Can you conceal carry in Florida post office?

Asked by: Jerel Yundt  |  Last update: February 1, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (24 votes)

No, you generally cannot conceal carry in a Florida post office because U.S. Postal Service (USPS) regulations prohibit firearms, openly or concealed, on postal property, including parking lots, though a recent Florida court ruling challenged this ban for certain individuals as unconstitutional. While a federal judge ruled the ban unconstitutional in United States v. Ayala (2024) for specific plaintiffs and those covered by the ruling, the USPS maintains its policy, meaning it's still off-limits for most people, and you could face federal prosecution.

Can you conceal carry in a post office in Florida?

No person on U.S. Postal Service® property may carry or store firearms, explosives, or other dangerous or deadly weapons, either openly or concealed, except for official purposes. See Title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 232.1.

Can I conceal carry in a USPS?

Notwithstanding any other law, rule, or regulation, no person while on Postal Service property may carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed, or store the same on Postal Service property, except for official purposes.

Where is concealed carry not allowed in Florida?

In Florida, you cannot conceal carry in locations like police stations, courthouses, polling places, jails, schools/universities (with exceptions), airports (sterile areas), government meetings, and bars/alcohol-focused establishments, plus any place prohibited by federal law or posted with signs. Violations, even with permitless carry, can lead to arrest, as restrictions on these sensitive locations remain in place, according to Florida Statutes and this video. 

Is the USPS firearm ban unconstitutional?

A nearly 100-year-old federal ban on mailing handguns through the U.S. Postal Service is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced, according to an opinion released Thursday by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Post Office Concealed Carry Rules Just Changed!

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Does the 2nd Amendment override state laws?

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the rights of gun owners to carry a loaded weapon in public, ruling that the 2nd Amendment right to “bear arms” overrides laws in New York and California that restrict who may legally take guns when they leave home.

Is the postal service constitutionally protected?

Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 of the United States Constitution gave Congress exclusive power to establish the postal system.

Can I conceal carry in Walmart in Florida?

Yes, you can generally conceal carry in Walmart stores in Florida, as their policy bans open carry but allows concealed carry in accordance with state law, meaning you need a valid Florida Concealed Weapon License (CWL) to carry hidden, but you must still respect the store's rules against open display and be aware of other Florida laws that prohibit concealed carry in certain locations like schools or government buildings. Ignoring a store's no-gun request can lead to trespassing charges, potentially a felony if armed. 

Do I need to disclose if I'm carrying?

In the hard duty to inform states, you have to inform an officer that you are armed without being asked. In some states, a person is only required to disclose that they are carrying if asked by a police officer but otherwise don't have to.

What is the new law in Florida for concealed carry?

Florida's major concealed carry change (HB 543) took effect July 1, 2023, allowing "permitless carry" for eligible individuals (U.S. citizens, 21+, no disqualifying felonies/misdemeanors) to carry concealed firearms without a license, training, or background check, but it's not open carry and restrictions on locations like schools and government buildings still apply;. A separate, more recent development (late 2025) indicates Florida's open carry ban was struck down, making open carry potentially legal in some areas, but specific details on implementation and restricted zones for both concealed and open carry remain crucial. 

Are U.S. post offices federal property?

Congress exercised those powers with the passage of The Post Office Act of 1792, which made the Postal Service a permanent fixture of the Federal Government.

Can I conceal carry at Home Depot?

“The Home Depot allows concealed carry and open carry where permissible by local laws,” a Home Depot spokesperson said. Representatives from McDonald's, Kohl's, Lowe's, and and Best Buy have not responded to a request for information. Copyright 2026 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Are you allowed to record in a post office?

Filming on USPS premises requires a Location Agreement for commercial or non-commercial use. Please note that filming often requires the coordination of several USPS parties including a local Postmaster or letter carrier.

Can I carry a concealed weapon in a post office?

Employees are reminded that carrying or storing firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives — either openly or concealed — on USPS property is prohibited and can result in discipline up to and including removal from the Postal Service, as well as potential prosecution.

Can you carry a gun in a bank in Florida?

As long as you keep your gun in its holster or on a sling around your shoulder, you should be fine legally if you want to take it inside a bank, but taking it out of the holster or doing anything else with it while inside could land you in legal trouble.

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.

Does a holster count as concealed carry?

Yes, a holster is considered part of concealed carry when it hides a firearm from plain view, but the distinction between open and concealed carry often depends on if the firearm is visible or completely covered by clothing, with a holster being essential for discreet, hidden carry and safety, though some states allow holstered guns to be openly carried. The key factor is whether an ordinary observer can see the weapon; a holster helps conceal it under clothing (like inside the waistband or shoulder holsters) or in a pocket, making it "concealed," while an outside the waistband (OWB) holster might be considered "open carry" if not covered.
 

Do you have to tell police you have a gun in Florida?

❓ Do I need to tell police I have a gun in the car? No. Florida does not require disclosure unless specifically asked by an officer. If you do mention it, remain calm and non-confrontational.

What cannot be disclosed without consent?

The general rule under the Privacy Act is that an agency cannot disclose a record contained in a system of records unless the individual to whom the record pertains gives prior written consent to the disclosure.

Where can I not conceal carry in Florida?

In Florida, you cannot conceal carry in locations like police stations, courthouses, polling places, jails, schools/universities (with exceptions), airports (sterile areas), government meetings, and bars/alcohol-focused establishments, plus any place prohibited by federal law or posted with signs. Violations, even with permitless carry, can lead to arrest, as restrictions on these sensitive locations remain in place, according to Florida Statutes and this video. 

Will Publix allow open carry in Florida?

Guns and groceries: A Florida shopper's guide to open carry and which stores allow it. A Florida court decision invalidated the state's open-carry ban, prompting Publix to allow open carry in its stores. The new policy has caused concern among some shoppers, while Second Amendment advocates have celebrated the change.

Can you carry a loaded gun in your car without a permit in Florida?

In Florida you can have a concealed firearm in your vehicle without a permit as long as it is not readily accessible or if it is “securely encased.” Securely encased is defined by Florida Statute 790.001(17) to include a glove compartment, whether locked or not locked; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether or ...

Who owns the post office now?

Post Office is a public corporation owned by the government. It is a separate entity from Royal Mail, which is privately owned. Post Office is one of the UK's largest retailers, with around 11,665 branches as of April 2025.

Does USPS have its own police force?

Postal Police Officer operations are under the administrative control of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Postal Service. PPOs are represented by a union, the Postal Police Officers Association.

What is the creed of the Postal Service?

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" -United States Postal Service Creed.