Glossary
preemption
When the state legislature overrides what a city or county has the authority to decide, either by taking the subject away from local government entirely or by voiding an ordinance already passed.
Verified
Why it matters in Florida
Florida preempts aggressively and backs it with penalties. The firearms preemption statute does not merely void local ordinances, it exposes individual local officials to a civil fine and removal from office. When a subject is preempted, a local majority can vote for something and never get it.
Florida example
Florida's firearms preemption is the clearest worked example. The Legislature declares it occupies the whole field to the exclusion of all existing and future local ordinances, and section 790.33 goes further than most preemption laws by exposing individual local officials to a civil fine of up to $5,000 and removal from office by the Governor for a knowing and willful violation.
Citations
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Florida Statutes section 790.33, preemption of firearms regulation
the Legislature hereby declares that it is occupying the whole field of regulation of firearms and ammunition, including the purchase, sale, transfer, taxation, manufacture, ownership, possession, storage, and transportation thereof, to the exclusion of all existing and future county, city, town, or municipal ordinances
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Florida Statutes section 790.33, penalties on local officials
If the court determines that a violation was knowing and willful, the court shall assess a civil fine of up to $5,000 against the elected or appointed local government official. A knowing and willful violation of any provision of this section by a person acting in an official capacity shall be cause for termination of employment or contract or removal from office by the Governor.
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Florida Statutes section 166.021, the preemption carve-out
any subject expressly preempted to state or county government by the constitution or by general law