DeSantis Has Tough Words to Florida Republicans Over Open Carry

When it comes to gun laws, there’s no doubt that Florida is a lot better than somewhere like California. The latter will infringe on the right to keep and bear arms as much as they think they can get away with, while Florida is nowhere in the same league on most things.

So why do I beat up on Florida over not being better on guns?

The answer is simple. California has a profound anti-gun majority. We always know what to expect from the Golden State and they do exactly what we expect. It’s wrong, but it’s what most of the voters in the state keep supporting.

Florida is different, and Gov. Ron DeSantis is just as fed up with what’s been happening as I am.

.@GovRonDeSantis slams the @FloridaGOP Supermajority for blocking gun rights, like Open Carry, despite GOP lawmakers campaigning they’re pro-gun.

Republicans like @Daniel_PerezFL & @Sen_Albritton stand in the way. Blocking @GunOwners‘ pro-gun bills.

GOA will keep fighting. https://t.co/B1yrusrxrb pic.twitter.com/dF9g9N3ech

— Luis Valdes (@RealFLGunLobby) September 8, 2025

I mean, he’s not wrong.

Now, let’s understand that it’s not the totality of the Republicans in the legislature. There are some very good, pro-gun voices there, and they’re working to change things, including passing open carry.

GOA’s Florida director, Luis Valdes, is more than willing to name some names, though.

.@GovRonDeSantis slams the @FloridaGOP Supermajority for blocking gun rights, like Open Carry, despite GOP lawmakers campaigning they’re pro-gun.

Republicans like @Daniel_PerezFL & @Sen_Albritton stand in the way. Blocking @GunOwners‘ pro-gun bills.

GOA will keep fighting. https://t.co/B1yrusrxrb pic.twitter.com/dF9g9N3ech

— Luis Valdes (@RealFLGunLobby) September 8, 2025

Here’s the thing: if you want to be pro-gun, you’ve got to start doing some pro-gun things. Open carry and the repeal of the post-Parkland laws are the absolute minimum.

Years ago, I was at a Second Amendment event in Ocala, Florida. A state lawmaker–I don’t remember who–made the claim that Florida was the freest state in the nation. I about fell out during a conversation when I overheard that. The freest state in the nation? I was able to open carry at that event only because I was camping. Others walked around with a kind of sock over their guns as both a way to follow the law and thumb their noses at it.

Which I didn’t have to do when I got home to Georgia.

Look, Florida’s got a lot going for it, but when you’ve got the kind of supposedly pro-gun majority as the state has, there’s no excuse. Lawmakers who refuse to play ball on guns need to be removed, either from office or from any position of responsibility within the party. The party itself has no say on who the voters elect, but they can put them on the back bench where they belong.

DeSantis is clearly upset that his supermajority in the legislature isn’t translating into pro-gun action. He’s got every reason to be upset about it. Florida is the most restrictive pro-gun state in the country, and there’s absolutely no legitimate reason for it to be.

We’ve gotten more pro-gun moves from states with much tighter legislative balances. If those states can do it, Florida can.

Those who don’t want to let that happen need to be removed from being able to block it. It’s just that simple.

Editor’s Note: President Trump and real Republicans across the country are doing everything they can to protect our Second Amendment rights and right to self-defense.

Help us continue to report on their efforts and legislative successes. Join Bearing Arms VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your VIP membership.