Florida House Bill H0279

Florida 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/26/23
• Refer: 11/13/23
• Failed: 3/8/24

Caption

Assault Weapons and Large-capacity Magazines

Impact

The new regulations imposed by HB 0279 will notably impact current Florida gun laws, including the manner in which individuals may possess, sell, or transfer assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. This bill aims to reduce access to firearms that proponents argue contribute to gun violence. Consequently, some residents may find themselves in violation of the law if they fail to secure proper certification for weapons they may have legally purchased in the past. As a result, this legislation could lead to increased scrutiny on firearm sales and regulation enforcement within the state.

Summary

House Bill 0279 seeks to establish stricter regulations regarding the ownership and transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Florida. The bill defines what constitutes an assault weapon, listing several specific firearms and categories, and prohibits the sale or transfer of such weapons unless specific conditions are met. Individuals who currently possess these weapons will be required to apply for a certificate of possession by a specified date, effectively regulating who can keep such items legally. Violators of the regulations, including those who sell or transfer weapons unlawfully, face serious criminal penalties, which include felonies and mandatory minimum sentences.

Contention

The proposed legislation is likely to face significant opposition on various fronts. Opponents argue that the bill infringes upon Second Amendment rights and could push responsible gun owners into criminality inadvertently. There are concerns about the implications of requiring a certificate of possession, with critics suggesting it creates an unnecessary barrier to law-abiding citizens. Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, argue that these measures are essential for public safety and would help to decrease gun-related incidents in the state.