Florida Enacts a Trio of Gun Rights Bills
Florida's legislators have enacted several laws that affect gun owners' rights.

October 14, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Florida Enacts a Trio of Gun Rights Bills

This year Florida enacted three bills aimed at protecting gun owners' rights. All three were signed into law in June. The bills loosen gun restrictions and penalties across the state.

Restricting Doctor Questions

One bill prevents doctors from asking patients if they own guns. The bill is targeted towards pediatricians who will commonly ask new patients if they own guns and if they are stored safely. Pediatricians argue they want to prevent accidental injuries, but gun advocacy groups believe it is an invasion of privacy. In a compromise, the Florida Medical Association withdrew its opposition to the bill after a provision was inserted that allows a doctor to ask about gun ownership if it directly relates to the medical care needed.

Not all opposition of the new law has ended, however. On June 7, 2011, a group of physicians sued to have the new law nullified, claiming that the law violates their First Amendment right to free speech.

Displaying a Firearm

Another bill signed into law in June allows the owner of a concealed weapon to briefly show his or her gun, so long as it is not in a threatening manner and only displayed briefly. It is still against the law to openly carry a weapon for an extended period of time. Initially, the bill did seek to allow an open display of firearms, but the bill was amended to allow only brief and non-threatening displays of a weapon, both accidentally and intentionally. It is also still illegal to use a firearm in any way except for in self-defense.

Overriding Local Ordinances

The third bill to pass this year punishes local governments that enact any gun laws that are more stringent than the state's gun laws. This bill was in reaction to many ordinances, administrative rules and regulations that attempted to restrict gun possession and use locally. Gun laws already were the sole domain of state law, but certain local governments attempted to enact more stringent laws anyway.

A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

If you have been charged with a crime involving the use or possession of a firearm, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Improperly displaying a weapon is still a misdemeanor; using a weapon to aid in a crime carries severe penalties. With the possibility of strict sentences, you should contact a lawyer who can protect your rights in court.

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