Open Carry in Florida
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Florida prohibits open carry of handguns; concealed carry permits are required instead.
How Florida treats Open Carry
Florida law generally prohibits openly carrying a handgun in public without a permit. Residents must obtain a concealed carry license from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to carry a handgun legally. Open carry is permitted only in limited circumstances, such as during hunting or at shooting ranges. Long guns may be transported openly in vehicles or for lawful purposes like hunting.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Florida.