Florida Appeals Court Strikes Down Open Carry Ban — Attorney General Declares It “Law of the State”

The Road Ahead: Florida’s Open Carry Law After September 25

In the short term, confusion still lingers. Some sheriffs jumped immediately to stop enforcement, while others are waiting until the 15-day rehearing window closes on or around September 25–26 to treat the ruling as final — including Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.

Orange County’s shift marks a major turning point, signaling that even Florida’s largest metro counties are falling in line with the Attorney General’s directive.

Looking ahead, the Legislature could move to codify open carry in the next session in January, setting out clearer rules and restrictions, although in the past two Legislative Sessions, bills to allow open carry died in the State Senate.

In the long run, Orlando faces a bigger test: how will visible firearms reshape public space in a city built on tourism, nightlife, and tightly packed community events?

Bottom Line: Open Carry in Florida, 2025

Florida’s open-carry ban has been knocked down, but it’s not buried. Some sheriffs have already walked away from enforcement, while others are holding firm — even as the Attorney General insists the ruling is binding statewide.

But the reality is this isn’t just about statutes and court tests. It’s about daily life in a state where the rules can change overnight.

In Orlando, that means the law won’t just play out in courtrooms — it will play out in the crowds. From Lake Eola farmers markets to Saturday outings on Park Avenue in Winter Park, to packed nights on I-Drive.

Safety and security consistently rank as one of the most important factors for travelers when choosing a vacation destination.

Florida drew 143 million visitors in 2024, and with an economy that relies so heavily on them, asking how an open-carry policy could affect how safe those visitors feel is far from alarmist.

One thing is certain: the fight isn’t over. And at Pulp City, we’ll be right here following it.

FAQ: Florida Open Carry Law (2025)

Is open carry legal in Florida in 2025?

As of September 2025, a Florida appeals court struck down the state’s open carry ban under McDaniels v. State. The Attorney General declared the ruling binding, and most counties have paused enforcement while the 15-day rehearing period runs its course.

Which Florida counties have stopped enforcing the ban?

Sheriffs in Orange, Brevard, Volusia, Osceola, Marion, Seminole, and Polk counties have said they will not enforce Florida Statute 790.053 following the appeals court ruling.

Can you open carry in Orlando theme parks?

No. Disney, Universal, and other major Orlando theme parks strictly prohibit firearms and use metal detectors and security screening to enforce those rules.

What places are still off-limits even if open carry is allowed?

Firearms remain banned in courthouses, polling places, schools and school events, airport sterile areas, the portions of bars primarily devoted to alcohol service, and anywhere federal law prohibits them.