Florida Appeals Court Overturns Open Carry Ban Creating Statewide Legal Uncertainty

Florida's First District Court of Appeal struck down the state's 40-year-old ban on openly carrying firearms, making open carry the law in Florida as confirmed by Attorney General James Uthmeier. This ruling overturned a 1987 law that prohibited visible firearms, leading to legal uncertainty regarding the enforceability of existing "gun-free" zones such as jails, bars, and legislative meetings, where firearms are typically restricted. Attorney General Uthmeier issued guidance to law enforcement and prosecutors to not arrest law-abiding citizens carrying firearms openly, while acknowledging the inconsistencies this ruling has created in the state's gun laws. Gun rights groups like Florida Carry Inc. have advised their members to respect current prohibited places and are working with legislators to update laws for clarity, emphasizing adherence to historical Second Amendment traditions. Meanwhile, entities like Walt Disney World maintain their own strict weapons bans despite the state's open carry ruling. Law enforcement officials caution the public to exercise care, as open carry is not permitted universally, and legislative efforts are anticipated to address the regulatory gaps exposed by the court decision.