Gov. Scott signs bill banning neighborhood gun ranges

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida homeowners can no longer set up backyard gun ranges under a bill signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott.

Scott on Wednesday signed several bills, including one (SB 130) that would ban recreational use of firearms on residential property in neighborhoods where there are one or more homes per acre of land.

The law does specify that property owners can still fire a gun to protect themselves or their property.

Scott also signed a bill (SB 228) that would change Florida's 10-20-life law that now sets mandatory minimum sentences for crimes involving guns.

The new law would give judges flexibility when sentencing people convicted of aggravated assault.

Previously, a judge was forced to issue a 10-year sentence if someone displayed a gun and a 20-year sentence if someone fired a gun, including cases where a gun was fired as a warning and not at an individual.

Associated Press