Florida’s appeals court has struck down the state’s longtime ban on open carry, clearing the way for residents in St. Johns County and across the state to legally possess firearms in plain view.
Citing the ruling, Sheriff Robert Hardwick said last week that deputies have already been told that openly carrying a gun is no longer an offense.
But the legal changes do not erase many restrictions that already exist in state law.
Florida’s statutes spell out a list of places where carrying a gun — openly or concealed — is still prohibited. Violating those rules is a misdemeanor that can bring fines and even jail time.
Here are the key places where you cannot bring a firearm:
- Law enforcement facilities: police and sheriff’s stations, highway patrol posts, and jails or prisons.
- Courts: courthouses and courtrooms, unless a judge gives special permission.
- Government meetings: county commission, school board, city council, and legislative sessions or committee hearings.
- Polling places: during elections or early voting.
- Schools: all elementary and secondary campuses, administration offices, and career centers.
- Sports venues: any school, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms.
- Colleges and universities: guns are banned inside facilities, with only narrow exceptions for nonlethal defensive devices.
- Bars and nightclubs: areas primarily devoted to serving alcohol. Restaurants with bars fall into a gray area, but anywhere the main purpose is drinking is off-limits.
- Airports: secure passenger areas past the TSA checkpoint. Firearms must be checked in baggage if traveling.
- Federal property: including post offices, federal courthouses, and other federally restricted zones.
- Houses of worship: you may carry openly or concealed at a church, synagogue, or mosque unless the property is also a school or the institution itself sets stricter rules.
The rules apply equally to open and concealed carry.
Property owners can also set their own rules — meaning a private business can prohibit firearms on its premises, regardless of state law.
