TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On the same week President Obama announced he was investigating the nation's gun laws, Florida passed the one million mark in the number of valid concealed weapon and firearm licenses issued.
The state Department of Agriculture confirmed that Florida passed the one million mark on Tuesday.
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The identity of the individual who was issued the one millionth license will not be revealed as a result of action by the Florida Legislature in 2006 to exempt applicants and licensees from the disclosure provisions of state's public records law.
"It is our responsibility to protect the identity of any individual who applies for a concealed weapon and firearm license," said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. "We have a strong record in protecting the privacy of licensees and I intend to uphold this reputation."
The state Department of Agriculture said four out of every five licensees are male, but there is a growing interest among females. Nearly one-third of licensees are between ages 51 and 65.
Gun control laws have surged back into the national headlines after more than two dozen people were shot and killed inside an elementary school in Connecticut last Friday.
President Obama said on Wednesday that he has tasked Vice President Joe Biden to lead a task force to examine our nation's gun laws.