As of this Monday, September 8, Florida launched a tax exemption in force until the end of the year on sales of weapons, ammunition and accessories. The measure is part of a fiscal package proposed by the governor Ron desantis and approved in June this year.
The state government defended the measure as a way of promoting Purchase of hunting equipment and articles for outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. However, the resolution also covers the purchase of weapons and ammunition, which generated a intense debate In the “state of the sun” community, while local merchants anticipate an increase in sales.
In the United States, the right to free of arms is enshrined in the second amendment of the Constitution, although fiscal benefits, prohibitions or regulations vary according to state and local laws.
JD Johnson, the owner of a trade that sells these items and a nearby shooting field, told the Miami Herald That “it will be a significant fiscal reduction, weapons are no longer cheap.”
According to him Miami Heraldthe fiscal exemption ABARCA Firearms, ammunition, accessories, archescampaign stores, equipment Fishing and Camping Articles of certain prices. Johnson pointed to the environment: “If you buy a good weapon, you will spend a considerable amount of money. Ammunition is not cheap. The price has never recovered or down at all since the time of the Covid. ”
The initiative will allow buyers Save money In articles that, otherwise, represent a high expense. Hunting rifles cost between $500 y $2.500gun from $ 400 to more than $1.000and telescopic sights add between $ 400 and $ 2,000.
State economists project that exempt will reduce state income in $ 34.6 million and the premises at $ 10.2 million, while consumers will save $ 44.8 million.
For the merchant, the measure could intensify the activity in the shooting fields: “It is not uncommon for someone to buy ammunition for a value of 200 or 300 dollars only to spend time in the shooting field.” The exemption also includes camping and fishing equipment, with Price limits for storessleeping bags, stoves, flashlights, fishing reeds and baits.
The tax exemption generated criticism of politicians and organizations that question its impact on public security. The mass shooting They are a tragic problem in the country and reflect the most convincing argument of citizens and officials who ask strictest policies in purchase and possession of firearms. The most recent, a shooting at the Catholic School of the Annunciation, in Minneapolis, which left two dead and 17 injured children.
The Senador Tina Polish, Boca Mouse Democrat described the measure as “irresponsible, coldly political and A slap to the victims and their families ”, pointing out that there are no use requirements related to hunting or price limits for weapons included.
For its part, the Florida Women Voters League recommended incorporating Funds and Locks for Weapons In the discount period. Meanwhile, hunting defenders and business owners highlight the economic benefits and incentive for outdoor activities.
