Orlando joins cities challenging state ban on local gun laws

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - The City of Orlando on Monday signaled that it will join other Florida cities in challenging a state law prohibiting them from enacting gun regulations.

The 2011 law says cities can be forced to pay $100,000 plus legal fees and their officials fined $5,000 and removed from office for enacting gun regulations. It was backed by the National Rifle Association and signed by Gov. Rick Scott.

In a six to one vote, commissioners approved joining the lawsuit, with District 1 Commissioner Jim Gray being the only one to vote against it, concerned it could affect state funding in other issues.

"In this case, not only has the Legislature preempted the city and all local governments from being to act, they have placed penalties such as removal from office or large fines that you have to pay personally for simply carrying on a legislative act," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

The Broward County cities of Coral Springs, Coconut Creek and Pembroke Pines filed suit last Tuesday, arguing the 2011 law violates the state and federal constitutions. Many Coral Springs and Coconut Creek teens attend Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where a gunman killed 17 on Feb. 14. Ten cities filed a similar lawsuit last week.

The lawsuit says the law violates the Florida and U.S. constitutions.  The governor's office says the lawsuit is being reviewed.