JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Open carry of a firearm is now legal in the state of Florida.
Starting Thursday, open carry is now permitted in most public places, with a few exceptions.
This comes two weeks after a Florida appeals court declared unconstitutional a state law banning the open carrying of firearms, calling the law incompatible with the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
“No historical tradition supports Florida’s Open Carry Ban. To the contrary, history confirms that the right to bear arms in public necessarily includes the right to do so openly,” Judge Stephanie Ray wrote in an opinion, joined by Judges Lori Rowe and M. Kemmerly Thomas.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office were among the Northeast Florida agencies to release statements saying their employees were told not to enforce the open carry ban.
JSO said adults who legally possess a firearm can open carry in most public, unrestricted areas.
But private property owners, which include businesses and stores, can still prohibit open and concealed carry of firearms.
“Whether you have a firearm, concealed or it’s not concealed, it’s the responsibility of the firearm on your person. And again, we just encourage people that if you have a firearm of course, use it responsibly,” St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick said.
Here is a list from JSO that outlines restricted areas, even if they are public property.
- Courthouses
- Police/sheriff’s offices
- Certain government buildings
- Colleges/universities
- Schools, school buses and school-sponsored events
News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney said ignoring the signs could mean facing criminal charges, urging gun owners to be aware.
“You just have to understand what those rules are and really abide by them,” Hackney said.
If you’re openly carrying, it is recommended to get a bright-colored phone case so there is no question about what you’re reaching for.