A U.S. district judge has temporarily halted a lawsuit filed by Florida challenging a Biden-era rule that requires more gun sellers to obtain licenses and conduct background checks. U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell granted a 90-day stay in the case last week at the request of the federal government.
The government’s motion referenced an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on February 7, 2025, which mandates a review of actions taken between January 2021 and January 2025 to “assess any ongoing infringements of the Second Amendment rights of our citizens.”
This review includes the contested rule finalized by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in April 2024, which updates the definition of a firearms dealer “engaged in the business.”
Under the revised rule, individuals must be licensed as firearms dealers if they “devote time, attention, and labor to dealing in firearms as a regular course of trade or business to predominantly earn a profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms.” The rule exempts those making occasional sales, exchanges, or purchases for personal collection enhancement or as a hobby.
Florida’s lawsuit argues that the rule exceeds statutory authority and violates the Administrative Procedure Act.
In requesting the stay, the federal government stated that pausing the lawsuit would “conserve party and judicial resources and promote the efficient and orderly disposition of this case,” ensuring that litigation remains focused on lasting agency actions under the current administration.
The 90-day stay temporarily suspends Florida’s legal challenge while the administration reviews gun regulations under the new executive order. Further developments are expected as the review progresses and the Trump administration determines its next steps on federal gun policies.
