Florida Legislature Considers Repeal of Gun Age Law Amid Mass Shooting Concerns

Florida lawmakers are moving to repeal a gun safety law enacted after the 2018 Parkland school shooting, which raised the minimum age to purchase rifles and shotguns from 18 to 21. This legislative push comes despite a recent shooting at Florida State University by a 20-year-old student using his mother's service weapon, which renewed concerns about gun violence on campuses. While some families of Parkland victims and survivors express deep frustration and call for change, advocates for repealing the law argue that the initial reform was a reaction to heightened emotions. Even with the current age restriction, Florida has continued to experience gunfire incidents at schools, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing laws. The debate reflects a broader national divide over gun control, with young people and advocacy groups voicing diverse perspectives as the state Senate considers the proposed repeal.