public:cb_mirror:open_carry_in_florida_is_now_legal_txt_blogposts_31485
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Open Carry in Florida is Now Legal
We all need to be acquainted with changes to laws.
Although it was a long time coming, as of September 25, 2025, open carry of firearms is now legal in Florida. But there are plenty of limitations to the law, and to carry responsibly, we all need to be acquainted with the specific requirements. Here’s one summary of some of the limitations and background: * <WRAP> * A Florida appeals court ruled the state's ban on openly carrying firearms is unconstitutional. * The ruling does not allow open carry in certain sensitive locations like schools, courthouses, and bars. * Private property owners and businesses can still prohibit firearms on their premises. [snip] </WRAP> 'Open carry' means you can publicly carry a legally owned firearm that is kept in plain sight or partially concealed, usually holstered. Previously, according to Florida law, openly carrying a firearm is a second-degree misdemeanor with a $500 fine or a maximum of 60 days in jail. There are restrictions on open carry in other areas, too: Any place of nuisance as defined by law (sort of an open term that includes places that endanger the health of the community), become 'manifestly injurious to the morals or manners' of the community, or 'annoy the community' such as prostitution dens, illegal gambling halls, specified massage parlors and anywhere criminal gang activity happens; any police, sheriff, or highway patrol station; any detention facility, prison, or jail; any courthouse (although judges may carry in the courtroom and may determine who else can); polling places; any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special district; any meeting of the Legislature or a committee thereof; any school, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms; professional athletic events; any elementary or secondary school facility or administration building any career center; any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose; any college or university facility; the inside of the passenger terminal and sterile area of any airport unless encased for shipment to be checked as baggage; any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.  As you can see, the list is quite comprehensive; it’s also likely that the list will change, with either additions or deletions, as some constituencies call for modifications. Also, red flag laws are still in place and don’t apply to open carry.One of the latest changes to the open carry law was made by Publix stores: The largest grocery store chain in Florida is now allowing open carry of firearms in its hundreds of locations across the Sunshine State. Publix – which has 882 stores in Florida according to its website – began allowing the practice in recent weeks, according to local reports. ‘As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms,’ a spokesperson for Publix told FOX Business, adding that the company ‘follows all federal, state and local laws.’ Publix issued this statement regarding its decision: In a statement to FOX 35, Publix leaders said, ‘Treating customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix. In any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic or dangerous shopping experience — whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not — we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates.’ One gun advocacy organization points out that there are other limitations: * <WRAP> * You Become the Target: If a criminal walks into a store and sees you’re armed, you are the first person they neutralize. * Retention Risk: Without a Level III retention holster and dedicated retention training, you risk losing your firearm to an attacker. That weapon could be used in another crime or turned against you. * Legal and Moral Burden: If your unsecured firearm is stolen, you carry responsibility for its future misuse. * Loss of Tactical Advantage: Concealment keeps you discreet. The element of surprise works in your favor. This same organization added this cautionary note:  </WRAP> But legality is not the same as sound tactics. The element of surprise, secure holsters, and professional training are what keep you and those around you safe. Do not confuse what is legal with what is smart. Train smart. Carry smart. Stay safe. Convention of States Defends Constitutional Rights Gun laws nationally have been a hot topic for years. The federal government has tried to interfere with state laws regarding the requirements and restrictions, and it's been difficult to secure our rights to keep and maintain arms as a state right. An Article V, Convention of States would allow us to protect our rights and prevent the federal government from abolishing our gun rights. Consider signing the petition below to put appropriate limits on federal power and to keep this precious right with the states. # | PETITION_WIDGET{petition_tag:Petition Widget;coalition_id:;anedot_url:} | # |
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| Created: | 2025-10-12 18:48 GMT |
| Updated: | 2025-10-14 14:09 GMT |
| Published: | 2025-10-14 14:09 GMT |
| Converted: | 2025-11-11 12:07 GMT |
| Change Author: | Susan Quinn |
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