State of Florida Archives: on Gun Control
Aaron Bean:
Voted YES on new gun control after high school shooting
Legislative Summary: SB7026: The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act: To comprehensively address the crisis of gun violence, including gun violence on school campuses. SB7026 temporarily restricts firearm possession by a
person undergoing a mental health crisis and when there is a threat of violence.NRA-ILA opposition:
The Florida Senate will take up SB-7026, a bill that punishes gun owners, which includes:- Makes it a felony for any person under
21 to purchase any firearm either privately or from a dealer.
- Minimum 3-Day Waiting Period on ALL FIREARMS.
- Every year it confiscates 10% of the license fees paid by CW license holders to pay for the care of victims of mass shootings.
Bans the sale and transfer of Bump Stocks.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/5/18; State Sen. Aaron Bean voted YES; Passed House 67-50-3 on Mar/7/18; Signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/9/18
Source: NRA-ILA on Florida legislative voting record SB7026
Mar 5, 2018
Jared Moskowitz:
Voted YES on new gun control after high school shooting
Legislative Summary: SB7026: The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act: To comprehensively address the crisis of gun violence, including gun violence on school campuses. SB7026 temporarily restricts firearm possession by a
person undergoing a mental health crisis and when there is a threat of violence.NRA-ILA opposition:
The Florida Senate will take up SB-7026, a bill that punishes gun owners, which includes:- Makes it a felony for any person under
21 to purchase any firearm either privately or from a dealer.
- Minimum 3-Day Waiting Period on ALL FIREARMS.
- Every year it confiscates 10% of the license fees paid by CW license holders to pay for the care of victims of mass shootings.
Bans the sale and transfer of Bump Stocks.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/5/18; Passed House 67-50-3 on Mar/7/18; State Rep. Jared Moskowitz voted YES; Signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/9/18
Source: NRA-ILA on Florida legislative voting record SB7026
Mar 7, 2018
Adam Putnam:
Expanded concealed weapon licenses program; largest in US
Adam believes the Second Amendment is an inalienable right. He is committed to defending that right from progressive liberals. As Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam expanded the state's concealed weapon license program so it is now the
largest in the country. He expedited over 75,000 Florida concealed weapon license applications for active military members and veterans. He believes if you carried a gun in Iraq, you should be able to own one at home.
Source: 2018 Florida Gubernatorial campaign website AdamPutnam.com
Jul 12, 2017
Andrew Gillum:
Operation Safe Neighborhood: community crime watch
In response to spike in shootings, Mayor Gillum, in conjunction with the Tallahassee Police Department and community organizations, formulated and implemented Operation Safe Neighborhoods on June 2, 2015. This initiative called for an increase in
law enforcement visibility and capacity; strengthening strategic partnerships and community programs/opportunities; and enhancing community engagement and response, through the implementation of a community watch program called, Neighbors on the Block.
Source: Wikipedia summary for 2018 Florida Gubernatorial race
Mar 11, 2017
Andrew Gillum:
Favors strong gun laws
I know where I stand: against campus carry, for an assault weapons ban, and for closing gun show loopholes.
I've proudly stood up to the NRA and the gun lobby to make sure we protect Florida's families.
Source: 2018 Florida Gubernatorial website AndrewGillum.com
Sep 1, 2017
Andrew Gillum:
No right to guns for domestic abusers or mentally ill
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?
A: Strongly Oppose--Andrew believes that those domestic abusers and those struggling with mental illness should not own guns.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Florida Governor candidate
Jun 15, 2018
Andrew Gillum:
Prohibit bump stocks and assault weapons
Gillum called for a series of gun-control measures after the Parkland massacre, including a ban on assault weapons, limiting the size of magazines, banning armor-piercing bullets and prohibiting guns to those with domestic violence felonies or
misdemeanors. [Republican gubernatorial opponent Ron] DeSantis supports legislation to allow Floridians with concealed weapons permits to carry guns openly and on college campuses. Bills to allow both have failed in the GOP-controlled
Legislature in the last three years.
He has also criticized the gun control measures in the bill passed by lawmakers in response to the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The legislation banned rifle
sales to those under 21, prohibited bump stocks and placed a three-day waiting period on all gun sales. The National Rifle Association has given DeSantis an A- grade and Gillum an F.
Source: Orlando Sentinel on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Aug 31, 2018
Andrew Gillum:
Universal background checks & assault weapon ban
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Ron DeSantis (R): No. Solution to gun violence is "'identifying the problem people' rather than enforcing `blanket bans on the rights of law-abiding citizens.'"
Andrew Gillum (D): Yes. Called for additional restrictions after Parkland, like universal background checks & bans on assault weapons & high capacity magazines. Sued by NRA over prohibiting firing weapons in public parks.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Florida Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Andrew Gillum:
Voting rights to former felons: they deserve a second chance
Q: Support Amendment #4--a Florida initiative to restore voting rights to 1.6 million former felons, excluding murderers & sex offenders?Ron DeSantis (R): No. Opposes amendment.
Andrew Gillum (D):
Yes. "Floridians who have paid their debts deserve a second chance & should have a voice in our state's future. Our current system is a relic of Jim Crow."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Florida Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Annette Taddeo:
Allow municipalities to pass stricter gun regulations
Sen. Annette Taddeo and Rep. Dan Daley have introduced legislation to allow municipalities to pass stricter gun regulations by undoing an existing state preemption law. The two Democrats have stumped for more local control in the past. "Gun
violence is a nationwide problem that requires all hands on deck to solve; restricting local officials from doing their part to combat this effort is dangerous," Taddeo said in a written statement.
Source: FloridaPolitics on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Oct 14, 2021
Annette Taddeo:
Voted NO on new gun control after high school shooting
Legislative Summary:: SB7026: The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act: To comprehensively address the crisis of gun violence, including gun violence on school campuses. SB7026 temporarily restricts firearm possession
by a person undergoing a mental health crisis and when there is a threat of violence.
NRA-ILA opposition:: The Florida Senate will take up SB-7026, a bill that punishes gun owners, which includes:
- Makes it a felony for any person
under 21 to purchase any firearm either privately or from a dealer.
- Minimum 3-Day Waiting Period on ALL FIREARMS.
- Every year it confiscates 10% of the license fees paid by CW license holders to pay for the care of victims of mass shootings.
-
Bans the sale and transfer of Bump Stocks.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/5/18; Passed House 67-50-3 on Mar/7/18; State Sen. Annette Taddeo voted NO; Signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/9/18
Source: NRA-ILA on Florida legislative voting record SB7026
Mar 5, 2022
Augustus Invictus:
Wants restoration of the Second Amendment
When asked "What changes would you support in America's gun laws?" Invictus replied "I would seek the restoration of the Second Amendment.
The point of the Second Amendment is that the citizenry be able to defend itself against the government, which, I would point out, is exceedingly well-armed."
Source: Tampa Bay Times on 2016 Florida Senate race
Oct 7, 2016
Brian Mast:
Right to defend ourselves is God-given
I have carried a rifle and a pistol for most of my adult life, and fired both in defense of every American and myself. The right to defend ourselves is God-given. It is not a right provided to us by our federal government, but rather the right
to keep and bear arms is a right the federal government is sworn to protect.
I will uphold the oath I took to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, and I will fight to protect our Second Amendment from all attempts to erode it.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website MastForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Brian Moore:
No absolute right to gun ownership
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?A: Strongly oppose if I understand this to be the right of all citizens to own a wide variety and quantity of guns.ÿ We need to enhance our vetting system of gun ownership,
limit the types and number of guns that a citizen can own, remove semiautomatic and automatic guns from our society, and reduce the number and type of bullets allowed in the replenishment mechanism. ÿ(cannot think of the word)
Source: OnTheIssues.org interview on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Apr 14, 2022
Byron Donalds:
Voted NO on new gun control after high school shooting
Legislative Summary: SB7026: The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act: To comprehensively address the crisis of gun violence, including gun violence on school campuses. SB7026 temporarily restricts firearm possession by a
person undergoing a mental health crisis and when there is a threat of violence.NRA-ILA opposition: The Florida Senate will take up SB-7026, a bill that punishes gun owners, which includes:
- Makes it a felony for any person under
21 to purchase any firearm either privately or from a dealer.
- Minimum 3-Day Waiting Period on ALL FIREARMS.
- Every year it confiscates 10% of the license fees paid by CW license holders to pay for the care of victims of mass shootings.
- Bans the
sale and transfer of Bump Stocks.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/5/18; Passed House 67-50-3 on Mar/7/18; State Rep. Byron Donalds voted NO; Signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/9/18
Source: NRA-ILA on Florida legislative voting record SB7026
Mar 7, 2018
Darren Soto:
Stand up to the gun lobby
Following the shocking massacre at Orlando's Pulse nightclub, I called for a special session of the Florida Legislature to reform our gun laws. My proposal: Ban gun sales in Florida to anyone on the "no fly" and terrorist watch lists.
It's a commonsense idea that enjoys broad support in Florida and across the country. It also could have potentially stopped the Pulse shooter from buying the weapon that allowed him to kill so many people.
Our call for reform immediately put us in the crosshairs of the Florida NRA. I'm not afraid of standing up to the gun lobby.
In Congress, I'll fight for commonsense gun safety reforms that respect Second Amendment rights while keeping guns out of dangerous hands. We owe it to the victims and survivors of the gun violence epidemic in our country.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website DarrenSoto.com
Nov 8, 2016
Duncan Hunter:
Bearing arms is a tradition of the American soldier
Q: What is your opinion of gun control?A: The right to keep and bear arms is an important element of community security, home security, and national security.
I think it is a tradition of the American soldier. I will strongly enforce the Second Amendment as president of the United States.
Source: 2007 GOP YouTube debate in St. Petersburg, Florida
Nov 28, 2007
Edward Janowski:
Absolute right to gun ownership
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?A: There is an absolute right and obligation for free Americans to own and maintain the firearm of their choice, or not if they so choose. It is called the 2nd Amendment.
We had a former Government try to disarm the public in order to maintain control of the people. This sparked the Revolutionary War with the battles of Lexington and Concord.
To try and repeal this right in anyway, is to repeat history in the worst of ways. However, there are those among us that have surrendered that right and other rights through their own actions against a peaceful society.
Those individuals are the exception and hopefully the worst of them will never be able to repeat those offenses.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Florida Senate candidate
Mar 30, 2018
Francis Rooney:
Protect and defend the Second Amendment
Respecting Our Constitution:- Every decision that Francis makes will be guided by the answer to this question: "Is this Constitutional?"
-
He will challenge the liberals and activists who ignore, undermine and subvert the Constitution at every turn.
- Francis will protect and defend the Second Amendment rights that are constantly under attack by the anti-gun lobby.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website FrancisRooney.com
Nov 8, 2016
Greg Steube:
Voted NO on new gun control after high school shooting
Legislative Summary: SB7026: The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act: To comprehensively address the crisis of gun violence, including gun violence on school campuses. SB7026 temporarily restricts firearm possession by a
person undergoing a mental health crisis and when there is a threat of violence.NRA-ILA opposition: The Florida Senate will take up SB-7026, a bill that punishes gun owners, which includes:
- Makes it a felony for any person under
21 to purchase any firearm either privately or from a dealer.
- Minimum 3-Day Waiting Period on ALL FIREARMS.
- Every year it confiscates 10% of the license fees paid by CW license holders to pay for the care of victims of mass shootings.
- Bans the
sale and transfer of Bump Stocks.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/5/18; State Sen. Greg Steube voted NO; Passed House 67-50-3 on Mar/7/18; Signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/9/18
Source: NRA-ILA on Florida legislative voting record SB7026
Mar 5, 2018
Hillary Clinton:
Don't water down sensible gun control legislation
We have to do everything possible to keep guns out of the hands of children, and we need to stand firm on behalf of the sensible gun control legislation that passed the Senate and then was watered down in the House.
It does not make sense for us at this point in our history to turn our backs on the reality that there are too many guns and too many children have access to those guns-and we have to act to prevent that.
Source: Remarks to NEA in Orlando, Florida
Jul 5, 1999
Jeb Bush:
Concealed carry OK; supports instant background check
Supports the following principles concerning guns: - Maintain state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
- Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms.
-
Florida visitors should be permitted to carry concealed weapons if they have permits from other states.
- Bush says, "I support an instant background check for all guns purchased at a gun show."
Source: 1998 Florida National Political Awareness Test
Jul 2, 1998
Jeb Bush:
Use a Gun and You're Done
During the commission of a crime: - Pull a Gun-Mandatory 10 Years
- Pull the Trigger-Mandatory 20 Years
- Shoot Someone-25 Years to Life (whether they live or die)
New Mandatory Minimum Prison Sentences for: - Three Time Convicted Violent Felons
- Drug Traffickers
- Aggravated Assaults/Batteries on Law Enforcement Officers or an Elderly Person
- Repeat Sexual Batterers
Source: Governor's web site, www.MyFlorida.com, "Initiatives"
Nov 7, 2001
Jeb Bush:
Violent gun crime rate is down by more than 25%
Public safety has been protected, and convicted criminals will continue to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences.
Over the last two years, the violent gun crime rate is down by more than 25 percent, translating into 18 fewer gun assaults each day in this state in 2000 compared to 1998.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
Jeb Bush:
Stand-your-ground bill: Deadly force OK when threatened
In 2005, the governor signed into law another piece of NRA legislation on the topic of gun control. The bill was written by the NRA and expanded the rights of Floridians to use deadly force when threatened in public places. This proposal, known as
the "stand your ground bill," expanded the rights of people to use guns or other deadly force to defend themselves without 1st trying to escape even in places outside their homes. The law stipulated that a person "has no duty to retreat and has the right
to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force."The bill was opposed by police chiefs in high crime areas like Miami and Broward County who claimed it would lead "drivers with road rage or drunken sports fans who get into
fights leaving ball games to assume that they had total immunity." The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence argued that it could be used to defend people who shoot in the emotional rage associated with domestic violence and other high-stress events.
Source: Aggressive Conservatism in Florida, by Robert Crew, p. 80
Dec 11, 2009
John McCain:
I know how to use guns; but I don't own one
Q: Tell us about your gun collection, roughly how many you own, what your favorite make, model and caliber is, if any of them require a tax stamp?
A: For a long time I used a lot of guns, including carrying a .45 as a pilot flying in combat over Vietnam. I know how to use guns. I don't own one now.
Source: 2007 GOP YouTube debate in St. Petersburg, Florida
Nov 28, 2007
John Rutherford:
Work hard for concealed carry & open carry
John is a Constitutional Conservative and staunch defender of our Constitutional Liberties, especially our Second Amendment Rights. John will work hard to make sure that law-abiding citizens have the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense,
recreational shooting, hunting and other lawful purposes. As our future voice in Washington, John will strengthen our constitutional freedoms and fight against executive overreach.As your Congressman, John will:-
Support the fundamental, individual right to own a firearm.
- Support Concealed Carry Reciprocity.
- Support Open Carry by law-abiding citizens.
-
Protect Florida's hunting and shooting heritage.
- Oppose a ban on semi-automatic firearms, magazines and ammunition.
- Oppose a "Universal" Background Check system.
- Oppose a National Firearm Registry.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website VoteJohnRutherford.com
Nov 8, 2016
Matt Gaetz:
One of the most pro-gun members of the Florida Legislature
When it comes to protecting our right to bear arms, there has been no greater champion than Matt. One past President of the NRA has called Matt "one of the most pro-gun members of the Florida Legislature." Matt successfully sponsored legislation
banning local governments from infringing on our 2nd Amendment rights, and led the fight to bring Open Carry to Florida. When many across the nation called for the repeal of Florida's Stand Your Ground Law,
Matt led the fight to keep the law in place and preserve our right to defend our homes and families. Matt killed all taxes on gun club memberships and passed legislation stopping insurance companies from discriminating against gun owners.
As our Congressman, Matt will take on the anti-gun special interests to allow reciprocity of concealed weapon permits between states and will fight any attempt to chip away at our 2nd Amendment rights.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website MattGaetz.com
Nov 8, 2016
Matt Gaetz:
Supports open carry and Stand-Your-Ground
I've been A+ rated by the NRA year after year. In the Florida Legislature, I fought to pass Open Carry, protect Stand Your Ground, stop the expansion of
Obamacare in our state, protect religious liberty, and always stand on the side of life. Thanks to my record, I was named the "Defender of Liberty" by the American Conservative Union.
Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on Florida House race
Nov 8, 2016
Mitt Romney:
Support the 2nd Amendment AND the assault weapon ban
I do support the Second Amendment. I would have signed the assault weapon ban that came to his desk. I said I would have supported that and signed a similar bill in our state. It was a bill worked out, by the way, between pro-gun lobby and anti-gun
lobby individuals. Both sides of the issue came together and found a way to provide relaxation in licensing requirements and allow more people to--to have guns for their own legal purposes. So we signed that in Massachusetts, and I'd support that at the
federal level. It did not pass at the federal level. I do not believe we need new legislation. I do not support any new legislation of an assault weapon ban nature, including that against semiautomatic weapons. We have laws in place that, if they're
implemented & enforced, will provide the protection and the safety of the American people. I do support the right of individuals to bear arms, whether for hunting purposes or for protection purposes or any other reasons. That's the right that people have
Source: 2008 GOP debate in Boca Raton Florida
Jan 24, 2008
Neal Dunn:
Protect the 2nd Amendment
Protect the 2nd Amendment: The 'Right to Bear Arms' is one of the most fundamental and important rights in the Constitution and needs to be protected.
As a life member of the NRA and a Veteran, I cherish this right and will fight to protect and uphold the 2nd Amendment.
Source: 2016 Florida House campaign website NealDunn.com
Nov 8, 2016
Nikki Fried:
Kicked the NRA out of weapons license permitting
As the only Democrat in Florida's cabinet, Nikki has been our voice in Tallahassee, standing up for our rights, our safety, and our democracy. She kicked the NRA out of weapons license permitting, legalized hemp for farmers, defended
voting rights, and protected our environment. Now, after more than two decades of Republican leadership in Tallahassee, Nikki is running for governor to break Florida's corrupt, rigged system and build a state that gives power back to us.
Source: 2021 Florida Gubernatorial campaign website NikkiFried.com
Jun 30, 2021
Nikki Fried:
Holds medical marijuana card and concealed-weapons permit
Nikki Fried, Florida's agriculture commissioner, declared her candidacy for governor on Tuesday, casting herself as the Democratic Party's best option to defeat Ron DeSantis, the popular Republican incumbent, given her role as the only statewide elected
Democrat. Before winning the 2018 election by just 6,753 votes, Ms. Fried, 43, worked as a Fort Lauderdale-based lawyer and medical marijuana lobbyist. She boasts that she holds both a medical marijuana card and a concealed-weapons permit.
Source: NYTimes.com on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Jun 1, 2021
Nikki Fried:
Kicked the NRA out of weapons license permitting
As the only Democrat in Florida's cabinet, Nikki has been our voice in Tallahassee, standing up for our rights, our safety, and our democracy. She kicked the NRA out of weapons license permitting, legalized hemp for farmers, defended voting rights,
and protected our environment. Now, after more than two decades of Republican leadership in Tallahassee, Nikki is running for governor to break Florida's corrupt, rigged system and build a state that gives power back to us.
Source: 2021 Florida Governor campaign website NikkiFried.com
Oct 27, 2021
Nikki Fried:
Supports common-sense gun violence prevention reforms
Fried supports what she calls "common-sense gun violence prevention reforms." She is a gun owner and holder of a concealed weapons license. The commissioner helped craft HB 809 in 2019, which the Legislature did not approve.
The bill aimed to close loopholes in state gun laws. It would have reduced the term for a concealed weapons permit from seven to five years, required proof of safety training to renew a license and retained fingerprint records.
Source: WPTV Palm Beach NBC-5 on 2022 Florida Gubernatorial race
Jul 2, 2021
Patrick Murphy:
More background checks: close the terrorist gun loophole
Murphy wants tougher gun laws that he says might prevent episodes like the one that saw 49 people killed during the Pulse nightclub tragedy in June. Murphy is challenging Sen. Marco Rubio for his seat--and challenged him to support tougher gun control
legislation."We need somebody who is actually going to show up to work, who acts in the best interest of their community, of their constituents, not some lobby," Murphy said. "Every vote Senator Rubio has taken has proven he is not that senator.
I'm calling on Senator Rubio to embrace reason in order to keep us safe from gun violence."
Murphy says he supports legislation that would close the terrorist gun loophole, demand more thorough background checks on those wanting to purchase guns.
He also supports banning the sale of assault weapons such as the one Omar Mateen used to gun down more 100 people at Pulse nightclub.
Rubio voted against a measure that would have prevented those on the terror watch list from buying weapons.
Source: Washington Times on 2016 Florida Senate race
Aug 4, 2016
Patrick Murphy:
No civilian access to military-style assault weapons
Q: An estimated 300,000 people died from gun violence between 2004 and 2014. On June 12 another 49 people died in a mass shooting in Orlando. Do you support or oppose a federal ban on assault weapons, and do you support or oppose limits on firearms
purchases by someone who is or has been under suspicion of terrorist activities?Patrick E. Murphy: Along with most Floridians, I support background checks for online, gun show, and private gun purchases. I am strongly in favor of closing the
terrorist gun loophole and preventing suspected terrorists from purchasing guns. I also do not believe that civilians need access to military-style assault weapons. After the tragic shooting in Orlando, Floridians are crying out for members of Congress
to come together on these types of reasonable solutions to prevent this violence. This goes to the fundamental responsibility of elected officials to keep their constituents safe and this will be a top priority for me in the U.S. Senate.
Source: Vote411.org League of Women Voters: 2016 Florida Senate Race
Sep 19, 2016
Patrick Murphy:
Expand background checks; bar people on watch lists
Q: On Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation?Murphy: Yes. Expand background checks and bar people on watch lists.
Rubio: No. "Gun laws are not effective."
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Florida Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Philip Levine:
We need gun control reform with a common sense approach
Philip believes it's time to take decisive action to reduce gun violence in our communities and make neighborhoods safe. After the events at Pulse Nightclub and Parkland which took too many lives too soon, we must honor their memories with action.
Philip will:- Ban assault-style-rifles in Florida
- Institute universal background checks for all purchases of firearms
- Reverse preemption and empower local governments to establish common-sense rules that work for their communities.
Source: 2018 Florida Governor campaign website PhilipLevine2018.com
Oct 9, 2018
Rick Scott:
21-year-old age requirement & 3-day wait on gun purchases
Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law a bill imposing a 21-year-old legal age requirement and three-day waiting period on all gun purchases and allowing the arming of some school employees.Within hours, the NRA filed a court challenge to
provisions raising the legal age for buying a rifle or shotgun, asserting that the higher requirement violates the US Constitution.
Final passage of the bill by state lawmakers came three weeks after a gunman opened fire with a semiautomatic
assault-style rifle at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public in Parkland, Florida, killing 17. Swift action in the Republican-controlled statehouse was propelled in large part by an extraordinary counter-lobbying campaign waged by young survivors
from the massacre and parents of the victims.
"Today should serve as an example to the entire country that government can and must move fast," Scott said in remarks before the signing, surrounded by survivors of the shooting and their families.
Source: The Metro on 2018 Florida Gubernatorial race
Mar 9, 2018
Rick Scott:
Raise the legal age to buy all guns to 21 years old
Q: The NRA is suing the state of Florida to block a new law that the governor just signed there, Rick Scott, that would raise the legal age to buy all guns to 21 years old,
the NRA saying that it violates the constitutional rights of 18-to-21-year-old people. What do you make of that? Do you feel like that this law violates the Second Amendment?
How far should the law go in that regard?Sen. Ron JOHNSON (R-WI): I would not support the law. We send our sons and daughters over to Afghanistan, in Iraq.
They defend our freedoms. If they do that, they ought to be able to buy a hunting rifle.
Source: CNN interviews: Florida legislative voting records
Mar 11, 2018
Rick Scott:
Don't ban AR-15s; fully automatic weapons already illegal
Q: The NRA is suing the state of Florida to block a new law that would raise the legal age to buy all guns to 21 years old, the NRA saying that it violates the constitutional rights of 18-to-21-year-old people. Do you feel like that this law violates
the Second Amendment? Sen. Ron JOHNSON (R-WI): I would not support the law. You know, we send our sons and daughters over to Afghanistan, in Iraq. They defend our freedoms. If they do that, they ought to be able to buy a hunting rifle.
Q:
What about an AR-15? 18-year-olds with AR-15s, that's OK?
JOHNSON: We ought to really detail what the operational characteristics are of weapons, rather than just a scary name or a gun that looks a little bit scarier. There are plenty of hunting
weapons that basically have the same operational characteristics. And it's already illegal to have a fully automatic weapon. It's illegal to convert a legal weapon into an automatic weapon.
Source: CNN interviews for 2018 Florida Senate race
Mar 11, 2018
Rick Scott:
Enacted new gun control after high school shooting
Legislative Summary: SB7026: The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act: To comprehensively address the crisis of gun violence, including gun violence on school campuses. SB7026 temporarily restricts firearm possession by a
person undergoing a mental health crisis and when there is a threat of violence.NRA-ILA opposition: The Florida Senate will take up SB-7026, a bill that punishes gun owners, which includes:
- Makes it a felony for any person under
21 to purchase any firearm either privately or from a dealer.
- Minimum 3-Day Waiting Period on ALL FIREARMS.
- Every year it confiscates 10% of the license fees paid by CW license holders to pay for the care of victims of mass shootings.
- Bans the
sale and transfer of Bump Stocks.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/5/18; Passed House 67-50-3 on Mar/7/18; Signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/9/18
Source: NRA-ILA on Florida legislative voting record SB7026
Mar 9, 2018
Rocky De La Fuente:
Prohibit assault weapons; prohibit bump stocks
Q: Should gun rights and gun control laws ban assault weapons? De La Fuente: Prohibit certain models of guns, as was done with the 1994 federal assault weapons ban and Gov. Mitt Romney's legislation in Massachusetts.
Q: Should gun rights and gun
control laws ban bump stocks?
De La Fuente: Prohibit devices that allow weapons to fire artificially fast, similar to fully automatic fire. The Las Vegas gunman used these devices.
Q: Should gun rights and gun control laws bar sales under age 21?
De La Fuente: No one 20 or younger could buy a handgun or rifle
Q: Should gun rights and gun control laws require background checks?
De La Fuente: Private gun sales aren't required to go through background checks. Some governments require the
same sort of checks that are now done by gun dealers. This is often called the gun show loophole.
Q: Should gun rights and gun control laws require safe storage?
De La Fuente: Allow criminal charges to be filed if firearms are not kept locked up.
Source: Palm Beach Post on 2018 Florida Senate race
Nov 1, 2018
Rocky De La Fuente:
Allow open carry in all public places and schools
Q: Should gun rights and gun control laws OK broad concealed carry? De La Fuente: Allow weapons to be carried in places including businesses, schools, parks, churches and bars.
Q: Should gun rights and gun control laws allow open carry?
De La
Fuente: Allow guns to be openly carried.
Q: Should gun rights and gun control laws arm teachers?
De La Fuente: Allow schools to decide whether to allow trained and certified teachers and other staff members on campus to carry weapons
Q: Should gun
rights & gun control laws allow local licensing?
De La Fuente: Allow communities to set their own rules for firearms and conduct background screenings, with approval from the police chief or sheriff
Q: Should gun rights & gun control laws take guns
from mentally ill?
De La Fuente: Remove guns from people who show signs of mental illness.
Q: Should gun rights and gun control laws mandate training?
De La Fuente: Require an initial or periodic gun safety training that covers use and storage.
Source: Palm Beach Post on 2018 Florida Senate race
Nov 1, 2018
Ron DeSantis:
Allow carrying guns openly and on college campuses
DeSantis supports legislation to allow Floridians with concealed weapons permits to carry guns openly and on college campuses. Bills to allow both have failed in the GOP-controlled Legislature in the last three years.He has also criticized the gun
control measures in the bill passed by lawmakers in response to the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The legislation banned rifle sales to those under 21, prohibited bump stocks and placed a three-day waiting
period on all gun sales.
[Democratic gubernatorial opponent Andrew] Gillum called for a series of gun-control measures after the Parkland massacre, including a ban on assault weapons, limiting the size of magazines, banning armor-piercing bullets
and prohibiting guns to those with domestic violence felonies or misdemeanors. The National Rifle Association has given DeSantis an A- grade and Gillum an F.
Source: Orlando Sentinel on 2018 Florida gubernatorial race
Aug 31, 2018
Ron DeSantis:
Concealed carry statewide; open-carry on campuses
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Ron DeSantis (R): No. Solution to gun violence is "'identifying the problem people' rather than enforcing `blanket bans on the rights of law-abiding citizens.'"
Supports allowing Floridians with conceal carry permits to carry openly on campuses.
Andrew Gillum (D): Yes. Called for additional restrictions after Parkland. Sued by NRA over prohibiting firing weapons in public parks.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Florida Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Ross Spano:
Voted NO on new gun control after high school shooting
Legislative Summary: SB7026: The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act: To comprehensively address the crisis of gun violence, including gun violence on school campuses. SB7026 temporarily restricts firearm possession by a
person undergoing a mental health crisis and when there is a threat of violence.NRA-ILA opposition: The Florida Senate will take up SB-7026, a bill that punishes gun owners, which includes:
- Makes it a felony for any person under
21 to purchase any firearm either privately or from a dealer.
- Minimum 3-Day Waiting Period on ALL FIREARMS.
- Every year it confiscates 10% of the license fees paid by CW license holders to pay for the care of victims of mass shootings.
- Bans the
sale and transfer of Bump Stocks.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/5/18; Passed House 67-50-3 on Mar/7/18; State Rep. Ross Spano voted NO; Signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/9/18
Source: NRA-ILA on Florida legislative voting record SB7026
Mar 7, 2018
Rudy Giuliani:
Government can impose reasonable regulations on guns
Q: Why do you believe that citizens should be required to pass an exam in order to exercise their right to protect themselves and their families?A: We have to be very aggressive about enforcing the gun laws that exist.
The Second Amendment gives people an individual right to keep and to bear arms; however, [the] Government can impose reasonable regulations.
Source: 2007 GOP YouTube debate in St. Petersburg, Florida
Nov 28, 2007
Val Demings:
Biden's measured, evidence-based orders will save lives
[On Second Amendment]: "I am sick and tired of watching our children, parents, neighbors, police officers, and friends gunned down in needless acts of violence. President Biden's orders are measured, evidence-based, and carefully targeted. They will
crack down on gun trafficking, ghost guns, and gun modifications that make mass shootings more deadly. They will help local law enforcement remove guns from volatile situations before violence can erupt. Simply put, they will save lives," Demings said.
Source: Florida Daily on 2022 Florida Senate race
Jun 14, 2016
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023