House votes to lower legal minimum age for long‑gun purchases to 18 after contentious debate
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Summary
The Florida House voted to lower the minimum legal age to purchase rifles and long guns from 21 to 18 with a 74–37 final vote after extensive debate and multiple proposed amendments, including failed efforts to restore age 21 or add waiting periods.
The Florida House on Jan. 15 approved HB 133, a bill sponsored by Representative Saroy to reduce the minimum age for purchasing rifles and long guns from 21 to 18.
Representative Saroy framed the proposal as restoring rights to law‑abiding 18‑year‑old citizens, noting military service and other adult responsibilities as justification. Opponents recalled the Marjory Stoneman Douglas massacre and cited studies on adolescent brain development and higher homicide rates in the 18–21 age group; Representative Bartleman and other members argued the 2018 increase to 21 was a life‑saving measure adopted after Parkland and urged keeping it in place.
The House considered a string of amendments: Representative Bartleman’s amendment to retain age 21 was debated and defeated; Representative Young offered a 7‑day cooling‑off waiting‑period amendment (also defeated in final tally); Representative Henson offered an amendment to set the minimum purchase age at 20 (defeated). Supporters proposed carve‑outs for service members, law enforcement, and measures intended to preserve hunting and self‑defense rights in rural districts.
Throughout the debate, members recounted constituent concerns and family testimonies from prior shootings; both sides used personal stories to underscore public‑safety and rights arguments. After the structured debate period and roll call, HB 133 passed on final passage, 74 yeas to 37 nays.
Next steps: The bill will proceed to the Florida Senate for consideration.