Florida Gun Laws In 2026: The Complete Carry Guide

Most people have no idea how much Florida’s gun laws changed in 2025. Seriously. But if you live here or plan to visit, understanding these rules is important. Get it wrong, and you could face arrest, jail time, and a criminal record.

The good news? Florida is pretty gun-friendly. But there are still important boundaries you need to know. Let’s break down exactly what’s legal, what isn’t, and what changed recently.

What Is Open Carry, Anyway?

Open carry means carrying a firearm that people can see. It could be in a holster on your hip, over your shoulder, or visible in some other way. Simple concept, right? But the rules around it have changed dramatically.

Here’s the thing: until September 2025, open carry was completely illegal in Florida. Period. Then a court said Florida’s ban violated the Second Amendment. Now it’s legal—but with some big catches.

The Big 2025 Changes

Okay, pause. Read this carefully. September 10, 2025 was a major turning point. That’s when Florida’s appeals court ruled that the old open carry ban was unconstitutional. The Attorney General didn’t appeal it, so it stuck.

As of September 25, 2025, Floridians can now open carry firearms in public. You don’t need a permit or a license. You can carry openly almost anywhere—unless the law specifically says you can’t.

This is huge. Stay with me here, because there are important exceptions.

Can You Actually Open Carry in Florida?

Yes. You can now walk around with a visible firearm. But there are strict limits on where that’s allowed.

You cannot openly carry a firearm in these places:

Schools and school property
Government buildings and courthouses
Police stations and jails
Airports and airplanes
Polling places
Certain federal property
Private businesses that post “no firearms” signs

Wondering what happens if you carry in these places anyway? You could face charges ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. Seriously.

Private businesses can set their own rules. If a restaurant or store owner says “no guns,” you need to leave. If you don’t, that becomes armed trespassing—a third-degree felony.

What About Concealed Carry?

Here’s where it gets interesting. You can carry a concealed firearm without any permit or license now. This is called “permitless carry.”

Basically, you can carry a hidden gun just by meeting the basic legal requirements. You don’t need government permission. No training course. No background check required by the state (though your purchase from a dealer still requires a federal background check).

Sound complicated? It’s actually pretty straightforward.

You can carry concealed if you’re legally allowed to own a gun. That means you can’t have certain criminal convictions, restraining orders, or mental health commitments.

The Rules for Concealed Carry

If you’re carrying a gun that’s hidden, keep it hidden. Accidentally showing it briefly? Generally okay under the new rules. The law recognizes that sometimes your shirt rides up or your jacket shifts.

But displaying it on purpose? That’s different. “Improper exhibition” means showing your firearm in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening way. Even just pulling it out to show someone can be a crime.

Here’s what you need to know: accidentally and briefly exposing a concealed firearm is not a crime. Intentionally and repeatedly showing it is.

Not sure what counts as intentional? Think of it this way—if you’re just going about your day and someone glimpses your holstered gun, you’re fine. If you pull it out or keep it visible to make a point, that’s a problem.

Where Guns Are Prohibited (Even Concealed)

You cannot carry a concealed firearm in certain places. These are the same places where open carry is banned. This rule applies whether your gun is hidden or not.

Again, that includes schools, courthouses, police stations, airports, and government buildings. It also includes anywhere the property owner has posted a sign saying guns aren’t allowed.

There’s one exception. If you have a current concealed weapons permit (even though you don’t need one to carry now), you get some extra protections in specific situations. But honestly, the new rules make permits less necessary than they used to be.

Who Can’t Own or Carry Guns in Florida?

The law is clear about who can’t have firearms. If any of these apply to you, gun ownership is off the table:

Convicted felons
People with domestic violence convictions
Anyone subject to a domestic violence injunction
People committed to a mental institution
Anyone found mentally incompetent
Drug abusers (chronic users)
Anyone with certain violent misdemeanors

Even carrying a gun when you’re legally prohibited is a serious felony. We’re talking years in prison here.

Buying a Gun in Florida

Florida gun purchase rules are pretty relaxed compared to other states. You don’t need a permit to buy a firearm. You don’t need registration. There’s no limit on how many guns you can buy.

But there are a few basics:

You must be 21 years old to buy a handgun. You can buy a rifle or shotgun at 18, but you need to be older for pistols and revolvers. This changed after the 2018 school shooting law.

There’s a 3-day waiting period for handguns from licensed dealers. That means you buy it on Monday, you can’t take it home until Thursday. Some counties have 5 days. You must have a federal background check done before any purchase.

If you already have a valid concealed weapons permit, the waiting period doesn’t apply. But again, with permitless carry, permits are optional now.

Does this apply to private sales? Kind of. If you buy from a private person, state law is looser. But if you’re buying a handgun, it still has to go through a licensed dealer for the background check.

What About Bump Stocks and Other Accessories?

Florida bans certain firearm modifications. You can’t legally use “bump-fire stocks”—devices that make semi-automatic rifles fire faster.

Honestly, this is the part most people miss. You might own an otherwise legal gun, but if it has one of these devices, you’re breaking the law.

There’s no ban on high-capacity magazines, silencers, or other common accessories. Federal law applies though, so you’ll need to follow those rules too.

The Serious Penalties

Now, here’s where it gets serious. Breaking Florida’s gun laws can result in major consequences.

Improper exhibition (showing a gun in a threatening or rude way) is a first-degree misdemeanor. That’s up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Carrying in prohibited places (like a school) is usually a second-degree misdemeanor. That’s up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Illegal possession of a firearm by someone not allowed to have one is a third-degree felony. You could face up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Possession by a convicted felon jumps to a second-degree felony. That’s 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Then there’s Florida’s famous 10-20-Life law. If you use a gun while committing a felony:

10 years minimum if you just had the gun
20 years minimum if you fired it
25 years to life if someone was injured or killed

These sentences are added on top of whatever punishment you get for the underlying crime. Judges have no choice about these minimum sentences.

Special Situations to Understand

Hunting, fishing, and camping are exceptions. You can openly carry a firearm while engaged in these activities or traveling to and from them. Same with lawful self-defense.

Think of it this way: if you’re heading to the lake with your fishing rod and your firearm visible, you’re legal. Walking down a city street with your gun on your hip? Not legal.

You need to be able to prove you were actually hunting or fishing. That’s why having a hunting license, fishing license, or timestamp photos can matter.

What If You Don’t Have a Gun Right Now?

You’re not required to carry. Florida doesn’t mandate gun ownership. But if you choose to have one, you need to follow the rules.

Here’s what you should do:

Get proper training. Even though training isn’t required by law anymore, it’s smart. Handling a firearm safely is critical.

Learn the law. Know where you can and can’t carry. Florida has very specific location restrictions. Ignorance won’t help you in court.

Follow storage rules. If you have kids at home, it’s illegal to leave a loaded gun where a child under 16 can access it. Penalties are serious—up to 5 years in prison if someone gets hurt.

Keep your ID handy. If you’re carrying, you need to have valid government ID. Law enforcement can ask to see it.

Carry Valid ID at All Times

Here’s something crucial that people often forget. You must have a valid government-issued ID when you’re carrying a concealed firearm. This is required under Florida law.

If a police officer stops you and asks for ID, you must provide it. Not having it is a violation. Pretty straightforward, right? Yep, that’s all you need.

Can Businesses Kick You Out for Carrying?

Yes. Private property owners have complete control. If a business doesn’t want firearms on their property, they can post a sign or tell you directly.

Once they tell you to leave, you have to go. If you refuse, you can be arrested for armed trespassing—a third-degree felony.

This applies everywhere from Disney World to your local grocery store. Even if open carry is legal statewide, individual businesses can opt out.

Recent Court Decisions Matter

The McDaniels v. State ruling in September 2025 changed everything. It established that Florida’s 40-year ban on open carry violated the Second Amendment.

You’re not alone, this confuses a lot of people. But the ruling was based on the idea that open carry was the traditional way people carried firearms historically. The court said Florida’s complete ban went too far.

This same decision also clarified that briefly and accidentally showing a concealed firearm isn’t a crime. If your shirt rides up and someone sees your holster, that’s okay. You’re not breaking the law.

What Happens If You’re Arrested?

Getting arrested for a gun violation doesn’t automatically mean jail time. But it does mean serious consequences.

You’ll be booked, fingerprinted, and appear in court. You might face bail or bond requirements. A criminal conviction can:

Cost you job opportunities
Prevent you from owning guns forever
Lead to immigration consequences if you’re not a citizen
Create a permanent criminal record

If you’re arrested, your best move is getting a lawyer immediately. Don’t try to explain your way out of it alone.

Interstate Travel with Firearms

Can you drive through Florida with a gun? Generally yes, but follow these rules carefully.

If you’re traveling through Florida with a firearm, keep it unloaded and stored in a locked container. Don’t keep it on your person while driving. Federal law protects you while traveling, but it’s specific about how firearms must be stored.

Once you reach your destination in Florida, you can carry according to Florida’s rules. But during travel, store it safely.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Can I carry my gun into a bank? Banks are private businesses, so they can prohibit firearms. Many do. Check with your specific bank, but assume it’s a no unless they tell you otherwise.

What if I inherited a gun in Florida? You can inherit firearms if you’re legally allowed to own them. If you’re prohibited (due to a felony or other reason), you can’t accept the inheritance.

Do I need to tell police if my gun is lost or stolen? Florida doesn’t require you to report lost or stolen firearms to police. But it’s smart to do it anyway for your records and insurance.

Can I carry in my car? Yes. You can carry in your vehicle. But if you’re pulled over, tell the officer immediately that you have a firearm. Don’t make sudden movements toward it.

What’s the difference between permitless carry and open carry? Permitless carry means you can carry a concealed firearm without a license. Open carry means the gun is visible. Both are now legal in Florida, but open carry is restricted in certain locations.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s gun laws have become more permissive recently, but they’re still specific and detailed. The key takeaway? Know where you can carry, understand who can’t carry, and respect private property owners’ rules.

The penalties for getting it wrong are serious. Criminal records, jail time, loss of gun rights—these aren’t minor consequences. Take the laws seriously.

Stay informed about any changes. Laws do evolve. Check official Florida Statutes or consult a lawyer if you’re unsure about anything.

Now you know the basics. Stay safe, stay legal, and when in doubt, look it up or ask a lawyer.

Florida Gun Laws in 2026: The Complete Carry Guide