__________________________________ FLORIDA RIGHT TO CARRY FACTS Published February, 1995 Florida's right to carry a concealed firearm law took effect October 1, 1987 In the 7 years 4 months (8 years now) that Florida's self-defense reform law has been in effect, it has been a monumental success - even the few detractors who originally opposed it now admit they were wrong in their fears and opposition. Consider The Following Facts: 262,176 licenses have been issued. (According to the Florida Department of State, there were 262,488 licenses issued between October 1, 1987 and December 31, 1994. Of those 262,488, only 18 licenses have had to be revoked for a crime that in some way involved a firearm.) Only 18 licenses have had to be revoked for a crime that in some way involved a firearm. (Includes carrying into a prohibited place, unlawfully firing into the air during a celebration, DUI while in possession, etc.) Florida's law-abiding citizens are licensed to carry any legal handgun of their choosing - concealed on the person. It is a system that licenses people - not guns. Florida's law does not attempt to register firearms or require license holders to take separate courses for different types of firearms. Florida's law requires applicants to provide documentation that they have had training in the safe use and handling of firearms. It liberally allows applicants to select the course they wish to take or provide documentation of previous training. It does not attempt to set up a bureaucratic course with criteria established by government officials (or law enforcement) which would be cumbersome for government and abusive for applicants. According to John Russi, Director of the Division of Licensing, not one licensee has accidentally injured himself or another person as a result of lack of training. The licensing criteria is designed to allow law-abiding people to carry concealed firearms for protection. It is a system that trusts the people and Florida citizens have proven themselves worthy of that trust. The license is a license to carry - not a license to use. The legal use of firearms (justifiable use of deadly force) is already defined in another body of law. All of the major law-enforcement groups in Florida (Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Police Benevolent Association, Florida Peace Officers Association, Florida Fraternal Order of Police, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement) supported passage of the law. None of the law enforcement groups have either altered or withdrawn their support. Since 1987, when the right to carry law went into effect, Florida's homicide rate has dropped 22%, while the national rate has risen 15%. _____________________________________________ Fact sheet compiled 1/95 by * Unified Sportsmen of Florida * P.O. Box 6565 * Tallahassee, FL 32314, (904) 222-9518 The following letter concerning Florida's "Right to Carry Law" from Florida's Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) was distributed on official Department letterhead to Florida officials. MEMORANDUM TO: Office of the Governor Office of the Attorney General Office of the Secretary of State FROM: Commissioner James T. Moore SUBJECT: Florida's Concealed Weapons Program Over the past several months this department has received numerous inquiries from media in several states regarding Florida's Concealed Weapons Program. Recently, the frequency of the calls has increased as bills are introduced in the various legislative assemblies which are considering concealed firearms laws. The vast majority of the media questions deal with the impact of Florida's Concealed Weapons program on crime in the state. It appears that sponsors and/or proponents of the proposed bills are representing that Florida's program is responsible for the recent downturn in Florida's overall crime rate. Given the continuing interest in this issue, it is likely many of us will continue to receive calls from the media. Accordingly, following is a brief summary, in general terms, of this department's responses to questions regarding Florida's experience with concealed weapons permitting and its impact on crime. These responses were coordinated with the Office of the Secretary of State. 1. From a law enforcement perspective, the licensing process has not resulted in problems in the community from people arming themselves with concealed weapons. The strict provisions of 790.06, Florida Statutes, preclude the licensing of convicted felons, etc., thus allowing the permitting of law abiding citizens who do not routinely commit crimes or otherwise violate the law. 2. Since the program's inception October 1, 1987, through January 31, 1995, a total of 266,710 permits have been issued. During that same time period, 470 permits have been revoked. Of that number, 242 revocations were for crimes committed by the licensee after issuance, 19 of which involved the use of a firearm. 3. No formula exists which is capable of establishing a link between the existence of Florida's Concealed Weapons Program to any increases or decreases in crime in the state. We will not speculate regarding various perceptions which suggest the law is directly tied to any upturn or downturn in crime. =+=+= This information is presented as a service to the Internet community by the NRA/ILA. Some useful URLs: http://WWW.NRA.Org, gopher://GOPHER.NRA.Org, wais://WAIS.NRA.Org, ftp://FTP.NRA.Org, mailto:LISTPROC@NRA.Org (Send the word help as the body of a message) Information can also be obtained by connecting to the NRA-ILA GUN-TALK BBS at (703) 934-2121. NRA.org is maintained by Mainstream.com mailto:info@mainstream.com _____________________________ Hope this is of use.