Federal Appeals Court Upholds Florida Gun Purchase Age Law

A federal appeals court has upheld the constitutionality of a Florida law that increases the minimum age for purchasing rifles and long guns from 18 to 21, a decision resulting from a lengthy legal battle initiated by the National Rifle Association (NRA) after the tragic Parkland school shooting in 2018. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 8-4, affirming that the law is consistent with the historical tradition of firearm regulation in the United States. Chief Judge William Pryor highlighted that while the law prohibits sales to those under 21, it allows them to receive firearms as gifts. The future of the law remains uncertain, as Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has stated he will not defend it, and there are calls to repeal the restriction from state lawmakers. Dissenting opinions argue against the historical basis for the age limit, suggesting it conflicts with the Second Amendment's original intent. The legal and political debates surrounding this ruling are likely to continue as stakeholders assess its implications.