Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has inched America toward a majority of states where "constitutional carry" laws are on the books after signing a bill Monday removing the requirement for anyone to obtain a permit to carry a concealed gun.

Last week, the Florida Senate voted 27 to 13 on the constitutional carry bill, teeing up the governor's signature. There were previously 25 states that had permitless or so-called "constitutional carry" laws in the nation, making Florida now the 26th state.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE PASSES LAW ALLOWING CONCEALED CARRY WITHOUT A PERMIT

"Constitutional Carry is in the books," Florida's governor said in a Monday press release. The state's new firearms law will take effect on July 1, 2023.

The law will now longer require Floridians to obtain specific permits or pay additional fees to carry a gun outside the home. The law will not affect previously issued permits to carry firearms and allows those who wish to obtain a permit to carry in states recognizing Florida permits to do so.

Additionally, the law disqualifies felons and anyone prohibited under state law from possessing a firearm from carrying in public, meaning people who have preexisting restrictions on their ability to carry can be penalized for unlawfully carrying under federal, state, and local laws.

The National Rifle Association 's interim executive director, Randy Kozuch, said in a statement that the passage of the law is a "momentous step in the Constitutional Carry movement."

"The carry movement began decades ago and the NRA has been working to get this legislation passed throughout America. Therefore, today is indeed a day to celebrate," Kozuch said.

Meanwhile, the law has been condemned by Democrats and gun control groups, arguing it would be "dangerous for Florida families."

“Hiding behind closed doors and standing shoulder to shoulder with the NRA, Ron DeSantis just signed legislation that could make it easier for criminals to carry guns," Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said in a statement after the governor's signature.

DeSantis has signaled since December that pushing through the law would be one of his top legislative priorities.

Under the current law, people who want to carry guns must get concealed weapons licenses from Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. That requirement will be lifted at the beginning of July.

Similar laws exist in Georgia, Missouri, Montana, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Idaho, Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Arizona, Arkansas, New Hampshire, Utah, Vermont, North Dakota, Tennessee, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.