The Florida Agricultural Commissioner was previously seen as a position that was in many ways more apolitical than the rest of Florida’s statewide elected offices.
After the tenure of Democrat Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried, who used her position to deny concealed carry permits to almost double the amounts of applicants as her predecessors, that started to change.
Just two months after Fried lost her role as the only statewide elected Democrat in Florida, incoming Republican Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson is already laying out a plan to use his position to protect the 2nd Amendment rights of Floridians.
Simpson delivered a plan alongside Republican legislators to crack down on the ability of credit card companies to track firearm purchases in the state.
BREAKING: Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson proposes legislation that will fine credit card companies if they track gun purchases in Florida.
This is a "backdoor way of trying to intimidate gun owners," @WiltonSimpson said.https://t.co/2u9r4LiYvR
— Amber Jo Cooper (@AmberJoCooper) January 10, 2023
“We are all blessed to live in the free state of Florida where our Second Amendment rights are valued and protected, but Democrats in Washington continue to try to chip away at these rights – and we must stay vigilant,” said Simpson. “The ‘Florida Arms and Ammo Act’ draws a line in the sand and tells multi-national progressive financial institutions, and their allies in Washington, that they cannot covertly create a backdoor firearm registry of Floridians – or else.”
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Marine veteran and State Representative John Snyder and State Senator Johnny Burgess joined Simpson. Both said that corporations should not be able to collude with the federal government to undermine American rights.
"The curtain has been revealed and it’s been full display for the American people to see that corporations are not afraid to collude with the federal govt…" said @Johnfsnyder @WiltonSimpson @DannyBurgessFL and Snyder held a press conference today:https://t.co/2u9r4LiqGj
— Amber Jo Cooper (@AmberJoCooper) January 10, 2023
“This is the United States of America. You don’t get penalized for exercising a Constitutional right. The Second Amendment is non-negotiable, and here in Florida, we are going to fight to protect the rights of Floridians,” added Burgess. “I am grateful for Commissioner Simpson’s leadership and look forward to working with Rep. Snyder to send this important legislation to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk this year.”
I look forward to working with Commissioner Simpson and Rep. Snyder to send this important bill to the desk of America's Governor, Ron DeSantis! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/2Wo3y02LB2
— Danny Burgess (@DannyBurgessFL) January 10, 2023
Law enforcement officials in Florida have already started rallying around the legislation, including Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, who joined Simpson during the press conference.
“I want to personally thank Commissioner Simpson, Senator Burgess, and Representative Snyder for proposing this incredible bill to ensure that Florida remains free,” said Ivey. “We have a responsibility to make sure our citizens are able to exercise their God-given rights and can rest easy knowing that our 2nd Amendment is being protected as well as Florida’s Freedom Loving Citizens!” ~Sheriff Wayne Ivey
Gun control advocates have already expressed outrage at the legislation. Fred Guttenberg, who is the father of a student who was murdered at Parkland, said that the legislation would “help those who commit gun violence.”
.@WiltonSimpson, my daughter was once "free" in Fl. She resides in this grave now. Because of gun violence. She was murdered in the Parkland shooting. Your bullshit legislation will certainly help those who commit gun violence. Why do you want to help the bad guys with guns? https://t.co/2FpMN9RAsf pic.twitter.com/mdBOe4C1u2
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) January 10, 2023
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