Florida has the record for the most concealed carry permits active in the United States. However, this doesn’t mean that all gun laws are less restrictive in Florida.
In fact, Florida is one of only five states that ban open carry of firearms.
Florida Open Carry Laws
Open carry is defined as visibly carrying a firearm in public. If you are open carrying, that means that people walking by you on the street or in a store can see the weapon on your person.
This differs from concealed carry, which means that the gun is not visible (i.e., in a purse).
In general, open carry is prohibited in Florida.
There is no license that you can obtain that would allow you to carry a firearm openly.
Exceptions
While open carrying is generally not allowed, there are a few activities that get exceptions.
These activities include:
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Camping
- Doing target practice at a gun range
In these situations, you are allowed to show your gun openly. However, be prepared to be approached by police officers even in these situations.
Open Carrying Other Weapons
Florida statutes allow for some weapons to be openly carried.
The following weapons are allowed under open carry laws:
- Taser
- Chemical spray (like pepper spray)
- Stun gun
These are only allowed to be carried for self-defense purposes.
Penalties For Open Carry
It is extremely important to make sure you are following firearms laws, as walking around with a visible gun can result in criminal charges.
Openly carrying a gun is a second-degree misdemeanor offense.
It is punishable by:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Up to $500 in fines
Make Sure Your Weapon Is Concealed
If you have a concealed carry permit, make sure your weapon is not visible in order to avoid any unnecessary criminal charges.
Here are some tips for concealed carrying:
- Wear Loose Clothes: this will prevent the outline of your gun from showing, and be more comfortable!
- Choose The Right Holster: Make sure your holster isn’t visible to others. Also, constantly shifting to readjust your holster will show that you are carrying. Choose a comfortable holster so you don’t run into this problem.
- Some options include: pocket holster, shoulder holster, ankle holster, etc.
Broward County Criminal Defense
If you are being charged with a weapons-related offense, Hager & Schwartz, P.A. can help. We have an in-depth understanding of Florida’s weapon laws. Contact us today to set up an immediate case evaluation with our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys.
