Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 543 on Monday which will allow Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a government-issued permit beginning July 1, 2023 and will make Florida the 26th state to enact similar legislation.

“Constitutional Carry is in the books,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.

Currently, to carry a concealed weapon in Florida you would need to apply for a license and pass a criminal background check..

Republicans say the new law will reduce red tape in allowing law-abiding citizens to be able to carry firearms for personal protection.

Democrats don’t tend to agree, saying the training element that comes with applying for a concealed weapons permit educates gun carriers on when it is and is not appropriate to wield the weapon for protection, as well as how to properly and safely maintain and store a weapon.

Some officials have described the new law  as “constitutional carry,” while some have warned it will increase danger to citizens and called it extreme legislation.