New Florida bill would lower gun-buying age from 21 to 18 for some firearms

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —

Florida lawmakers are debating a bill to lower the age for purchasing long guns from 21 to 18.

After the Parkland school shooting in 2018, Florida raised the age to buy a long gun from 18 to 21. Now, lawmakers in Tallahassee are working to reverse that law.

Despite previous failed attempts to pass similar legislation, the current session has seen a shift in the debate, especially with open carry now allowed in Florida. On Tuesday, a criminal justice subcommittee voted in favor of the bill, 11-5, sending it to the full committee.

The bill faces an uncertain future, as there is no companion bill in the Senate, making it likely to fail again. If passed, the law would take effect in July 2026. It is important to note that handguns are not included in this bill, as federal law requires buyers to be 21.

House Bill 133 was filed by Majority Leader Tyler Sirois in October.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the bill being discussed is House Bill 311. It is House Bill 133.

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