NRA Takes Florida Gun Age Restriction to Supreme Court

Gun Rights Organization Challenges Age-Based Purchase Ban

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has escalated its ongoing legal battle against Florida's firearm purchase restrictions by petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court. On Friday, the organization formally requested that the high court review Florida's prohibition on firearm purchases by adults under 21 years of age. This move represents the latest development in the NRA's four-year campaign to overturn the 2018 Florida statute that prevents 18-to-20-year-olds from acquiring long guns.

Legal Journey Through Lower Courts

Appellate Court Decisions

The legal challenge faced a significant setback in March when the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit rejected the NRA's arguments. This unfavorable ruling came two years after a three-judge panel from the same court had similarly ruled against the organization. The contested legislation was enacted shortly after the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, which claimed 17 lives, and was signed into law by then-Governor Rick Scott.

State Position Shift

In an unexpected development, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced following the March ruling that his office would not defend the law should the NRA pursue an appeal to the Supreme Court. Uthmeier expressed his position on social media, stating: "Notwithstanding CA11's opinion today, I believe restricting the right of law-abiding adults to purchase firearms is unconstitutional." He further noted that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals had recently reached a similar conclusion, adding: "Men and women old enough to fight and die for our country should be able to purchase firearms to defend themselves and their families."

Constitutional Questions at Stake

Circuit Court Split

The NRA's petition for certiorari specifically asks the justices to address the division among federal circuit courts regarding whether adults under 21 are entitled to Second Amendment protections. This legal landscape is currently fragmented, with the Third, Fifth, and Eighth Circuits ruling in favor of Second Amendment rights for this age group, while the Tenth and Eleventh circuits have upheld laws prohibiting firearm purchases by adults under 21.

Legislative Efforts in Florida

Recent State-Level Attempts

Parallel to these judicial proceedings, the Florida House passed a bill (HB 759) in March that would reduce the minimum age for purchasing shotguns and rifles from 21 to 18. This marked the third consecutive year the chamber has approved such legislation. However, the previous two attempts failed to become law due to inaction in the Florida Senate, where the proposals never advanced to a vote.