New Port Richey, FL — A legal letter sent to Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has prompted the removal of firearm prohibition signs at several county tax offices, raising questions about local authority, state preemption laws, and the boundaries of firearm regulation in Florida.
The letter, dated November 14 and authored by the Sabatini Law Firm P.A. on behalf of Pasco County resident David Wallis, challenges the legality of signs posted at tax collector facilities that read: “Firearms Prohibited Inside – Federal Transactions Conducted in this Facility.” According to the letter, these signs violate Florida Statute 790.33, which preempts local governments from enacting or enforcing firearm regulations not authorized by state law.
Legal Argument Centers on State Preemption
Florida Statute 790.33, often cited in debates over gun rights and local control, explicitly prohibits counties, municipalities, and political subdivisions from regulating firearms or ammunition. The statute asserts that such authority rests solely with the state legislature.
The Sabatini Law Firm argues that the signage posted at Pasco County tax offices constitutes an unauthorized regulation. “There is no provision in Florida law that prohibits the carrying of firearms in a tax collector’s office,” the letter states, referencing Section 790.06(12), which outlines specific locations where concealed carry is prohibited—none of which include tax offices.
The letter further contends that invoking “federal transactions” as justification for the signage is misleading. “The mere presence of federal transactions does not transform a local government office into a federal facility,” it reads.
Tax Collector Responds Swiftly
In response to the letter, the signs were reportedly removed from the affected facilities. While the Tax Collector’s office has not issued a formal public statement, sources close to the matter confirm that the decision was made to avoid potential legal liability and to comply with state law.
David Wallis, the taxpayer behind the complaint, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about the rule of law,” Wallis said in a brief phone interview. “Local officials can’t make up rules that contradict state statutes.”
Broader Implications for Local Governance
The incident has sparked renewed debate over the limits of local authority in regulating firearms, especially in facilities that serve both state and federal functions. Legal experts note that while federal buildings are subject to federal firearm restrictions, the designation of a facility as “federal” must meet specific criteria.
“This case underscores the importance of precision in legal language and signage,” said Professor Elena Martinez, a constitutional law scholar at Florida State University. “If a facility is not federally owned or operated, local officials cannot simply declare it off-limits to firearms without statutory backing.”
Community Reaction Mixed
Public reaction in Pasco County has been divided. Some residents support the removal of the signs, citing Second Amendment rights and concerns about government overreach. Others worry that the absence of clear signage could lead to confusion or discomfort for patrons.
“I think it’s irresponsible,” said Community Member, a local resident who frequents the Wesley Chapel tax office. “People should know whether firearms are allowed. Removing the signs without explanation just adds uncertainty.”
Meanwhile, gun rights advocates have praised the move as a victory for statutory clarity and constitutional rights. “This is a textbook example of state preemption working as intended,” said Mark Reynolds, spokesperson for Florida Carry, a gun rights organization. “Local governments must follow the law, not invent it.”
Looking Ahead
The Sabatini Law Firm’s letter concludes with a request that similar signage not be posted in the future, warning that any such action would be “preempted and unenforceable.” Whether this incident will prompt broader reviews of signage and firearm policies across Florida remains to be seen.
For now, the Pasco County Tax Collector’s office appears to have complied with the legal request, but the debate over signage, statutory authority, and the intersection of local and state governance is far from over.
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