TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A bill that would prevent credit-card companies from using a code that could help track firearm and ammunition sales has been signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis Friday.
During a news conference in Fort Myers Friday, the governor said the legislation is stopping companies from raising red flags about people who are exercising their constitutional rights.
“They can tag you or flag you as being somebody that somehow should be looked at and that’s just fundamentally wrong,” DeSantis said.
The issue deals with concerns that credit-card companies could establish a separate “merchant category code” for sales at gun businesses. Similar four-digit codes are already used to separate purchases and collect data from places such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and bookstores.
RELATED: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill to carry concealed guns without a permit
Major credit card companies have attempted to monitor the transactions of firearm retailers and consumers through unique merchant codes, which could then be used to “flag” law-abiding citizens. The legislation I signed today will end this practice and will protect Floridians. pic.twitter.com/R8YwAcw9Gt
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 12, 2023
READ: Florida bill lowering age to purchase long guns to 18 advances in Florida House
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express announced plans to categorize gun-shop sales. But after Republican pushback in several states, the plans have been paused indefinitely. Companies that violate the bill can be fined up to $10,000.
In an 83-32 vote along party lines on May 2, the Republican-controlled Florida House backed a measure (SB 214) that House sponsor John Snyder, R-Stuart, described as protecting people who support the Second Amendment from having “their ability to purchase and spend their money freely without fear of reprisal.”
Democrats argued the bill is a culture-war issue that will hinder efforts to track potential gun violence.
“These are private corporations that collect the data,” Rep. Hillary Cassel, D-Dania Beach, said. “They send you emails to get you to buy more. And now we’re infringing on private corporations and how they collect this data and how they maintain it.”
The Republican-controlled Senate voted 27-11 along almost-straight party lines to approve the bill on March 23.
Florida citizens age 18 can now carry concealed weapons without training, a permit, or a background check.
With the signature from Gov. DeSantis, the new law will take effect on July 1.
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