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Florida Constitutional Amendment Article 1, Section 28: The Right to Bear Arms**
**Introduction**
The right to bear arms is a fundamental right that is enshrined in the United States Constitution's Second Amendment. In Florida, this right is further protected by Article 1, Section 28 of the state's constitution.
This constitutional amendment was adopted in 1987 and states that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves and their property shall not be infringed."
**Scope of the Amendment**
The Florida Constitutional Amendment Article 1, Section 28 applies to all citizens of the state, regardless of whether they have a concealed carry permit.
The amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms for the following purposes:
- Self-defense
- Defense of property
Restrictions on the Right to Bear Arms**
While the Florida Constitutional Amendment Article 1, Section 28 broadly protects the right to bear arms, there are some restrictions on this right.
These restrictions include:
- Convicted felons are not allowed to possess firearms.
- People who have been adjudicated mentally ill are not allowed to possess firearms.
- Certain types of weapons, such as assault weapons and silencers, are banned.
Impact of the Amendment**
The Florida Constitutional Amendment Article 1, Section 28 has had a significant impact on the state's gun laws.
The amendment has made it more difficult for the government to restrict the sale and possession of firearms.
It has also led to an increase in the number of people who own guns in Florida.
**Conclusion**
The Florida Constitutional Amendment Article 1, Section 28 is a strong defense of the right to bear arms.
The amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense and defense of property.
However, there are some restrictions on this right, including a ban on certain types of weapons and a prohibition on gun ownership for convicted felons and people who have been adjudicated mentally ill.
