Following a nationwide trend, Florida updated its longstanding gun laws and stripped away the permit requirement for concealed carry in the state. The lack of a permit for concealed carry does not necessarily mean that firearm owners, as a whole, are more or less likely to negligently or recklessly use their guns. In addition, the lack of firearm permit requirements does not change the fact that injured parties can still pursue personal injury claims to recover what they are owed.
Regardless of your beliefs on gun control and mandatory licensing/training, everyone understands that firearms have the potential to do serious harm. Floridians injured by firearms have a tremendously difficult time readjusting to daily life, especially if their injuries prevent them from working and supporting their family. That’s why working with experienced personal injury attorneys like Probinsky & Cole is so important following a firearm injury. Our team is ready to fight for what is right and explore every compensation option available following your firearm injury in Florida.
Florida’s Firearm Law Adjustments
Florida upended its gun regulations back in July of 2023 when the state enacted permit-less concealed carry. Previously, a concealed carry license required applicants to undergo background checks and firearm safety training. Now, most qualified firearm owners can conceal carry without the need to apply with the state. However, unlike some other states that have significantly loosened gun laws in recent years, open carry in Florida remains prohibited in most public spaces.
While a permit is no longer required for concealed carry, anyone concealed carrying still must meet specific criteria, including:
- They must be at least 21 years old
- They must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- They must not have a felony conviction
- They cannot have any recent history of substance abuse
- They are not otherwise prohibited by Florida or federal law from owning a firearm.
Soon after the law, there was a noticeable drop in permit applications and the once-required safety classes and training. This might indicate that fewer firearm owners are up-to-date on training that keeps themselves and the public safe from accidental discharges or reckless use.
Injuries Due to Firearms in Florida
Even though Florida allows greater access to firearms, whether or not someone legally possesses a firearm does not significantly change the personal injury options for victims. The key factor in personal injury claims involving firearms remains negligence, which generally occurs when a firearm user fails to exercise reasonable care and causes harm to another person.
Remember, possession in certain circumstances without permitting might be legal, but how someone handles the firearm is still massively important. If an individual discharges a gun recklessly, whether while mishandling it, failing to check if it was loaded, or engaging in horseplay, they might be liable for any injuries they cause. The same liability can apply if the firearm owner unlawfully provides access to another person, including young children, who then injure someone else.
If you suffered an injury due to a firearm in Florida, you have other ways to receive compensation aside from going after the individual. Imagine you’re entering a local business when suddenly, someone robs you with a firearm and inflicts serious injury. The property owners may be partially liable if their property is unsafe for public use, which might be the case if they forgo adequate lighting or security on the premises.
Regardless of the circumstances, the main thing to remember is that you should not suffer in silence after a firearm injury. You likely have multiple compensation paths available to help you recover after a serious Florida firearm injury, and Probinsky & Cole is ready to help. Call today to schedule your free consultation with our experienced attorneys.
