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3w ago

Open Carry Now Legal Across Florida After Court Ruling Takes Effect

Prosecutions have paused pending clarification of remaining restrictions.

A recent court ruling allows open carry of guns in Florida for the first time. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
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Pensacola, Fla., police officers surround Stanley Victor McDaniels, 42, and remove his loaded pistol from his waistband ahead of his arrest on July 4, 2022, as seen in a screen capture from a video McDaniels made documenting his encounter. A Florida appeals court on Sept. 10, 2025, overturned McDaniels' conviction and ruled that Florida's law against people openly carrying guns was unconstitutional. (Courtesy image from McDaniels/Fresh Take Florida)

Overview

  • An appeals court struck down Florida’s open-carry ban and, with no appeal filed, the decision took effect Sept. 25, making open carry permissible statewide.
  • Attorney General James Uthmeier directed police and prosecutors to halt open-carry cases, and Hillsborough County dismissed 14 related charges.
  • State law still bars firearms in 15 sensitive locations, including schools, courthouses, polling places, government meetings, airport terminals and alcohol-dedicated areas.
  • Private property owners and businesses may prohibit guns, and refusing to leave when asked can lead to armed trespass charges, according to sheriffs.
  • Sheriff’s offices issued guidance ceasing enforcement and businesses set policies, while law enforcement and lawmakers flagged ambiguities and urged legislative fixes.