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Florida Open Carry Law Starts Sept. 25 | Sheriff Urges Caution Over Legal Confusion
WFLA News Channel 8
Sep 19, 2025
Florida’s new open carry law goes into effect on September 25, but law enforcement officials are warning residents not to misinterpret what that means.
In this segment, a Florida sheriff breaks down the restrictions still in place --- including schools, courthouses, and government buildings — despite the new law allowing open carry. While the sheriff supports the Second Amendment, he argues concealed carry provides a safer, tactical advantage and avoids unnecessary legal risk.
He urges gun owners to default back to concealed carry rules, especially until the legislature can clarify the law’s gray areas. The message: just because open carry is legal doesn’t mean it’s allowed everywhere.
I live in an open carry state. There are some restrictions but they are the same as for concealed carry: private businesses can make themselves a "gun free zone"; schools, hospitals, and government buildings are also "gun free zones": and the capital grounds are a "gun free zone".
I know a lot of people think open carry makes it more dangerous but I can't think of any cases where it was an issue. Californians get a little freaked out at first (but then they get freaked out by the fact that we can walk into a gun store, have a NICS run, then walk out with our gun purchase in less than half an hour) but after a while they learn to be like normal people and seeing a gun on someone becomes like seeing an accessory.
There’s a lot to be said of the deterrence effect especially if a number of people are seen armed. Makes bad guys realize not only are citizens capable of defending themselves and others but maybe think how many are concealed carrying and it’s be stupid to attempt something illegal.
Very true! Keeps the bad guys guessing!!