US EditionOpen carry now officially legal in Florida. Here’s what to know
Following a court ruling, Florida joins most states in allowing open carry while maintaining restrictions on schools and private properties, impacting about 43,000 prosecutions this year.
- On September 10, 2025, a ruling by Florida’s appellate court declared the state's prohibition on open carry unconstitutional, thereby permitting open carry statewide.
- This ruling follows the 2022 McDaniels v. State case, in which a Pensacola man was convicted for openly carrying a firearm, and the court cited recent U.S. Supreme Court precedents protecting Second Amendment rights.
- Attorney General James Uthmeier supported the ruling and directed law enforcement officials to cease charging individuals who legally carry firearms openly, while maintaining restrictions on threatening conduct and gun-free zones such as schools and courthouses.
- Attorney Anthony Rickman described the ruling as a significant victory for gun rights supporters, emphasizing that it will change self-defense laws and bring Florida in line with most states that permit open carry.
- The ruling removes a category of crimes, but law enforcement urges responsible gun ownership, training, and cautions that violations such as reckless display and carrying in restricted areas remain prosecutable.
33 Articles
33 Articles
Open carry is now legal in Florida. But there are 15 places where guns still aren't allowed
As of Thursday, you can openly carry firearms in Florida, but gun owners should be aware that the new law comes with some stipulations.A state appeals court struck down the state's open carry ban on Sept. 10, saying it violated the Second Amendment. According to the court's ruling, the law officially took effect Sept. 25, after the state did not appeal within 15 days. Florida's ban on open carrying of firearms no longer enforceable, AG saysHowev…
Florida’s open carry law takes effect, prompting concerns and clarifications
A court ruling overturned Floridas longstanding ban on open carry. Now, guns once concealed can legally be worn in plain sight. Floridas open carry law officially took effect Thursday. Law-abiding gun owners can now carry firearms openly in public spaces. Watch the video below to hear what one gun owner thinks about the ruling and what one local sheriff is saying. Floridas open carry law takes effect, prompting public safety concerns BROADCAST T…
With the start of open carry in Florida, state law underwent a significant shift
Open carry laws – Man with concealed carry permit application and pistol gun firearm Courtesy: Shutterstock – Photo by ja-images This Thursday marks the official start of open carry in Florida, a major shift in the state’s firearm regulations. Therefore, if you see someone at your neighborhood grocery store carrying a weapon, don’t be shocked. Earlier this month, an appeals court ruled that Florida’s law prohibiting open carrying of weapons was …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 85% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
