Florida: New CCW Permits Way Up
You are responsible for your own safety. That’s the message from this Daytona Beach News Journal story:
The bursts from handguns at an indoor shooting range echo the growing number of persons in Florida carrying concealed weapons.
“We get new shooters all the time,” said Brian Sherman, 24, owner of E-Z Gun & Pawn Inc. and Hot Shot Indoor Shooting Range on North Nova Road. “Sometimes up to 30 new shooters a day, and on some Saturdays there can be a two-hour wait.”
The increase coincides with a boost in new concealed weapons licenses issued over the past five years — up 101.6 percent from 2001 according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing.
From July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002, new licenses totaled 36,306. The same time period in 2006-2007 saw 73,179 new licenses issued.
Experts say it’s a direct response to an increase in violent crime in Florida. Well, that makes sense. If there’s a drought, bottled water sales go up. If fire ants are out of control, pesticide sales go up. Criminals out of control? Guns and CCW permits should go up.
Naturally, Peter Hamm of the Brady Bunch is in shock:
Peter Hamm, spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence based in Washington, D.C., said Florida makes getting a gun permit too easy.
“Florida has gone gun-culture mad, with two governors in a row telling people who feel threatened that you should feel free to use deadly force,” he said.
Actually, I think the problem is that Florida, along with many other states, has gone gang and drug violence crazy and prosecutors and judges are refusing to lock this garbage up for more than a token incarceration.
4 Responses to “Florida: New CCW Permits Way Up”
on 10 Sep 2007 at 1:21 pm # jack
What the hell does “too easy” mean? I’m looking at the Florida firearms laws (state laws and published ordinances-26th edition by ATF). 20 pages. Give me a break! Jack.
on 10 Sep 2007 at 9:42 pm # Gregg
Why are people in FLA getting CCW permits? The combination of real estate tax reductions and crashing real estate values, most cities and counties are having to cut back on law enforcement spending. Doesn’t help that most budgets assumed real estate values would continue to increase 50% per year forever. I have several friends in law enforcement, and they encouraged me to get a permit - any honest poice officer will admit they usually show up in time to clean-up the crime scene.
As a “gun nut” myself, it gives me hope to see the CCW classes at the FLL Gun Show filled to capacity - not to mention the thousands of people leaving the show carrying big boxes! It’s even better to see so many of these people actually taking the time to learn how to use their new purchases.
Sorry Mr Hamm - it appears there are many people if FLA who still like to do their own thinking.
on 10 Sep 2007 at 9:48 pm # Linoge
I lived in Florida for a little more than a year, and never once saw a firearm in public. That said, I did feel some degree safer due to the fact that I knew that a non-zero percentage of the population was legally licensed to carry a concealed firearm, and was probably doing so as I thought. In fact, I even went so far as to procure a license myself, even though I do not own a pistol I would carry, and even though I was planning on moving only a few months after procuring the permit. Why, in that case? First off, FL’s permit is accepted in a few other states, so if I ever end up there, it would be useful. Second, if I ever go back to FL, it is good for five years. Third, because it made a point, and added to the statistics you see above.
Am I a gun-nut? Maybe. Something tells me the real gun-nuts would be offended at someone with only a single rifle and single pistol, living in Kalifornistan, being lumped together with them. But I do have a strong sense of personal responsibility, and standing up for one’s rights when one can.
on 20 Sep 2007 at 4:23 am # Korr
Glad to see ownership going up! My wife and I recently vacationed in Florida (reciprocity w/ Alaskan CCW) and even then I packed a S&W 340PD. I feel it’s irresponsible not to… especially as a husband and father. We plan to move to Florida next year and we’ll both absolutely carry.
Side note:
The 340PD (a ultralight 5rnd .357mag) is actually her’s, but I find myself grabbing it and putting it in a pocket holster instead of grabbing my Glock 36 (singlestack 7rnd .45acp). Anyone looking for a very potent carry gun, or a replacement to your current carry gun that spends most it’s time at home, check out the 340PD. 5 rounds in-hand beats 10 rounds left at home.