Florida concealed weapon law stands

by Leah Zanolla
Jul 29, 2008

In a ruling over Florida's concealed weapon law which he termed "stupid" previously, Federal Judge Robert Hinkle has upheld the majority of the legislation's provisions. The latest judicial decision upholds employees rights to have a concealed weapon locked in their vehicle at work providing they have a permit to do so.

The 39 page ruling included an exception for a portion of the law considered unconstitutional in that "it compels some businesses but not others - with no rational basis for the distinction - to allow a customer to secure a gun in a vehicle." The Florida Chamber of Commerce had lobbied to block enforcing this part of the law.

Adam Babington, attorney representing the Chamber, commented that Hinkle's ruling could "cause more confusion than it solves. This essentially says you can take your gun to work and you can drive on the public streets, but you're not entitled to take your gun anywhere else."

It is anticipated that Disney and other Florida businesses will continue in their efforts to enforce their own workplace policies prohibiting weapons on company property.

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• Last Updated: Feb 8, 2012 - 9:40:38 AM