On Monday, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that will allow residents to carry guns without a state permit, making it the 26th state to do so. However, the new law has received criticism for not requiring a safety course, which gun-rights activists pushed for, and not permitting open carry. Supporters of the bill argue that law-abiding Americans have the constitutional right to defend themselves and their families without needing government permission. The law will still prohibit guns in certain locations such as airports, courthouses, and other government buildings.

Concealed carry permits will no longer be required after July 1, but critics argue that anyone passing background checks for all guns and waiting the mandatory three-day period for a handgun can carry one concealed with no experience or training. Survivors of the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando have expressed concern that people who do not know how to use a gun could end up injuring or killing themselves or others. Supporters of the bill point to 25 other states that have implemented similar legislation and have not had any issues.

As Governor DeSantis gears up for an expected presidential campaign, the passing of this new law will no doubt be a controversial topic on the national stage.