Breaking News
DeSantis Bans Local Governments From Enforcing Own Gun Laws
Specifically, DeSantis signed SB 1884, which expands on an existing Florida law that restricts local governments from implementing their own gun control regulations.
RELATED: DeSantis Announces $1000 Bonus for First Responders
SB 1184 Prohibits Local Governments From Enacting Their Own Gun Laws
DeSantis signed SB 1184 into law, which will take effect July 1. Local governments will have to pay up to $100,000 in damages if residents sue them for imposing gun regulations.
The governor signed it a month after a 1st District Court of Appeals upheld Florida’s 2011 law. This law imposes penalties to cities and counties if they approve their own gun laws that are stricter than state laws.
According to SB 1184, any individual or organization may sue any Florida local government if the latter’s written or unwritten policy adversely affects them.
Consequently, plaintiffs can collect incurred damages of up to $100,000. Interest on the sums awarded will also figure into the total. Since 1987, Florida banned local governments from imposing their own gun control laws if they are stricter than state laws.
Sending A Message
Representative Cord Byrd, a Neptune Beach Republican, is the House sponsor of SB 1184. He said he filed the bill to “send a message” to local governments.
“I brought this forward so that local governments will once and for all stop violating the rights and stop wasting taxpayer money,” said Byrd, who is a Second Amendment rights attorney.
Under the 2011 law, local governments are on the hook for up to $100,000 in damages and attorney fees if found guilty of violating the 1987 preemption on gun regulations.
In addition, local officials face $5,000 fines and potential removal from office for passing gun regulations. SB 1184 will broaden the 2011 law in two ways.
Also, it allows lawsuits even for unwritten laws and policies that violate gun regulation. Plus, the new law will force local governments to pay damages and attorney fees even if they reverse their policies. This potentially blocks arguments about the mootness of lawsuits.
Democrats Oppose SB 1184
Expectedly, Florida Democrats fussed about the new law. They argued that the state government shouldn’t penalize cities and counties for trying to enact their own gun laws.
In addition, they pointed to incidents such as the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. “If the state doesn’t want to take any action against the gun lobby, stop prohibiting local governments from doing that,” Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando), said during the debate.
Earlier, attorneys for the local governments filed a motion on April 23 requesting that the 1st District Court of Appeal send key issues to the Supreme Court. This request, also known as “certifying questions of great public importance,” has yet to hear from the appeals court. As of Monday morning, the Tallahassee appeals court has not issued any replies.
DeSantis Doing Things Right In Florida
Meanwhile, Governor DeSantis continues to ride a wave of national popularity as he guns for a possible 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
DeSantis gained positive points for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Many of his policies run counter to what the federal government wants with regard to placing COVID-19 restrictions.
However, Florida ended up enjoying the relative freedom of movement while reporting fewer cases of coronavirus.
In addition, DeSantis awarded bonuses to Florida’s first responders and sent a strong message to rioters that they’re not welcome in Florida.
Also, he slammed the Biden administration for not following the science on reopening schools and banned biological males from competing in women’s sports. He also refused to recognize vaccine passports as a virtual license to travel.
Watch the CBS news video reporting that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Bill Banning Local Gun Regulations:
Loading ...Do you support DeSantis’ decision to ban local governments from implementing stricter gun controls? Or, do you find this decision restrictive?
Let us know what you think of SB 1184, and of Governor Ron DeSantis. Share your comments below.
21 Comments
Finally someone is taking action to protect & actually enforce our second amendment rights. I have been sickened by the way the government has been able to bulldoze us by using the local law enforcement to just do what they want to people based on each officers personal opinion on what they feel is right whether its against our constitutional rights or not isn’t even taken into account like we dont have a second amendment at all. Then each person has to fight their way out of the false charges & try to rebuild public opinion of ourselves though the damage is already done. Ive seen countless injustices happen day after day concerning the second amendment rights we are supposed to have with one official backing the one before like what they say or have done is correct just because they carry the said title of whatever authority. This gives them a freedom to get away with abusing our rights knowing they have numerous co-workers (or co-conspirators I should say) to keep their crap from being questioned.
Take note you cowardly spineless sellout Republicans politicians!! This is how you protect the Constitution of the United States and the people who live under its umbrella!!
I say, fight to keep and support the Constitution as it was written and stop this endless splintering of groups.
We need many more Ron DeSantis’s in American politics!
OK Governor Abbott, it’s your (our) turn. Let’s Roll!
I think it is great that Governor Desantis is strong enough to uphold the US Constitution and abiding by the Second Amendment. I hope he runs for President! He has my vote. We need more people like him in politics versus the commie left in this country. Let freedom ring.
Good call Ron. Also run for Pres. You would be good Pres! You have my family’s vote also C C Conkwright. St Louis Mo. Former Marine
Yes I do support local governments controlling our 2nd amend. rights. However I do believe that a business should have the right to prohibit guns on their property. We can just go to an other business that honors our rights. I could not see from this article if this bill is only for the local governments only or for business also.
Remember that part in the Fourteenth Amendment that says, “No State shall make or enforce any law that infringes the privileges and immunities of citizens of the United States”? Well, Gov. DeSantis just signed a law that says a good part of “No governing unit shall make or enforce any law or ordinance that infringes the privileges and immunities of citizens and lawful residents of the State of Florida.” Same principle.
Someone with Some Gray matter. He is GOD Sent. Has a Good Backbone & a Moral Compass 2 Boot! He is going places. PRAY 4 HIM.
The government including the president needs to spend their time controlling the criminals in our country. They need to stop trying to make victims out of the rest if us. Also parents need to teach their kids right from wrong. We have always had loaded guns in our house growing up. But you were not allowed to touch them without our father their. These kids now dats think they can do whatever they want. This thinking needs to stop. I hope more governors have the balls to do the same. I hope this one runs for president. He can count on my vote.
Yes I read the comments about infringement on our rights by county governments and I agree , with all who stand for our rights and I wish my governor was more like governor DeSantis
Wow. So 100% of your readers (excluding me) think that there should be ZERO local autonomy. Sounds like democaracy in action to me — total rule from the top! What do we local yokels know? Just sayin’…
Now, if other governors would show some stones and follow suit!!! Thank you Gov DeSantis!!!
It is most refreshing, and a relief to actually see an elected official that actually represents the constituents for which he was elected. This action also upholds our US Constitution. That is becoming increasingly rare to see in action these days. What Governor DeSantis is doing requires a lot of deep thought, reflection, prayer, and then decisiveness. Lastly, it requires an enormous amount of courage, and conviction. The naysayers on the left (too numerous to be counted) and in the (Parrot useless) news-media types, they outnumber people like Governor DeSantis 1000 to 1. God bless Governor DeSantis, the state that I live in (California) I fear is a completely lost cause. California’s Gavin Newsom is at best a Socialist, and at worst a Marxist. Prayers for all continuing to fight the good fight.
Wow, if only DeSantis could replace the crook Newsome. CA wouod turn around so quick! A politician that eecognizes and respects the constitution, what a novel comcept. Get rid pf all the rest!
Others should follow his lead and do the same.
Governor Desantis needs to run for President! How ridiculously idiotic we have become with the incompetence in our government! Remember people another person and country took guns away and “ promised to be the good of the people “ His name was Hitler and we see just how well that worked out !!!! God bless you Governor Desantis
What part of “shall not be infringed ” dont you fuckin Libtards understand ?! Law abiding citizens all ways take the heat for the criminals, just government being assholes over their failed leadership ! God bless DeSantis for taking a stand
We don’t need permission from no one to bare arms , not this guy saying he saved us bullshit , we already have this right and these pieces of shit corporate dictators don’t have the authority to do shit only the BILL OF RIGHTS APPLY ! So stop thanking this guy you don’t need his approval or anyone else’s !
We need governors like DeSantis running the show up here in the northeast. The spineless government or tyrannical governors of the northeast aren’t worth a hill of beans. DeSantis shows how good government should be working for the people that have put him in that position. The respect for our Constitution and its ever lasting rights need to be respect and followed. 🙏 For the Republic to keep its foundation of truth justice and liberty flowing thru the country governors as well a the Congress and Judiciary need to follow in the steps of what the Founding Fathers layd out. Benjamin Franklin was asked about kind of government they had founded? His reply was a Republic if you can keep it. This needs to be fought for on all fronts from the sellouts and spineless politicians maskerading and fraudulently looking for our good.
Just remember people,policy is not law. The individual or individuals that make these policies are people who thinkt they are above the law. Who the F do they think they are!! This isn’t Nazi Germany , this it’s the US of A and don’t anyone ever forget that.