Florida is likely to become the latest state to allow citizens to carry concealed firearms in most public spaces without obtaining a permit from the government, giving Governor DeSantis, a potential presidential candidate, another conservative-friendly notch in his belt. 

At a press conference announcing the introduction of the bill, the Sunshine State’s house speaker, Paul Renner, hailed the legislation as Florida enshrining the “universal right” to keep and bear arms. Mr. Renner was joined by a number of his colleagues, law enforcement officials, and Second Amendment advocates. 

The legislation, which is likely to be adopted, has been a long-sought goal of the National Rifle Association, which has successfully pushed for constitutional carry measures in 25 states.

“The NRA is proud to have led this effort across America and looks forward to welcoming Florida into the fold of freedom that constitutional carry provides,” the Florida NRA director, Art Thomm, said at the press conference. 

Mr. DeSantis has been a longtime supporter of the measure, but did not make it a priority during his first term. In the last few months, though, he has said the “freedom to carry” is something he has “always supported.”

Florida joining the fray of constitutional carry states in 2023 is a marked success for Second Amendment advocates, and could bolster the DeSantis 2024 campaign. Republicans have controlled every branch of the Florida state government for nearly 25 years, but have not acted on such a measure.

States began adopting constitutional carry measures after the 2010 tea party wave, and the trend has picked up steam in recent years. Since 2010, 24 states have adopted similar legislation.

Of all potential Republican presidential candidates, Mr. DeSantis would have one of the strongest Second Amendment records. The South Carolina legislature refused to pass constitutional carry while Nikki Haley was governor; Vice President Pence’s home state of Indiana did not adopt the measure until last year; and Secretary Pompeo had little to do with firearms policy during his time in the House of Representatives. President Trump, during his time in the White House, made no major change to federal firearms law. 

Mr. DeSantis could argue that he did more than any other candidate to expand Second Amendment rights. The bill would require citizens to complete the standard background check, however, and would not allow individuals to openly carry firearms — they would need to remain concealed. Citizens would also be required to present state identification to law enforcement if they are asked. 

Critics of the bill as currently written include a former state representative, Anthony Sabatini, who left his seat to unsuccessfully run for Congress in 2022. “The Bill allows permitless carry — but does NOT allow for open carry,” Mr. Sabatini said in a tweet. “BIG win for Woke Disney — HUGE loss for conservatives.” 

The bill would also restrict where firearms could be carried. Concealed carry would not be permitted in locations such as schools, athletic events, or meetings of the state legislature. 

Mr. Sabatini previously called for the legislature to convene in a special session to allow citizens to carry weapons openly without a permit, something the legislation introduced today would not do.