Legislation that would lower the age to purchase firearms in Florida is moving to the House floor, reversing restrictions put in place after the Parkland shooting. The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill on a 16-6 vote, allowing 18-year-olds to buy firearms, including those used in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Family members of Parkland victims spoke out against the bill, arguing that it would betray the policy response implemented after the tragedy. However, supporters say it is important to restore the Second Amendment rights of adult Floridians and that the previous restrictions did not address the root cause of the shooting. Gun rights advocates argue that adults under 21 should be allowed to purchase firearms and that gun control measures would not have prevented the Parkland tragedy. Democrats in the committee pointed to a court ruling upholding the previous restrictions, questioning the need for allowing 18-year-olds to own firearms. Despite passing in the House in previous sessions, a similar bill has not advanced in the Senate. The debate continues as lawmakers consider the implications of lowering the age to purchase firearms in Florida.
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