A Florida appeals court ruled Wednesday that the state’s ban on concealed carry by adults aged 18 to 20 violates the Second Amendment.

The three-judge panel of the Fourth District Court of Appeal in Broward County unanimously declared the 1987 law unconstitutional. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier celebrated the decision, stating: “In another win for the unalienable rights of Floridians, the 4th DCA agreed with our position that Florida’s law banning adults under 21 from conceal carrying a firearm is unconstitutional. We will not seek further review and will work with @FDACS to implement the court’s order.”

Under Governor Ron DeSantis, recent legislative actions and judicial rulings have expanded gun rights in Florida. In 2023, DeSantis signed legislation eliminating the permit requirement for concealed carry. Law-abiding Floridians have also been permitted open carry since 2025 following a state appeals court ruling that overturned prior restrictions.

The case originated from an arrest in 2024 of an 18-year-old for carrying a concealed firearm and improper exhibition of a weapon. Though the individual initially sought to dismiss charges, the trial court upheld the age restriction as constitutional. After pleading no contest, the defendant reserved the right to appeal.

The appellate ruling cited key U.S. Supreme Court precedent, including N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen and a 2024 federal decision invalidating Minnesota’s concealed carry age restrictions. Justice Levine emphasized: “Eighteen- to 20-year-olds can defend the country without restriction but can only utilize their Second Amendment right to self-defense with severe restrictions.”

Thomas Cottone, public defender for the defendant, called the outcome “even better than I had hoped,” noting it strengthens his work in other gun-related cases. He highlighted potential applications of the ruling in defending convictions involving nonviolent firearm possession by felons.