TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Sen. Randy Fine has introduced a bill for the 2025 Florida legislative session that would permit individuals under 21 to purchase firearms.
Senate Bill 94, aims to repeal a law that currently prohibits licensed firearms dealers from selling or transferring firearms to those younger than 21.
Florida implemented this restriction in 2018 following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
The law included exceptions for law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and military service members. Fine’s bill seeks to remove these restrictions entirely.
The News Service of Florida reported in December 2024 that Florida Senate President Ben Albritton has expressed caution regarding the proposal. He stated that he wants to hear from law enforcement officials before forming an opinion.
Albritton, a National Rifle Association (NRA) member, emphasized his respect for law enforcement’s perspective on firearm-related policies.
Albritton signaled opposition to an open-carry proposal. News Service of Florida reported that his position aligned with some gun-rights advocates, citing concerns from law enforcement. The bill filed by Joel Rudman was withdrawn prior to introduction.
Fine has also introduced Senate Bill 814, which would allow concealed carry on college and university campuses, arguing that gun-free zones create a false sense of security and believes students should be able to protect themselves.
He told News4JAX last month that he was inspired by protests on college campuses related to the Israel and Hamas conflict, feeling students were not adequately protected.
Fine’s proposals come at a time when he is running for Florida’s 6th Congressional District, and if he wins, he may not be able to vote on the legislation he proposed.
Fine is seeking to replace U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, who was appointed by President Trump to serve as National Security Advisor.
The Florida legislative session is set to begin tomorrow, March 4.
