ORLANDO, Fla. — Republican Rep. Bobby Payne has introduced a bill in Florida to reduce the legal age for purchasing firearms from 21 to 18. This bill, which was previously filed in 2023 and supported by House Speaker Paul Renner, aims to give 18 to 20-year-olds the right to purchase guns in the state.
Advocates of the bill, such as fellow Republican Rep. Randy Fine, argue that 19 and 20-year-olds should have the same rights as other adults in the state. However, this move would overturn a law that was put in place in response to the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, where a 19-year-old used a semi-automatic rifle to kill 17 individuals.
The legislation, which was approved by the state legislature and former Gov. Rick Scott, raised the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21. Democratic Party Rep. Anna Eskamani opposes the bill, citing the Parkland shooting as one of the many reasons why the age requirement should not be lowered. She emphasized the loss of 17 lives, most of whom were young people, to gun violence as a compelling reason to maintain the current age restriction.
According to the National Gun Archive, the United States has already experienced five mass shootings in 2024, including a school shooting in Iowa where the perpetrator was only 17 years old. Both sides of the debate acknowledge the importance of addressing mental health issues, but they differ in their approaches to gun control.
The Senate is yet to file a version of Payne’s bill. It remains a contentious issue with strong opinions on both sides. The bill will undoubtedly spark further debate and could potentially shape firearm legislation in Florida.