TAMPA, Fla. — Florida’s open carry ban is now gone. However, the law still has restrictions.
Guns are still off limits in places such as schools, courts, polling stations, and government buildings.
Reckless display or branding of guns remains a crime, and federal firearms laws still apply.
“So what happens here? If you go to a private business or someone’s residence and are asked not to carry a firearm, you have to leave it. If you stay there, you’re committing a felony armed trespass,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Under this law, anyone legally permitted to own a firearm will carry the gun with their gaze or be partially hidden in a holster.
The state court of appeals overturned Florida’s 2023 public carry ban and calls it unconstitutional. Some state officials, like Gov. Ron DeSantis, praise the verdict, highlight the emphasis on gun safety still being an important factor.
“With an open carry, you lose the element of surprise. Everyone knows you have a firearm. If you’re carrying a firearm, you’re skilled, you go to range, know how to use it, know how to carry it safely,” Sheriff Judd said.
Local law enforcement and state officials worked to determine whether there was a waiver before lifting the ban.
The reversal in Florida’s open carry has dismissed 14 cases, including illegally carrying a gun.
