Where is open carry prohibited in Florida?
Asked by: Bertram Schneider | Last update: April 5, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (54 votes)
In Florida, you generally cannot open carry firearms in sensitive places like schools, government buildings, courthouses, polling places, police stations, and detention facilities, and private businesses like grocery stores (Publix, Walmart, Target) can ban them. State and federal laws still restrict carry in many locations, even with the allowance for permitless open carry, which took effect after a 2025 appeals court ruling that struck down the previous ban.
Where can you not open carry in Florida?
Prohibited Locations
- Any place of nuisance as defined in section 823.05.
- Any police, sheriff, or Highway Patrol station;
- Any detention facility, prison or jail;
- Any courthouse; any courtroom, except that a judge may carry a concealed weapon and determine who may carry a concealed weapon in the courtroom;
Does 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.
What are the rules for open carry in Florida?
790.01(1) to briefly and openly display the firearm to the ordinary sight of another person, unless the firearm is intentionally displayed in an angry or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense. (2) A person may openly carry, for purposes of lawful self-defense: (a) A self-defense chemical spray.
Can I open carry at 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.
Open carry is now officially legal in Florida. Here’s what you should know
Does Target allow open carry in Florida?
At Target stores, guns aren't allowed at all. "While we continue to follow local laws regarding open carry policies, we also respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target, even in communities where it's permitted.
Can I open carry in Costco?
Then CEO John Mulligan said. “Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create.” Costco has a similar policy, stating that its members agree to abide by its membership conditions, which prohibit weapons in stores.
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.
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)).
Can I open carry in my car in FL?
No Open Carry: Florida does not allow the open carry of firearms in public, including in vehicles, except under certain circumstances. Exceptions: You may carry a firearm openly when engaging in lawful activities such as hunting, target shooting, or fishing, and when traveling to or from those activities.
Is pocket carry illegal in Florida?
Florida Knife Length Law
Blades shorter than four inches, like those of a pen knife or pocket knife, can be concealed on your person or in a bag or purse without a permit. If you wish to carry a concealed knife with a blade longer than four inches, you will need a deadly weapon concealed carry permit.
Does Target allow firearms?
No, you generally cannot carry firearms (openly or concealed) in Target stores; Target has a corporate policy requesting guests not to bring guns into their stores, even where local laws permit it, to maintain a safe, family-friendly environment, so it's best to leave firearms at home. While Target follows local laws, their request to avoid firearms is a company-wide guideline for both open and concealed carry, making stores effectively gun-free zones due to this policy.
Can you carry a gun in a bar in Florida?
F.S. 790.06(12)(a)(12) prohibits civilians from carrying guns into the portion of that establishment where alcohol is being served and consumed. In fact, Florida is one of just 15 states (as of this writing) that prohibits concealed carry of guns in bars or other places that serve alcohol.
Can you conceal carry at a library in Florida?
A public library is one of the areas deemed restricted by the government in the state of Florida where you cannot carry a concealed firearm. It is a crime to carry your licensed gun in a concealed manner in a public library in Florida.
Does open carry make you a target?
The Risk of Targeting
One of the biggest drawbacks of open carry is that it can make you a target. For example, suppose you are sitting down and having lunch with your family at a restaurant. Suddenly, armed robbers barge in with guns drawn and demand cash from the register.
Why is open carry legal but not concealed?
Proponents of open carry point to history and statistics, noting that criminals usually conceal their weapons, in contrast to the law-abiding citizens who display their weapons. As of 2025, almost all US states allow for open carry either without a permit or with a permit/license.
Is FL an open carry state?
Yes, as of late September 2025, Florida is an open-carry state for adults who can legally possess firearms, following a court ruling that struck down the state's ban, though restrictions still apply in sensitive places like schools, courthouses, and airports, with permitless concealed carry also in effect. Adults generally can carry firearms openly in most public places, but must follow rules against brandishing and remain aware of prohibited locations like police stations or polling places.
Where can you 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;
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.
Which state has the loosest gun laws?
Mississippi, Wyoming, and Arizona are frequently cited as having the loosest gun laws, with Mississippi often ranked as the most lenient due to minimal regulations, lacking permit requirements for concealed carry, and few restrictions on public carry, while Wyoming and Arizona also stand out for permitless carry and strong self-defense laws. New Hampshire and West Virginia are also noted for their relaxed approaches, with some sources placing New Hampshire at the top due to low crime and lax rules.
Can I carry my gun in Home Depot?
“The Home Depot allows concealed carry and open carry where permissible by local laws.”
Can I open carry at Walmart?
Open Carry of Firearms
Motivated by our desire to create a safe environment in our stores and clubs, we request that customers no longer openly carry firearms into Walmart or Sam's Club locations in states where open carry is permitted – unless they are authorized law enforcement.
Does Lowes allow concealed carry?
Lowes Bans Open Carry in their store . as long as customer has his conceal carry permit his fine.