FL H1343

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services must continually maintain an online application process for concealed weapons and firearms licenses and cannot arbitrarily or subjectively restrict access to the process.

Legislature finds it necessary to provide statewide uniform standards for issuing concealed carry licenses and to prevent qualified, law-abiding persons from being subjectively or arbitrarily denied their rights.

Department cannot regulate or restrict license issuance beyond provisions in this section, and any subjective or arbitrary actions that create additional burdens on applicants beyond sworn statements and specified documents are prohibited.

Court shall award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party in civil actions to enforce any provision of this subsection upon finding a violation by the department.

This section shall be liberally construed to carry out the constitutional right to bear arms for self-defense and is supplemental to existing rights to bear arms.

Effective date: July 1, 2021.