"Docs Versus Glocks" Law Resolved – Florida Fails to Appeal – Law Partially Upheld

Nathan S
by Nathan S

Known colloquially as “Docs versus Glocks”, a 2011 law that limited care provider’s to ask about and act on firearms owned by patients, was ultimately resolved earlier this month. After the full En banc hearing of the 11th Circuit which struck down large sections the law, the state of Florida did not appeal the decision by the deadline. When asked by local press, no reason was given on why the state decided not to appeal.

The court found that various provisions of the law were unconstitutional including restrictions on inquiries by care providers, record-keeping, and anti-harassment provisions. Other portions were upheld including the law that bans doctors from discriminating against patients who own firearms.

The law was originally passed in 2011 as the “Firearm’s Owners Privacy Act.” Creation and passage was in response to a mother who’s pediatrician asked her to find another care provider after the mother refused to answer questions about firearms in the home. The law was supported by the National Rifle Association.

The plaintiffs argued that the law infringed on their First Amendment rights to free speech. The ACLU of Florida agreed and supported the case and hailed the decisions from the circuit court and the states’ decision not to appeal the ruling.

Stock image provided by Rueters

Nathan S
Nathan S

One of TFB's resident Jarheads, Nathan now works within the firearms industry. A consecutive Marine rifle and pistol expert, he enjoys local 3-gun, NFA, gunsmithing, MSR's, & high-speed gear. Nathan has traveled to over 30 countries working with US DoD & foreign MoDs.The above post is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any company or organization.

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  • Mikey Mikey on Jun 20, 2017

    If they ask if I own guns I will lie to them and say I do not own guns.

  • Patrick ONeil Patrick ONeil on Jul 11, 2017

    This is a non issue. I would automatically lie to any doc that asks if I have guns in my house. I'd say "nope". Problem solved. The doc can't discriminate and I protect my (gun) privacy. I simply do not volunteer info to people on my firearms because it's no one's business but mine.

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