Can I pocket carry in Florida?
Asked by: Nathan Yundt | Last update: May 16, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (13 votes)
Yes, you can pocket carry in Florida as of July 2023 due to permitless carry laws, meaning eligible individuals (meeting CWP criteria) can carry concealed without a license, including in a pocket, but open carry is generally prohibited, and many sensitive locations remain off-limits, like schools and government buildings, even with a permit. You must still follow all other firearm laws, and it's crucial to understand prohibited places.
Can I carry my handgun in my pocket in Florida?
Starting July 1, 2023, new legislation takes effect in the state of Florida which authorizes a person to carry a concealed weapon or firearm pursuant to a valid concealed weapons license or without a concealed weapons license provided that the criteria for obtaining a license is met.
Is pocket carry considered concealed carry?
Legal Definitions
Generally, if the firearm is not visible and is carried in a manner that is not readily apparent to an observer, it is considered concealed. This applies to various forms of carry, including pocket carry.
Can you open carry in Florida now?
Anyone who can lawfully possess a firearm under state and federal law may openly carry in Florida.
Can I legally carry a gun in my car in Florida?
Yes, you can carry a gun in your car in Florida, even without a concealed weapon permit, as long as it's at least 18 years old, legally possessing it, and it's securely encased or not readily accessible, meaning not on your person or in plain sight for immediate use (like under the seat or on the seat). A permit (CWFL) allows for carrying it on your person (concealed or openly, as of late 2025 laws), but the secure storage rule applies without one.
You No Longer Need A Permit To Carry In Florida, Here's Why It's A Good Thing
Can I ride with my gun on my lap in Florida?
Secure Storage: The firearm must be in a place where it's not easily accessible, such as in the glove compartment, trunk, or a secure container. Not on Your Person: Unless you have a concealed carry license, the firearm cannot be on your person.
Can I carry a gun without a concealed weapons permit in Florida?
Yes, as of July 1, 2023, Florida allows eligible adults (21+) to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, provided they meet the same qualifications as if they were getting a license and carry valid ID, but they still cannot carry in prohibited locations like schools or government buildings. This is called "permitless carry," and you must still follow all other gun laws, including no carrying in restricted zones and showing ID to law enforcement upon demand.
Can I open carry in Walmart in Florida?
Walmart. Walmart does not allow open carry of weapons in any of its stores, but they do allow the concealed carry of weapons in accordance with state laws. If a customer is observed openly carrying a firearm at a Walmart location, it is up to the discretion of the store management to decide what to do.
Can you go to jail for carrying a gun without a permit in Florida?
Violating these location-specific restrictions can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, punishable by jail time, probation and substantial fines. Improper use or display — Even with legal authority to carry, the manner in which a firearm is used or displayed matters under Florida law.
Why did Florida ban open carry?
The reason given was to delay implementation of open carry provisions while people became accustomed to concealed carry. While in special session over an unrelated tax matter, the legislature added the open carry ban to the agenda and quickly passed the measure.
What is Mexican carry?
Mexican Carry is the dangerous practice of carrying a handgun tucked into the waistband without a holster, often in the appendix (front) position, originating from historical defiance of gun laws in Mexico where citizens hid firearms in their pants to avoid confiscation. While it allows for deep concealment and quick access, it's widely considered unsafe due to the lack of trigger protection and retention, risking accidental discharge and injury.
What is the best handgun to carry in your pocket?
Best Pocket Pistols
- KelTec P32 – Editor's Pick. ...
- Beretta 30X – Best DA/SA Pocket Pistol. ...
- Ruger LCP II . ...
- Smith & Wesson 432 UC – Best Pocket Revolver. ...
- Seecamp LWS – Smallest Semi-Auto Pocket Pistol. ...
- Sig Sauer 938 – Best 9mm Pocket Pistol. ...
- Walther PPK/S – Best High-End Pocket Pistol.
Is Publix open carry in Florida?
Publix customers can now openly carry firearms in stores across the state. Why it matters: The company, Florida's largest grocery store chain, is one of the first major corporations to embrace open carry following an appeals court ruling last month that deemed a state ban on it unconstitutional.
Is a gun in a backpack considered concealed in Florida?
Conversely, a person is practicing concealed carry if they have a pistol in their purse, backpack, or ankle holster under their pants. You must have a CCW license to conceal carry a weapon in Florida.
Does your gun have to be in a holster in Florida?
Starting on September 25, all legal Florida gun owners will be able to open carry their weapons after the overturning of a 1987 ban.
Can you conceal carry in your pocket in Florida?
This applies to carrying a concealed firearm on your person, which is illegal under 790.001 of the Florida Statutes, unless you have a valid Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP). This includes carrying it in your shirt or pocket or jacket where another person may not ordinarily see it.
How much does a FL concealed carry permit cost?
The Department of Agriculture will review the application, complete the background check and upon approval the concealed weapon license will be mailed to the applicant. In most cases the cost is $119.00.
Is Florida a must notify state?
To be clear, Florida Statute 790.06 - “License to carry concealed weapon or firearm” states that an individual has no “duty to inform” a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed weapon or firearm (some states do, however).
Where can I not carry a gun in Florida?
Possession Restrictions
- Any place of nuisance as defined in s. ...
- Any police, sheriff, or highway patrol station;
- Any detention facility, prison, or jail;
- Any courthouse;
Does Costco allow guns?
No, you cannot carry a gun in Costco (except for authorized law enforcement); their policy strictly prohibits firearms in their warehouses for the safety of members and employees, a rule that applies globally and isn't customized by location, even in states with lax gun laws.
Does open carry mean you can walk around with firearms?
“Openly carry” means the weapon is visible and not loaded; if it is loaded, a different law, Penal Code § 25850, controls and elevates the stakes. Merely having ammunition on your person while openly carrying an unloaded handgun can trigger an additional sentence enhancement (see § 25850(c)).
What is the new carry law in Florida?
Florida's gun laws recently changed significantly: in July 2023, Permitless Carry (Constitutional Carry) began, allowing eligible individuals to carry concealed firearms without a license; then, in September 2025, an appeals court ruling struck down the state's open-carry ban, making Open Carry legal for most lawful gun owners, though still subject to restrictions in sensitive places like schools and government buildings, with some businesses allowing or prohibiting it.
Are you required to register guns in Florida?
Many people search for information on “how to register a gun in Florida” due to misconceptions about state laws. It's important to understand that Florida does not have a gun registry, you don't need to inform local law enforcement about firearm purchases, and there's no license required to own a gun in the state.
Can my wife carry my gun in Florida?
Florida: Florida law allows for joint ownership and sharing of firearms, so your wife could carry your firearm as long as she has a concealed carry permit.