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FLORIDA - Florida lawmakers are reviewing proposals to reduce the legal age for buying firearms from 21 back to 18, seven years after a law was passed following the Parkland school shooting.
The legislation was enacted after Nikolas Cruz, 19, allegedly used an AR-15 to kill 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 2018.
In response to the tragedy, lawmakers from both parties approved raising the minimum age to purchase firearms, aiming to prevent similar incidents.
Families of victims and students had urged stricter gun controls, prompting the changes.
Senator Jonathan Martin of Fort Myers, a member of the Florida GOP, is advocating for the rollback.
Martin stated that the original law did not investigate the causes of the Parkland shooting or the shooter’s motives.
He added that he filed a bill two years ago addressing firearm regulations put in place after the shooting.
Florida GOP Chairman Evan Powers also expressed support for lowering the age, stating that 18-year-olds should have the right to purchase guns.
Previous efforts to pass similar legislation in 2023, 2024, and 2025 did not succeed.
Martin said he is optimistic that lawmakers will reconsider the measure during the next regular legislative session in January.
The discussion comes as Florida continues to weigh policies balancing constitutional rights and public safety.
Advocates for lowering the age argue it restores rights for young adults, while opponents highlight potential risks.
Lawmakers are expected to debate the issue in detail in the upcoming session.