Florida lawmaker files bill to reduce age limit for firearm purchases

MIAMI – A Republican lawmaker filed a Florida bill on Thursday intending to reduce the age limit to purchase a firearm.

In Florida, firearm buyers must be 21 except for law enforcement or correctional officers. Florida Rep. Bobby Payne wants to lower the age to 18.

Payne filed The Minimum Age for Firearm Purchase or Transfer bill, on a day when the country was dealing with yet another school shooting.

Florida raised the age after the 2018 Valentine’s Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Payne’s bill also aims to reduce the state’s age limit to sell or transfer a firearm.

Payne chairs the Infrastructure Strategies Committee and was assigned to the Judiciary and Appropriations committees. His term ends on Nov. 5.

For more information about Payne’s bill, also known as HB 1223, or to track it, visit this page.