JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new bill in the Florida Legislature could once again allow 18-year-olds to legally buy firearms in the state.

House Bill 133 seeks to roll back a restriction that raised the minimum purchase age to 21 after the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, that killed 17. That law was passed as part of a sweeping school safety package aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

If approved, the bill would allow anyone 18 and older to purchase firearms. This reverses a key provision of that post-Parkland reform. Supporters argue it restores Second Amendment rights to legal adults, while opponents worry it could increase risks of gun misuse among younger buyers.

The National Rifle Association has long challenged Florida’s current age restriction, claiming it violates constitutional rights.

Crime and safety analyst Mark Baughman told First Coast News that even a few years in age can make a difference in judgment and safety.

“By adding 18 to that age, are we going to increase that number of accidental discharges or negligent discharges, or have someone access guns that they shouldn’t?” Baughman said. “Sometimes age is a contributing factor to that.”

The bill has faced similar attempts in recent years that passed the Florida House but stalled in the Senate.

If it passes this session and is signed into law, the new age requirement would take effect on July 1, 2026.