Good for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. He's putting a Port St. Lucie homeowners' association on blast for trying to push an unconstitutional gun ban on residents.
The Tradition Community Association recently told homeowners they couldn't carry firearms in common areas -parks, trails, rec centers, the whole nine yards. They're even banning concealed carry permit holders, which is complete nonsense.
Here's the deal: Florida Statute 790.33 explicitly preempts local and private entities from enacting firearms regulations stricter than state law. And guess what? This HOA doesn't get to pick and choose which constitutional rights apply on their turf. Florida Statute 790.251 also makes it illegal for private employers - which includes HOAs - to penalize employees or kick out visitors for lawfully exercising their right to bear arms.
Uthmeier sent these guys a formal letter basically saying "knock it off or else." He gave them until June 1st to confirm they won't enforce this illegal policy, or his office will take them to court. That's exactly what needs to happen.
Even better? The Port St. Lucie Police Department already said they won't enforce the HOA's bogus rules. They're sticking to Florida law and the Constitution. No way Jose, right?
This is exactly why we need strong preemption laws at the state level. Private organizations shouldn't get to play king in their little fiefdoms and strip away our God-given rights. If this HOA had their way, residents would've been defenseless in their own communities - and that's before we even talk about the liability implications if some creep decides to cause trouble in a "gun-free zone."
Bottom line: Private property rights don't override constitutional rights. HOAs can establish community standards, but they can't override Florida law or the Second Amendment. Uthmeier gets it. Let's see if this HOA backs down or forces a fight.