By: Mariel Carbone | Eyewitness News

April 10, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV)—The Leon County Commission voted Tuesday night to pass an ordinance it says will close the gun show loophole. The loophole refers to the fact that individuals can buy guys without a background check from an unlicensed seller at gun shows.

Following an emotional five hour public hearing, the commission voted 6-1 in favor of the ordinance, with Commissioner Bryan Desloge the only one voting against it.

As approved, the ordinance will require a background check on all gun sales that happen in public spaces, like gun shows or garage sales. It also requires a three day waiting period on those sales; the ordinance originally said five days, but the group moved to lower that number. And, per Commissioner Kristin Dozier’s request, the group will revisit the ordinance in one year’s time to evaluate its enforcement and impact.

"Common sense gun control isn't rocket science,” said Reverend Joe Parramore, with Faith and Public Life, who spoke at the hearing.

Roughly 200 people filled out speaker cards, which is the most the commission said it has ever had. And, the group voted to extend the hearing past 11 p.m. to ensure a vote happened on Tuesday. Speakers were strong on both sides of the debate.

"Doctors kill more people than guns. Put a five day wait on surgeries,” said one speaker who was against the ordinance.

Those in opposition stated several arguments for why the commission shouldn’t pass the ordinance, including a negative impact on the economy, as they said gun shows will relocate to other counties which will lose the area business. They also argued that the ordinance is unenforceable, punishes law abiding citizens and will make no difference in violent crime.

"Criminals do not go to gun shows to buy guns. There's too many cops around. Criminals buy guns from their drug dealers,” said Steve Chaires, a Leon County resident.

Still, those in support said even the smallest difference makes the ordinance worth it.

"If we save one life, just one life, by closing the gun show loophole, then morally, we've done a great deal,” said Parramore

Kate Kile, with the Tallahassee chapter of Mom’s Demand Action said with gun rights comes responsibility.

"It's just a background check. It's not saying people don't have the right to purchase weapons,” said Kile.

Seven other counties in Florida have similar ordinances on the books. This type of law is one of the few things that local governments are not preempted on by the state on. Code enforcement, as well as the sheriff's office, will be responsible for enforcing the ordinance.