adults to serve in the military while denying them the ability to purchase firearms for self-defense. The bill has already cleared an important House committee hurdle, signaling strong support within the Republican-controlled legislature.
The same week a Florida House committee approved a bill lowering the age to buy an assault rifle from 21 to 18, another Florida House committee passed a bill raising the age to strip from 18 to 21. https://t.co/5btCpOJ6pI
— Douglas Soule (@DouglasSoule) February 2, 2024
Luis Valdes from Gun Owners of America testified in support of the bill, emphasizing its importance for vulnerable young adults. The gun rights advocate specifically highlighted how the current restriction impacts women and college students who need to protect themselves against potential threats.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has also expressed opposition to the current law, stating: “Men and women old enough to fight and die for our country should be able to purchase firearms to defend themselves and their families.”
CONGRESSWOMAN SALZMAN IS SPOT ON THE MONEY.
Florida Republicans look to roll back state’s gun-ownership law to 18 – after it was raised following Parkland shooting.
Florida Republicans are attempting to roll back state laws on the legal age of gun ownership, which was raised… pic.twitter.com/M53SsiXP7o
— The Gentleman🎩 (@Gentleman2741) March 14, 2025
Democrats Defend Age Restrictions Despite Constitutional Concerns
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers continue to support the age restriction, with State Rep. Dianna Hart expressing concerns about the maturity of 18-year-olds. Other Democrats have suggested that if the age is lowered, 18-year-olds should be required to undergo training before purchasing firearms.
The debate intensified after a federal appeals court recently upheld the constitutionality of Florida’s age restriction in an 8-4 ruling. Chief Judge William Pryor, writing for the majority, claimed: “The founders’ generation shared the view that minors lacked the reason and judgment necessary to be trusted with legal rights.”
However, Judge Andrew Brasher issued a strong dissent, arguing there were no historical age-based limitations on the right to bear arms during the founding era. His dissent has provided additional ammunition for Republicans seeking to restore Second Amendment rights to all adults in Florida.
State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell praised the court’s decision to uphold the restriction, revealing the partisan divide on gun rights issues. Democrats continue to defend the post-Parkland gun control measures despite growing evidence that they primarily impact law-abiding citizens rather than preventing criminal activity.
Governor DeSantis Signals Support for Expanding Gun Rights
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has offered his strong support for repealing the post-Parkland age requirement as part of his broader commitment to protecting Second Amendment rights. The popular Republican governor has also advocated for eliminating the state’s red flag law and allowing open carry of handguns, positioning Florida to become a leader in restoring constitutional freedoms.
The current law, while prohibiting 18 to 20-year-olds from purchasing firearms, does allow them to receive guns as gifts. This inconsistency has been highlighted by supporters of the new bill as evidence that the restriction is more political theater than effective policy.
While the measure has gained traction in the House, similar proposals have not yet advanced in the Senate. But with the Governor’s support and a Republican majority in Florida, it seems like the bill is on its way to becoming law.
