Florida House passes bill to lower gun purchase age from 21 to 18, despite safety concerns.

The Florida House Judiciary Committee has passed a bill for the fourth consecutive year to lower the legal age to purchase rifles and shotguns, including assault-style weapons, from 21 to 18, voting 13-7 in favor. The measure, which would affect private sales but not federal laws requiring buyers to be 21 to purchase from licensed dealers, now moves to the full House. The current 21-year-old age limit was established after the 2018 Parkland high school shooting, where a 19-year-old legally bought an AR-15. Supporters argue the change restores Second Amendment rights for young adults, who can already carry firearms and serve in the military, while opponents, including survivors and advocacy groups, warn of increased gun violence and safety risks. The bill has passed the House in recent years but has stalled in the Senate, where it faces uncertain prospects.