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.
18 Articles
18 Articles
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 …
Florida Open Carry Takes Effect Today
MIAMI – Starting today, Florida allows open carry of firearms, a major shift in state law. The 1st District Court of Appeal ruled the previous ban unconstitutional, citing Second Amendment rights. Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed law-abiding citizens can now openly carry without fear of arrest, though restrictions still apply. Join our WhatsApp group Subscribe […]
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