What You Need to Know About Florida’s New Open Carry Laws

Florida’s open carry laws have changed, and responsible gun owners need to understand how these updates impact daily carry, training, and visits to public places.

At Orlando Shooting Sports, we are committed to helping every member of our community stay safe, informed, and confident. That means keeping up with evolving laws, including the most recent shift in Florida open carry legislation.

Florida Open Carry Is Now Legal with Limitations

In September 2025, Florida officially began allowing open carry of firearms in public. This means it is now legal for eligible individuals to visibly carry a firearm in many public settings throughout the state.

This decision marks a significant shift in Florida law and brings the state in line with others that allow open carry. However, there are still important limitations to know before you carry.

Where Open Carry Is Still Prohibited

Even with the new law in place, open (or concealed) carry is still not allowed in certain locations. These include:

• County Commission or City Council Meetings

• Courthouses

• Police Stations and Sheriff’s Offices

• Bars (or bar-designated areas of restaurants)

• Schools, School-Sponsored Events, or property of public schools, school buses, or higher education institutions

These areas are considered sensitive locations and carry heightened restrictions.

Private Property Rules Still Apply

Open carry is permitted in many public areas, but private businesses still have the right to allow or deny open carry on their property. That means you may or may not be allowed to open carry in:

• Grocery stores

• Retail stores

• Restaurants (particularly those that serve alcohol)

Important Note: If a property owner or staff member asks you to leave or disarm and you do not comply, you may be charged with armed trespass, which is a felony offense in the state of Florida.

Orlando Shooting Sports Supports Responsible Carry

At Orlando Shooting Sports, we support your Second Amendment rights and the new Florida open carry law. We also believe that with freedom comes responsibility. We encourage all customers to:

• Know the law before you carry

• Respect private property rights

• Keep your firearm holstered and under control at all times

• Ask questions if you are unsure about specific rules

Need Help Understanding the Changes?

Whether you're brand new to firearms or a long-time permit holder, we are here to help you understand what this means for you.

Our instructors and staff are available to answer your questions and help you stay compliant, safe, and prepared. You can call us, stop by the range, or reach out via the chat button on our website for more details.