Florida is on the brink of restoring gun rights to young adults as a new bill advances through the legislature. The proposed legislation would lower the minimum age for purchasing rifles from 21 back to 18, potentially undoing restrictions implemented after the 2018 Parkland tragedy.
At a glance:
• A Florida House committee has passed legislation (House Bill 759) to lower the minimum rifle purchase age from 21 to 18
• The current age restriction was implemented following the 2018 Parkland high school shooting
• Republican state Reps. Michelle Salzman and Tyler Sirois are sponsoring the bill
• Governor Ron DeSantis supports repealing the age requirement, viewing it as part of broader efforts to strengthen Second Amendment rights
• The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld the constitutionality of the current law in an 8-4 ruling
Republicans Fight to Restore Second Amendment Rights
The push to lower Florida’s rifle purchase age is gaining momentum as Republican lawmakers champion the constitutional rights of young adults. State Representatives Michelle Salzman and Tyler Sirois are leading the charge with House Bill 759, which recently cleared its first committee hurdle.
Governor Ron DeSantis has signaled strong support for the measure, which chimes with his agenda to strengthen Second Amendment protections across the state. The governor also advocates for repealing Florida’s red flag law and supports open carry of handguns.
Gun rights advocates argue that the current restriction unfairly targets law-abiding citizens between 18 and 20 years old. Luis Valdes from Gun Owners of America stressed that the bill would allow young adults, including women and college students, to better protect themselves.
Legal Battle Over Age Restrictions
The legislative effort comes despite a recent federal appeals court decision upholding the current law. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 8-4 to maintain the age restriction following a seven-year legal challenge by the National Rifle Association.
Chief Judge William Pryor wrote in the majority opinion that “the Florida law is consistent with our regulatory tradition in why and how it burdens the right of minors to keep and bear arms.” He further stated that “the founders’ generation shared the view that minors lacked the reason and judgment necessary to be trusted with legal rights.”
However, Judge Andrew Brasher dissented, stating that there were no historical age-based limitations on the right to bear arms. The ruling has been criticized by Second Amendment supporters for ignoring the rights of young adults who can serve in the military.
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 and Republicans Clash Over Safety Concerns
Democratic lawmakers continue to oppose the bill, questioning the maturity and judgment of 18-year-olds. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier hit back with a powerful statement: “Men and women old enough to fight and die for our country should be able to purchase firearms to defend themselves and their families,” he said.
The current law allows minors to receive firearms as gifts but prohibits them from purchasing them. Supporters of the new bill say this is inconsistent and that the restriction is arbitrary and ineffective at achieving safety goals.
While the bill has successfully passed its first committee vote, it still faces challenges in both chambers. Previous attempts to lower the age restriction have stalled in the Florida Senate, though Republican leadership appears more determined this session.
