The open carry of firearms takes effect in Florida: What does it mean and who does it benefit?

On Thursday, the right to openly carry firearms in public took effect in Florida, following a ruling by the First District Court of Appeals that declared the state ban unconstitutional.

The measure, supported by Republican governor Ron DeSantis, will allow citizens to openly carry pistols and revolvers in public, with some exceptions for schools, courthouses, airports, and private properties.

Official support and historical context

Governor DeSantis defended the decision, stating that it will not represent a significant change in the daily lives of Floridians.

During an event at Florida International University, he compared the measure to most states, including those governed by Democrats, and stated that "the sky is not going to fall" due to open carry.

According to data from Ammo, more than 35% of Florida's population owns a firearm, and this decision aligns state legislation with what is already implemented in much of the country.

The prohibition currently in effect was one of the strictest, comparable only to those in California, Connecticut, and Illinois.

The ruling originated from the case of a man arrested in 2022 for carrying a gun in public while live streaming on the Internet. The court ruled that the state law was incompatible with the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.

Limitations and excluded areas

Although the new regulation allows the display of firearms in public spaces, it does not authorize carrying guns on private properties that prohibit it, as well as in businesses, bars, airports, schools, courts, and government buildings.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and other local departments have reminded the public of these restrictions, while officials in Monroe County have issued internal guidelines to inform about the enforcement of the ruling.

Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, underscored that while open carry is now a constitutional right, displaying a weapon in a threatening or reckless manner remains illegal and can lead to arrest.

The practical implementation still raises questions, as some police departments are still reviewing protocols and require additional training for their officers.

Reactions and public debate

The measure has generated mixed opinions.

While some citizens celebrate the ruling as a strengthening of the right to self-defense, others, like Alan Greenstein from the southern part of the state, express their disagreement: "I don’t like the idea, but there’s nothing I can do about it. That’s what the courts have decided," he told Local 10.

The debate extends to state politics: although DeSantis promoted tax incentives for the purchase of tax-free firearms and legislation to ease the public carrying of guns, some Republican senators and the Florida Sheriffs Association have expressed reservations.

Furthermore, the Legislature may be compelled to clarify details in a new law to align the regulations with the exceptions and constitutional rights.

Impact on firearm security and culture

Experts warn that the implementation of open carry could increase risks if it is not accompanied by proper training and clear regulations.

Currently, Florida has nearly 2.4 million permits for carrying concealed weapons, although participation in safety courses has decreased by 64% compared to the previous year.

The new measure marks a historic change, as Florida transitions from being one of the few states with nearly absolute restrictions on open carry to aligning itself with the majority of the United States, where this practice has been common for decades.

The debate over security, individual rights, and gun control continues throughout the state, with legislators, authorities, and citizens assessing how to coexist with this openness in everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Open Carry of Firearms in Florida