Standing Up for Constitutional Rights: Defending Florida’s Gun Laws

In a time when the drumbeat for gun control grows louder, we must remember that our constitutional rights are not up for negotiation. The Second Amendment isn’t just a footnote in American history—it’s a fundamental pillar of freedom and personal protection. Recently, there has been growing pressure from activists and media outlets, including a group of Parkland survivors, urging lawmakers in Florida to maintain stringent gun control measures enacted after the 2018 shooting. While we empathize with the pain they’ve endured, it’s essential to separate emotion from effective policy and protect the rights of law-abiding citizens.

The Emotional Argument vs. Policy Effectiveness

The survivors pushing lawmakers to uphold restrictive Florida gun laws intend to preserve legislation like the 2018 “Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act,” which included measures such as:

• Raising the minimum firearm purchase age from 18 to 21
• Imposing a mandatory three-day waiting period on firearms sales
• Allowing school districts to arm specific personnel under the Guardian Program

These laws were passed in the heat of the moment, fueled by national outrage and sorrow. But years later, we must reevaluate whether these measures have actually resulted in safer communities. Has restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens stopped criminals, or has it simply made it more difficult for responsible individuals to defend themselves?

While no one wishes to see another tragedy, it’s no secret that criminals don’t care about laws—they exploit gun-free zones and government restrictions that only affect those who follow the rules. Reacting emotionally by pushing for more legislation does not provide effective solutions.

Florida’s Role in the Second Amendment Landscape

Florida has traditionally reflected a balanced approach to firearm policy—recognizing the value of individual freedom while taking public safety seriously. However, that balance is at risk. The continued push from left-leaning interests to preserve and even expand gun control laws in Florida ignores critical facts:

• Firearms training and responsible ownership save lives
• States with looser gun laws, like Vermont and New Hampshire, consistently report lower crime rates
• Gun-free zones have been the target of the vast majority of mass shootings
• Disarming lawful citizens only emboldens criminals

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we see firsthand how proper training and gun ownership transform everyday people into confident, law-abiding protectors. The answer isn’t more restrictions—it’s more education. Every American should have access to the tools and skills needed to defend their homes, families, and communities.

The Danger of Permanent “Emergency” Laws

One of the most disturbing trends in politics today is the enshrinement of laws passed during times of national trauma. Poorly conceived, reactionary policies become permanent fixtures of law without thorough reexamination. The 2018 gun law reforms in Florida—passed under tremendous pressure—set a dangerous precedent. If every tragic event becomes the basis for eroding freedoms, how long before the Second Amendment becomes meaningless?

The founders of our nation understood that the right to bear arms wasn’t just about hunting or sport. It was about ensuring the people retained power in the face of tyranny—governmental or otherwise. That timeless principle should not be sacrificed on the altar of short-term outrage.

Why Firearms Training Should Be the Focus

Rather than continue down the path of blanket restrictions, lawmakers should encourage:

• Widespread access to certified firearms training programs
• Incentives for responsible gun ownership and safe storage methods
• Public education on self-defense laws and firearm etiquette

These solutions do not infringe upon anybody’s constitutional rights. Instead, they empower citizens to act responsibly. That’s the mission we embrace every day at Fortress Firearms Training. Our instructors are experienced, our curriculum is comprehensive, and we believe every American has the right—not just the privilege—to feel safe and prepared.

Parkland and Personal Responsibility

We respect every survivor’s story, including those from Parkland. Losing 17 lives should never be minimized. But policies inspired by tragedy must be critically evaluated—not protected simply because of the emotion behind them. Perpetuating fear and using trauma to push blanket legislation does a disservice to rational policymaking.

Besides, the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act didn’t address the fundamental failures that allowed that tragedy to unfold. Repeated warnings about the shooter were ignored. Law enforcement and school officials failed to act. Instead of holding them accountable properly, legislators targeted responsible gun owners and stripped away rights from 18-20 year-olds who had not broken any laws.

We should hold institutions accountable—not infringe upon Americans exercising their rights responsibly.

Conclusion: Preserve Rights, Promote Responsibility

Florida lawmakers are now at a turning point. They can either continue to posture for media accolades and base policies on emotional narratives, or they can restore balance by defending the rights of their constituents. The Second Amendment is not optional—and it shouldn’t be treated as such in legislation or public discourse.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we call on all freedom-loving Americans to educate themselves, get professionally trained, and stand up against policies that vilify our community. Let’s empower individuals instead of stripping them of their rights one law at a time. It’s time to protect what makes America free—our rights, our responsibilities, and our firearms.