Florida Court Ruling Makes Open Carry Legal, Restrictions Remain in Place
The Florida First District Court of Appeal has ruled that the state law prohibiting the open carry of firearms is unconstitutional, immediately making open carry legal across the state. The decision, announced by Attorney General James Uthmeier on September 15, 2025, marks a major shift in Florida’s firearm regulations.
While the ban has been lifted, officials emphasize that strict restrictions remain in place regarding where firearms may be carried. The open or concealed carry of handguns is still prohibited in sensitive locations, including Board of County Commission meetings, city commission or council meetings, courthouses, police stations, and sheriff’s offices, bars and bar areas of restaurants, and schools.
The law further prohibits firearms at school-sponsored events, on school property, on school buses, and at school bus stops, as well as on the grounds of colleges and universities. Carrying a firearm in a careless or threatening manner also remains illegal under state law.
Private property owners retain the right to prohibit firearms on their premises, including grocery stores, retail businesses, and restaurants. If a person carrying a firearm is asked to leave and refuses, they may face felony charges of armed trespass.
Law enforcement encourages residents to respect both property owners’ rights and the boundaries set for carrying firearms in public spaces. The ruling expands Second Amendment rights in Florida, but officials stress that compliance with the new regulations is essential for safety across the community.
