Can Florida Finally Regain Open Carry After 29 Years in 2016?

[Red Wind]

Florida lost Open Carry in 1987. This article tells of the political maneuverings, led by Janet Reno, that brought about the end of OC other than a few exceptions. (Camping,fishing,trail walking, your own home or business.)

Janet Reno, State Attorney for Dade County at the time, called on the legislature to close what she called a loophole in the new statewide carry laws and outright ban Open Carry throughout the state. Having just lost their fight against Shall-Issue concealed carry, the future US Attorney General, a handful of Florida Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and newspapers statewide went on the offensive to call for a special session of the legislature to close what they dubbed the “Dodge City Loophole”.

Shall issue Concealed Carry became law that year in Florida and helped motivate a nationwide trend towards CC.

Now, there are some positive articles in the media that 2016 may be the year. And with a very large GOP majority in both houses of the Legislature, and perhaps Americas most pro gun Governor in Rick Scott, it begins to appear it could finally happen.

Only 6 states now remain without OC (technically). Of those, Florida has the largest population at 20 million, Americas 3rd most populated state.

I added a poll. What are your thoughts, THR? All replies are appreciated

 

[Panzerschwein]

I think they can.

Think about it, Illinois just got CCW. I never thought it would happen. If we band together, we can make change. That's the American way!

 

[fiddleharp]

I don't quite understand the poll question. Shouldn't it be phrased "Should" or "Are You In Favor Of?"
Anyway, I hunt, fish, and camp in the most remote places I can find in Florida. And I always open carry on those trips. One of my favorite hunting/camping spots is in the Apalachicola National Forest, south of Sumatra, Florida. There is no cell phone service there. Whatever happens, you're on your own!
I'm not sure if I'm in favor of open carry in public spaces or not. Might bring on more trouble than it prevents. Then again, if open carry became a reality, the average person would probably get used to it. Don't Jewish civilians openly carry submachine guns in Israel?

 

[Red Wind]

I don't quite understand the poll question. Shouldn't it be phrased "Should" or "Are You In Favor Of?"

I'm asking if you think it Can become law in 2016, not if it Should or if you are for or against OC.

The question speaks for itself.

 

[oneounceload]

Apalachicola National Forest, south of Sumatra, Florida.

Isn't that "Tate's Hell" area?

While it would be nice to see (and Rick Scott is our best choice), I just don't see the liberal Miami folks allowing it to happen just yet.

 

[lemaymiami]

Anything "can happen"... I think that our a actual history down here in paradise will work against open carry. Back when Ms Reno was Dade's state attorney things were still pretty much out of hand on the streets... I know the view will be different from the northern end of the state. From my view this won't have much to with the usual gun related arguments. Our actual history (for those that choose to remember it) will be the decider....

 

[psyopspec]

I voted no. Too many folks over 50; before anyone gets their undies in a twist I realize that's an overrepresented demographic here. However, just as you like to gripe about young folks, your own generation has it's own characteristics, generally speaking.

 

[oneounceload]

Which are what exactly? (And I am over 50)
FL has 20+ million folks, with a HUGE % being well over 50, war vets, folks who vote in 99% of all elections, etc.

 

[cowpoke]

The idea of ccw is the element of suprize! I wont open carry even if it passes. I can already open carry if im hunting fishing or camping.

 

[psyopspec]

On a straight numbers level Democrats tend to outnumber republicans in the baby boomer generation, and even moreso for Gen X.

My own observations/WAG:As FL ages, the political issues of social security, medical coverage, and retirement will become even more important, as they traditionally have for aging voters. This can clip the feathers a bit on that right wing. And the politicians, wanting to remain the politicians as such creatures are wont to do, may vote in a similar manner to other gun control legislation.

If Gov. Rick Scott signs the bill into law, people who commit themselves for treatment will also be submitted to Florida's MECOM as well as to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which tracks mental illness on the federal level.

Which for the record, as a veteran who knows multiple veterans who refuse to seek mental health for fear of losing their guns, I oppose the law they passed saying that those who have the self-awareness to willingly seek help should be prohibited persons. But neither here nor there for the topic at hand, main point being this is a particular brand of Republican-dominated legislature, and I don't have faith in them to pass open carry.

All that said, I'd love to be wrong and it's happened before.

 

[orionengnr]

It has taken quite a while here in TX.
At a certain point, I was despairing that it would never happen (not that I would do it myself, but because it should be legal). And it was a whole lot more than 29 years that TX did not allow Open Carry.

But now it has come to pass.

And so...all things are possible, but some things take time and effort...sometimes, out of all proportion to the reward.

However, that does not mean that these things should not be done.

Hang in there, FL. We got it here, you can get it there.

Look at IL...they finally got CCW. Talk about beating the odds....

 

[lemaymiami]

I forgot to mention one key item here in Florida... Back 29 years ago, concealed carry wasn't very common at all. In the intervening years there's been a very successful (from my point of view) concealed carry established here. As a cop, years ago it was very un-common to ever come in contact with someone licensed to carry concealed. All of that has changed dramatically over the years. I think the strong pressure towards open carry simply won't occur at this end of the state. As far as demographics go, I must concede that I'm in geezer territory at age 67 -but still work full time and haven't slowed down much at all...

 

[flphotog]

Isn't that "Tate's Hell" area?

While it would be nice to see (and Rick Scott is our best choice), I just don't see the liberal Miami folks allowing it to happen just yet.

Gladly that hell hole that is Miami and the Palm Beaches don't that the clout to stop anything on the state wide level. Weather it can happen remains to be seen. I wouldn't open carry but I would like to see it pass.

 

[230RN]

On the "Can" versus "Can't," I don't have enough local info to decide, so I voted "Unsure."

Having said that, my hope is that it does get through, simply on the basis that it would recapture the essence of a fundamental civil right.

The funny thing is that the way I understand it, in long-gone days, open carry was the "honorable" way to go, and concealed carry was the hallmark of the sneaky, underhanded, disreputable, "dishonorable" person.

The type of person, if you will, who would shoot you under the poker table with a hidden vest-pocket Deringer.

Hence, States like mine are constitutionally OC, but with a codicil saying that does not justify CC:

...but nothing herein contained shall be construed to justify the practice of carrying concealed weapons.

So we end up that the "good guys" (if you will) can carry concealed in Florida, but open carry somehow got to be the stigmatized method.

'Tis a puzzlement.

Terry

 

[dogrunner]

It ain't no puzzlement.........it IS the direct result of democratic/anti/liberal thought........personafied at the time by that thing, Janet Reno....later of Waco fame.

Open carry was, even tho licensed, a traditional method in Florida....in fact very common outside the large urban areas. Tho that said, even in those places you'd on occasion see an openly carried firearm.......further, single shot rifles and shotguns generally were NEVER restricted from general carriage..........all this negative crap has occured because of the NY/NJ influx into our state......and precisely why those of us that're either native born or very long time citizens implore the newcomers to leave NY in NY.....I-95 and 75 run NORTH too, you know!!

 

[P5 Guy]

Last Time This Came Up

Sheriff Jim Coats threatened that he would order his deputies to draw on the open carrying citizens of Pinellas County.
I was then a member of the St. Petersburg Police Pistol Club. The hang out for many retired and current gun guy police. The animosity focused against the idea of open carry was astonishing. "Wasn't CCW good enough for you civilians?" was the talking point I heard most often. That and fear of driving off the 'snowbirds'.
Therefore I have to vote 'NO'. Even Marion Hammer was against open carry in Florida.
I cannot see why anyone would be against more freedom for law abiding citizens but some are. OC is not for me but if it is for you go for it.

 

[MedWheeler]

Cowpoke writes (for some reason):

The idea of ccw is the element of suprize! I wont open carry even if it passes. I can already open carry if im hunting fishing or camping

.

This doesn't even attempt to answer the question asked.

 

[MedWheeler]

I suppose anything is possible.

But, no, Florida will not see OC permitted "by the masses" passed in 2016. That's my belief. If anything, those in possession of a valid CWFL may have some more restrictions on OC lifted.