[WOBBLY BOB]

I’m not in FL, so maybe someone can answer this who is :

Has there been a problem with a rash of permit-holders committing gun crimes there and is this bill a response to that?

[bill1952]

I am in Florida, and the answer is no.
Just someone trying to exploit a real or perceived crack in the system to further a goal.

[jwparkerjr]

I am in Florida and I pay close attention to the news on a daily basis. I am not aware of any person in Florida who has a valid concealed weapons permit being accused, let alone, convicted of using a weapon in a crime.

I remember only too well the days before the law was passed and signed that every newspaper carried editorials warning of the blood bath that would occur as citizens with the state’s approval of carrying a concealed weapon would escalate every traffic disagreement into a scene from the wild west. Well, it never happened.

I am familiar with a situation where someone who was convicted of a felony 45 plus years ago has been denied a permit despite a full and complete pardon granted several years after the offense. Not only can he not get the weapons permit, he also can’t work in any number of jobs. The legislature simply refused to recognize the governor’s unlimited constitutional authority to grant a full pardon and restore all of the defendant’s rights and wrote into a number of laws the stipulation that a full pardon did not restore the defendant’s right to bear arms. Several lawyers have been very willing to help pursue the matter, but at prices ranging up to $10,000. All agree the legislature has violated the separation of powers concept, that the constitution grants that power of the pardon to the executive branch, the governor and a majority of the State Cabinet.