Florida: State's gun law silences citizens and compromises public safety :: 02/17/2012

Commentary: State's gun law silences citizens and compromises public safety

In October, Florida Statutes Chapter 790.33, a law declaring that the state is "occupying the whole field of regulation of firearms and ammunition," took effect. The law renders all county and municipal firearm regulations null and void. Officials who fail to repeal local gun laws or enact new ones face fines and even removal from office.

After the law took effect, Palm Beach County was forced to repeal sensible laws, such as those designed to keep guns out of day-care centers and those prohibiting the discharge of firearms in urban areas. The county is challenging the law, arguing that its potential penalties are unconstitutional.

A good illustration of how Chapter 790.33 compromises public safety and undermines the authority of locally elected officials came three weeks ago in Hernando County, north of Tampa. A resident had submitted an application for a special permit to open a gun dealership from his home. Neighbors opposing this application collected nearly 300 signatures on a petition. The concerns revolved around quality of life, public safety and financial issues.