Florida Court Allows Open Carry Across Multiple Counties After Ban Overturned

Florida's 1st District Court of Appeal has ruled the state's ban on openly carrying firearms unconstitutional, leading several law enforcement agencies, including those in Flagler, Volusia, and Jacksonville, to cease enforcement of the ban. The ruling, which stems from the case of Stanley Victor McDaniels convicted for open carry in Pensacola, aligns with the Second Amendment and has been supported by Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier. While open carry is now permitted in most public places within the district, restrictions remain for courthouses, police stations, schools, government buildings, and private property where owners may prohibit firearms. Law enforcement agencies emphasize that convicted felons and those committing crimes are still prohibited from carrying firearms. The ruling has triggered varied responses with some officials calling for clearer statewide guidance to ensure consistent application of the new policy. Private property owners retain the right to ban firearms on their premises, and officers have been instructed not to detain individuals solely for openly carrying guns in compliance with the new legal landscape.