Open Carry

State Attorney General James Uthmeier had initially said open carry was allowed immediately following the judge's decision. But his spokesperson later clarified there was a 15-day window before it would start.

The attorney general’s announcement opens the door to legal challenges across Florida, from defendants whose weapons cases are pending or from those already convicted.

In the guidance, Uthmeier told prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies to refrain from arresting or putting on trial “law-abiding citizens carrying a firearm in a manner that is visible to others” as Florida courts couldn’t convict such people.

The move comes after an appellate court ruled the ban unconstitutional.

Gov. Ron DeSantis made the statement during a news conference in Plant City to mark the start of sales tax exemptions through the end of the year on hunting, fishing and camping equipment.

Here is a list of some of the major pieces of legislation lawmakers are expected to tackle when the session begins March 4.

The legislation would extend concealed carry rights onto the campuses of state colleges and universities. Guns would be allowed throughout campus, including dorms.

An open carry billed filed for consideration during the 2025 Legislative Session would allow Floridians to openly carry firearms, and it would repeal a “red-flag” law passed after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland that allows authorities to take guns from people found to pose a “significant danger” to themselves or others.

Florida gun owners are speculating whether 2025 will be the year the state finally passes a law that allows open carry.

The Florida House has passed a bill that would allow people to carry concealed guns without a permit, but it wouldn't allow them to openly carry firearms.

Democratic lawmakers say the bill would eliminate the firearms-training requirement. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri calls current training requirements tied to the licensing process “meaningless.”

Lakeland-based Publix, which has a large presence on the First Coast, is the latest major business to request that its customers not openly carry guns.