Florida’s 2026 Regular Legislative Session ran from January 13 to March 13, 2026 (adjourned sine die). Florida has strong Second Amendment protections, including constitutional carry (permitless concealed carry since 2023) and no magazine capacity limits. A court ruling in 2025 (McDaniels v. State) struck down the state’s open carry ban, creating some uncertainty that lawmakers addressed indirectly.
Key Second Amendment-Related Bills
• SB 52 (Security Services at Places of Worship / Armed Church Security): Sponsored by Sen. Gaetz and others. Exempts volunteer armed security providers at places of worship from professional security licensure requirements. Passed both chambers overwhelmingly and was signed into law (Chapter No. 2026-46). A notable pro-2A success for enhancing security options.
• HB 757 (School Safety / ARMOR Act): Expanded the Guardian Program (armed school staff) to public postsecondary institutions (colleges/universities). Allowed trained faculty/staff to carry on campus under certain conditions. Passed the legislature (with amendments) and headed to the Governor. Faced opposition from some campus groups but advanced as a school safety measure.
• HB 133 (Minimum Age for Long Gun Purchases): Would have lowered the minimum age to purchase rifles/shotguns from 21 back to 18 (reversing a post-Parkland law). Passed the House multiple times in prior years and again in 2026 (74-37), but stalled/died in the Senate Rules Committee. Did not become law.
• HB 1551 / SB 1748 (Firearm Industry Product Liability Protections): Provided legal shields for firearm manufacturers against certain lawsuits related to design features not required by federal law. Passed the House but died in the Senate.
Other Notable Measures
• HB 321 / SB 406 (Carrying Weapons/Firearms in Certain Locations): Responded to the open carry ruling by prohibiting carry in additional sensitive places (e.g., government buildings, schools). Advanced in committees but ultimately died.
• Preemption repeal attempts (e.g., HB 6017, SB 954) by Democrats to allow local gun regulations — died in committee with no traction.
• Other proposals on safe storage, background checks, or further restrictions saw little to no progress in the Republican-controlled legislature.
Outcomes and Context
The session yielded modest pro-2A wins with SB 52 (church security) and HB 757 (campus guardians), while efforts to roll back the long-gun age minimum and provide broader industry protections fell short in the Senate. No major erosions of existing rights occurred. Florida remains one of the stronger shall-issue/constitutional carry states.
For full details, bill texts, and history, visit the official Florida Legislature site, LegiScan, or trackers like NRA-ILA. Governor DeSantis’ actions on signed bills are available via official channels. Pro-2A or gun safety groups often provide session summaries. Expect similar debates in 2027.
Leave a Reply