Appeals Court Upholds Florida Gun Age Law

A federal appeals court affirms Florida’s law that raises the minimum age to purchase rifles and long guns from 18 to 21, reinforcing the regulation as consistent with historical firearm practices. The 8-4 ruling by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals follows seven years of contention sparked by the NRA’s challenge to the law, enacted in response to the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that claimed 17 lives.

This ruling not only underscores the court’s reliance on historical interpretations of the Second Amendment but also raises questions about future state and federal laws regarding age restrictions on firearm purchases. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated he would not defend the law, while ongoing bills in the state legislature are pushing for its repeal. Advocates for the law argue it is a critical measure for public safety, emphasizing that the age restrictions are designed to prevent access to firearms for those deemed too immature to handle such responsibility.

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