Policy Analysis in Criminal Justice: Florida's Gun Policy

Florida's Gun Policy Analysis
Jacqueline Mesidor
Keiser University
MACJ520G1-101102022
Dr. Rochelle McGee-Cobbs
February 17, 2022
Florida's Gun Policy Analysis
Introduction
Florida was among the first states to implement gun laws in 1894. Indeed, it is illegal to carry a firearm or weapon openly in Florida. The most significant thing about this state is that it emphasizes the United States of America’s (USA) Supreme Court Second Amendment that gives Americans the right to have and keep firearms for self-defense. The USA’s Constitution permits people to own and carry firearms for their general safety. As long as an individual is at least 21 years old and mentally healthy, one can apply for a license to own a concealed weapon from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). Permit processing takes between 50 and 55 days. Based on Florida’s Supreme Court, despite people having the constitutional right to carry concealed firearms for self-protection, individuals should not do it without a license. The license allows people to own and go with concealed weapons on their bodies or cars. An individual who is caught carrying a firearm without a permit is charged for committing a first-degree misdemeanor, which has a jail term of about a year. However, even with a gun license, the weapon should not be carried openly. For instance, one can keep it under the pant, shirt, or jacket. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the appropriateness of Florida’s gun laws, problems that can be caused by mishandling of weapons, and how the policy can be improved.
Description of the Problem
Florida emphasizes public safety. Both residents and non-residents from states that honor Florida’s gun laws have the right to protect themselves. However, the gun policy ensures that people do not bear or keep weapons intending to use them for other purposes apart from self-defense. Firearms ownership and usage has been a controversial topic in the USA, and without proper regulation, it might lead to increased rates of gun violence. The core problem related to Florida’s gun laws is the misuse of weapons. Licensed individuals are mandated to keep their weapons safely. They are entitled to avoid unauthorized people from getting hold of them since they can misuse these firearms and harm innocent people. In that light, Florida’s gun policy is important since it controls the use of firearms. Gun owners are required to report when their weapons get lost. The law requires individuals with permits to bear weapons to keep them away from the sight of others when carrying them on their bodies or vehicles (The Florida Senate, 2022). Specifically, it posits that any firearm should be carried in a concealed manner that others cannot see it. For example, the weapon can be hidden under a person’s shirt, pants, in a holster, or one’s jacket. That way, other individuals cannot feel uncomfortable, anxious, fearful, or get intimidated since not everyone likes to see a gun with a civilian publicly.
Under specific conditions, a person without a permit can carry a firearm in Florida, which poses danger to the public. First, individuals aged 18 years and above are allowed to carry weapons while...