Federal Appeals Court Upholds Florida’s Gun Age Law

In a significant ruling, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Florida's law that raises the minimum age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21. The decision, which was announced on Friday, comes after a challenge to the law that was passed in the wake of the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018.

The law, known as the Public Safety Act, was enacted in response to the Parkland shooting, which left 17 people dead. It not only raised the age requirement for gun purchases but also implemented other measures such as banning bump stocks and implementing a 'red flag' law that allows for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.

The challenge to the age restriction came from the National Rifle Association (NRA), which argued that the law infringed on Second Amendment rights. However, the three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit unanimously disagreed, stating that the age restriction is consistent with historical regulations on firearm purchases and is a reasonable response to the public safety concerns raised by the Parkland shooting.

This ruling marks a significant victory for gun control advocates and those who have been pushing for stricter laws in the wake of mass shootings. It also sets a precedent that could influence similar laws in other states. The decision is likely to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the future of gun control legislation could be further defined.

• 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
• Florida
• Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
• NRA