Councilman says Florida gun permits are on their way out in Philly

Philadelphia police soon may be enforcing a city ordinance that closes a regulatory loophole allowing more people to carry concealed weapons in the city.

Philadelphia police are notoriously strict about issuing gun-carry permits, often turning down applicants who might get approved in other states. City Councilman Darrell Clarke introduced a bill addressing the issue last year because he said too many Philadelphians are carrying firearms with permits from down South.

“The reality is that you can carry a weapon in the state of Pennsylvania if you simply go online and get a permit to carry from the state of Florida,” Clarke said in a telephone interview. “There have been several documented incidents where individuals who have Florida permits have actually committed crimes.”

In February, City Council passed Clarke’s bill closing the “Florida loophole” in Philadelphia, but enforcement has been put on hold until legal questions are resolved.

Clarke said the city, police and district attorney are now on the same page. He said he expects an announcement soon making it clear that if you want to carry a gun in Philadelphia, you need a local permit.