Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is taking aim at gun control measures passed after the tragic Parkland shooting, calling for their repeal in a move that is sending Dems into meltdown.
But it’s all about Second Amendment rights. And DeSantis isn’t backing down.
At a Glance
- Gov. DeSantis is pushing to repeal gun control measures enacted after the 2018 Parkland shooting
- The Governor specifically targets “red flag” laws and the minimum age requirement for purchasing firearms
- Florida is one of only four states that doesn’t allow open carry, which DeSantis aims to change
- Republicans hold a supermajority in Florida’s legislature, though some leaders are hesitant about DeSantis’ proposals
- Democrats argue repealing the measures would break promises made to Parkland victims’ families
DeSantis Takes Aim at Parkland-Era Gun Restrictions
Governor Ron DeSantis is rallying support to overturn gun control measures implemented following the 2018 Parkland school shooting, arguing that Florida has fallen behind other conservative states in protecting Second Amendment rights. Despite Florida’s reputation as the “Free State,” the governor believes the state has failed to adequately defend gun owners’ constitutional freedoms, pointing to red flag laws and age restrictions as prime targets for repeal.
The Governor has been vocal about his disappointment with Florida’s current gun laws compared to other Republican-led states. “I can tell you that we, in spite of us saying we’re the Free State, in spite of us being like, ‘oh, we’re this Republican conservative bastion,’ we’ve definitely lagged on that issue,” Governor Ron DeSantis said.
Florida’s current laws, passed in the aftermath of the Parkland tragedy, include raising the minimum age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21, implementing a three-day waiting period for gun purchases, and establishing “red flag” laws that allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. DeSantis already signed legislation allowing permitless concealed carry in 2023, but he now wants to go further by permitting open carry and dismantling what he sees as unconstitutional restrictions.
Open carry and red flag *repeal* https://t.co/0NTPTmQZ8U
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) March 4, 2025
Republican Leadership Shows Mixed Response
Despite Republicans holding a supermajority in the Florida legislature, DeSantis faces hesitation from some party leaders. House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton have expressed skepticism about the necessity of open carry laws, though they’ve shown more openness to reconsidering red flag laws on constitutional grounds. This reluctance has frustrated Second Amendment advocacy groups who expected stronger support for gun rights from the Republican-dominated government.
The divide within Republican ranks has become increasingly visible, too, with one pro-gun activist being removed from the Capitol after attempting to deliver petitions supporting open carry legislation. Second Amendment advocates argue that Florida’s current status as one of just four states prohibiting open carry puts it at odds with its conservative identity.
DeSantis has capitalized on this sentiment, declaring, “The free state of Florida has not exactly led the way on protecting Second Amendment rights. We need to be a strong Second Amendment state.”
Democrats Push Back on Repeal Efforts
Meanwhile, Democrats have forcefully condemned DeSantis’ proposals, arguing that repealing the post-Parkland measures would dishonor victims and endanger public safety. House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell has been particularly outspoken against the governor’s initiative, framing it as a betrayal of promises made to grieving families and a threat to law enforcement officers who rely on these laws to prevent violence.
“It seems to me that we’re breaking our promise to the parents and the students of Parkland. (The changes) would be awful for our law enforcement. We absolutely want to keep them safe as they do their job. I was very troubled by his comments,” House Democrat Leader Fentrice Driskell said.
If any Governor in the country is going to get this done, it’s going to be DeSantis, isn’t it?
