Multiple Florida Sheriffs Suspend Enforcement of Open Carry Ban Following Appeals Court Ruling

Following a recent ruling by the First District Court of Appeal that Florida's open carry ban is unconstitutional and violates the Second Amendment, multiple law enforcement agencies across Florida have instructed officers to stop enforcing the ban. Agencies such as the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office, Pensacola Police Department, Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Clay County Sheriff's Office, and Bradford County Sheriff's Office have all publicly announced their compliance with the court decision. While gun owners are now legally permitted to openly carry firearms in public, restrictions remain in place for sensitive locations such as courthouses, government buildings, schools, and private properties where owners can prohibit firearms. Several sheriffs emphasized the importance of respecting private property rights and exercising responsible gun ownership. The ruling and subsequent law enforcement responses have been framed as affirmations of constitutional rights, with officials urging citizens to carry firearms responsibly and law enforcement to respect the court's interpretation of the Second Amendment. The decision has drawn praise from state leaders and gun rights advocates, marking a significant shift in Florida's firearm regulations.