DeSantis signs Florida permitless concealed carry into law

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed into law legislation that would eliminate the requirement that an individual obtain a concealed carry permit prior to carrying a firearm for self-defense on their person.

So long as the carrier also possesses a valid I.D. and is able to provide it should a law enforcement officer demand it, a gun owner needs no other authorization to concealed carry a firearm, CBS News reported.

Previously, those seeking to concealed carry a weapon needed to secure a permit, which required an individual to both pass a background check and take a firearms safety course, as well as meet certain citizenship and residency requirements, according to the Pensacola News Journal.

The bill does not permit the open carrying of firearms and Florida state law still bans such a practice. Individuals carrying a firearm must hide it from view. The law will take effect July 1.

The law's passage makes Florida the 26th state to eliminate the requirement that one obtain a permit to concealed carry. 

Florida's gun laws contrast with some "constitutional carry" states that also allow for open carry without a permit, according to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.