Miami-Dade County now holds the highest number of concealed weapon licenses in Florida, with 186,435 holders, according to data from NBC 6 Miami. This significant figure comes despite the state’s permitless carry law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in April 2023, which allows residents to carry weapons without a permit. Broward County and Palm Beach follow in the rankings with 168,641 and 131,454 licenses, respectively, contributing to a statewide total of approximately 2.4 million licensed individuals.
While many Florida residents continue to obtain licenses, a noticeable decline in attendance at safety courses has emerged, with applications dropping nearly 64% compared to the previous year. The ongoing debate around the permitless carry legislation has raised concerns about potential increases in gun violence, particularly among critics who point to past tragedies such as the Parkland shooting and the Pulse nightclub shooting. Various factors, including compliance with reciprocal state laws and the desire to demonstrate responsible gun ownership, drive many to choose licensing despite the new regulations.
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