New Law to Allow Florida Paramedics, Doctors to Carry Guns in High-Risk Police Operations

by
posted on June 13, 2019
chiappa2.jpg

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law H.B.-487, the “Carrying of Firearms by Tactical Medical Professionals” legislation allowing paramedics and doctors to carry firearms under the same protections as police when helping with high-risk law-enforcement operations.

The law, which takes effect July 1, will allow these paramedics and doctors to both have both open-carry and concealed-carry firearms at schools and college campuses, which were previously off-limits.  A tactical medical professional (TMP) is defined as a paramedic, physician, or osteopathic physician who provides medical services in direct support of a tactical law-enforcement unit in high-risk scenarios .

“The bill allows a TMP to carry a firearm in the same manner and in the same location as a law enforcement officer while the TMP is actively operating in direct support of a law-enforcement operation. A TMP has no duty to retreat and may only use force for self-defense or in the defense of others. The bill grants a TMP the same criminal and civil immunity as a law-enforcement officer when the TMP is acting in the scope of his or her official duties,” noted a Florida House of Representatives analysis of the legislation. Before receiving a TMP designation, the person must be qualified and receive training.

“States including Kansas and Ohio already have emergency responder-firearm laws in place. Similar bills have been proposed in Tennessee, Mississippi and Virginia,” a Florida TV news report stated when announcing the new law had been enacted.

Latest

Doug Hamlin, Executive Vice President & CEO
Doug Hamlin, Executive Vice President & CEO

Standing Guard | The NRA Leadership Team

It takes a team of talented, competent individuals to defend and, where necessary, to win back your Second Amendment freedom.

The Truth About So-Called “Ghost Guns”

Gun-control advocates and anti-gun politicians thrive on much of the public’s ignorance of gun laws and policies.

President’s Column | Looking To The Future

We must remain vigilant and ready for the fights ahead.

10 Thought-Provoking Things About American Gun Ownership

There are many parts of American gun ownership that are unique and interesting.

California’s Surprise Attacks on Our Freedom

This interview with Dan Reid, NRA-ILA managing director of state and local affairs, covers a lot of the legal and legislative ground NRA members’ dues and contributions make possible.

The Armed Citizen® February 14, 2025

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.