Florida Open Carry Now Law of the Land, Sparking Local Debate and Reminders on Gun Safety

A seismic shift in Florida gun laws has sent ripples across the state, and Tampa Bay is no exception.

 

The long-standing ban on Florida open carry has been struck down as unconstitutional by the First District Court of Appeals, a decision that Attorney General James Uthmeier quickly declared binding for the entire state.

 

This ruling effectively ends a decades-old prohibition on visibly carrying firearms in public.

 

The decision immediately prompted local law enforcement leaders to address the public, creating a mixture of celebration from gun rights advocates and caution from sheriffs.

 

In Pinellas County, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri issued a statement confirming his office will comply with the Attorney General's guidance.

 

However, he was quick to remind citizens that this is not a free-for-all.

 

Gualtieri emphasized that private businesses can still prohibit firearms on their property, and anyone who refuses to comply could face a felony charge for armed trespass.

 

The new law does not eliminate gun-free zones.

 

State law still forbids carrying firearms in sensitive locations like schools, police stations, government meetings, and polling places.

 

Just north in Hernando County, Sheriff Al Nienhuis took to social media to offer practical advice.

 

He warned that openly carrying a firearm could make an individual the first target in a dangerous situation, limiting their tactical options.

 

Nienhuis strongly recommended that anyone choosing to open carry invest in a holster with retention capabilities to prevent their weapon from being easily taken.

 

He also highlighted his office's Situational Awareness Firearms Education (SAFE) program, designed to prepare residents for the immense responsibility of carrying a weapon.

 

For groups like Gun Owners of America, the court’s ruling is a monumental victory they have sought for years.

 

Luis Valdes, the organization's Florida state director, celebrated the decision but echoed law enforcement's call for civic virtue, stating that with firearm ownership comes great responsibility.

 

Even with the ruling, the law prohibits displaying a firearm in a “rude or careless” manner.

 

While the attorney general has directed law enforcement to stop enforcing the old ban, the court's decision isn't technically final until the appeal window closes on September 26.

 

FAQ: Florida Open Carry

 

Is it legal to open carry anywhere in Florida now?
No. While the general ban is lifted, it is still illegal to carry firearms in restricted areas like schools, courthouses, police stations, and government meetings. Private property owners can also prohibit firearms.

 

What are local sheriffs advising gun owners to do?
They advise understanding all remaining restrictions, respecting private property rights, and considering tactical training. Hernando County's sheriff suggests that concealed carry may offer a tactical advantage and recommends using high-retention holsters for open carry.

 

When did the new Florida open carry law take effect?
The Attorney General has declared the ruling effective immediately, directing law enforcement to cease prosecutions under the old ban. However, the ruling technically becomes final after September 25, once the period for any potential appeals has passed.