It’s a new year in Florida, which means a new legislative session is officially underway—and Gun Owners of America is once again on the front lines in Tallahassee, fighting to defend your Second Amendment rights.

That’s why GOA needs you to contact your State Senator and demand that they introduce a Senate companion bill to repeal Florida’s Under-21 Purchase Ban and Red Flag law.

Below is an update on our major 2025 legal victory and the critical legislative battles now unfolding.

GOA’s very own Luis Valdes signed the settlement agreement with the State of Florida, securing Open Carry for the Sunshine State.

Major Legal Victory: GOA v. Del Toro

After a year-long court battle, the State of Florida formally agreed with Gun Owners of America that the open carry of firearms—whether fully, partially, or momentarily visible—is “covered by” and “presumptively protected” by the plain text of the Second Amendment.

The State further acknowledged that Florida’s open carry ban under § 790.053(1) is incompatible with the Second Amendment because there is no historical tradition supporting such a restriction. To the contrary, history confirms that the right to bear arms in public necessarily includes the right to do so openly.

As a result of this lawsuit, Florida law enforcement agencies must now conform their practices to this constitutional standard. The State of Florida has also agreed that it will not enforce—or cause to be enforced—Fla. Stat. § 790.053(1).

This victory happened for one reason: GOA took Florida to court when lawmakers refused to do their jobs.

Repeal of Florida’s Under-21 Purchase Ban

For the fourth consecutive year, legislation to repeal Florida’s unconstitutional Under-21 Firearm Purchase Ban has been introduced in the Florida House.

Once again, Gun Owners of America fought tooth and nail to push this bill forward. Thanks to relentless advocacy and grassroots pressure, HB 133 passed both the Criminal Justice Subcommittee and the Judiciary Committee.

The bill is now headed to the House floor in January for full debate and a vote.

Repeal of Florida’s Red Flag Law

Since 2018, Florida’s Red Flag law has trampled the Fourth and Fifth Amendments under the guise of public safety—while directly undermining the Second Amendment.

Representative Tyler Sirois has introduced HB 6029, legislation that would repeal Florida’s Red Flag law and restore due process protections for law-abiding citizens. If enacted, this bill would correct a serious constitutional injustice and reaffirm the right to keep and bear arms.

This is meaningful progress—but the fight is far from over.

GOA’s open carry battle is a clear warning of what we face in Tallahassee. Despite campaigning as “pro-gun,” Florida’s Republican supermajority refused for more than a decade to repeal Janet Reno’s open carry ban.

GOA was forced to secure that victory in court because lawmakers would not act.

We now face a similar roadblock with the Under-21 Purchase Ban and the repeal of the Red Flag law. As long as Senator Ben Albritton remains Senate President, gun owners face an uphill battle. He has once again stated that he will block pro-gun legislation—including HB 133 and HB 6029—from advancing in the Senate.

That is why your involvement is critical.

Your State Senator works for you—not for Ben Albritton.

You must demand that your Senator file Senate companion bills for HB 133 and HB 6029 and push leadership to allow these bills to move.

Gun Owners of America will continue fighting for your rights in the legislature and in the courts—but we need you standing with us.

Stay engaged.

Stay informed.

Stay ready to act.

Contact your State Senator and demand that they introduce a Senate companion bill to HB 133 & HB 6029.

In Liberty,

Luis Valdes
Florida State Director
Gun Owners of America