Florida’s Gun Buying Age Limit Upheld Amid Political Pushback

In a significant legal decision, the full 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Florida's law raising the minimum age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21, dismissing a challenge from the National Rifle Association (NRA). This ruling reaffirms a law enacted in the wake of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, where 17 people were tragically killed.

The decision has sparked a renewed political battle in Florida's Capitol. Republicans, supported by the NRA, are pushing legislation to lower the gun buying age back to 18. Critics, including families of the Parkland victims, view these efforts as a 'slap in the face,' arguing that the law is a necessary measure to prevent future tragedies.

The controversy underscores ongoing debates over gun control and Second Amendment rights in the United States. While some argue that the age restriction infringes on constitutional rights, others emphasize the need for stricter laws to enhance public safety. The political and legal tug-of-war in Florida serves as a microcosm of the national conversation on gun policy.

• 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
• Florida
• NRA
• Parkland