Floridians could openly carry guns without a license under proposal from lawmaker

TALLAHASSEE – Floridians would be able to carry guns openly in public without a license under a bill filed Tuesday by state Rep. Anthony Sabatini.

The measure, called “constitutional carry,” is already in place in 16 other states. It would allow lawful gun owners to carry weapons openly without a license in places where concealed guns are currently allowed.

“Somebody should be able to exercise [their Second Amendment] right without a cost,” said Sabatini, R-Howey-in-the-Hills. “I don’t believe if somebody wants to defend themselves they should have to garner the permission of the government.”

Democrats and gun control advocates are likely to vehemently oppose the bill if it starts to move in the Legislature.