Florida Court Overturns Concealed Carry Age Limits in St. Johns County

Young adults in St. Johns County and across the state may soon have the right to carry concealed weapons following a major legal shift. A Florida appeals court ruled this week that the state's existing ban on concealed carry for adults ages 18 to 20 violates the Second Amendment. The court found that these young adults are entitled to the same constitutional protections as those over the age of 21.

The unanimous decision from a three-judge panel of Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeals emphasized that 18-year-olds are considered part of the political community. The court noted that because individuals in this age group are eligible to serve in the military and defend the nation, they should not face severe restrictions on their personal right to self-defense. The ruling suggested that maintaining the age limit would treat the Second Amendment as a second-class right.

This legal challenge began after a 2024 arrest involving an 18-year-old found with a concealed firearm. While a lower court initially upheld the charge, the appellate court reversed that decision. The judges pointed to historical traditions, noting that founding-era laws often required 18-year-old men to serve in militias while carrying their own firearms.

The age restriction was originally part of a package of safety measures enacted after the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. However, the court found that the state failed to provide a historical precedent that justified treating law-abiding young adults differently than other citizens.

State officials have indicated they will not seek further review of the ruling. Moving forward, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is expected to begin the process of implementing the court's order, which will eventually allow younger adults to apply for concealed carry permits or exercise carry rights under current state law.