Can You Open Carry a Firearm in Florida?

What's Up Sheepdogs? Ryan here with Tampa Carry.

Today I will be answering one of the most common questions I receive during my concealed carry permit classes

Is Open Carry Legal In Florida?

First let's discuss what open carry means. Open carry is when you can see the firearm openly exposed like you would see with a police officer, and it is legal in the following situations. 

When You Are Legally Allowed To Open Carry a Firearm In Florida

Florida Statutes 790.25 - Lawful ownership, possession and use of firearms and other weapons. 

(g) …. or regularly enrolled members of clubs organized for target, skeet or trap shooting, while at or going to or from shooting practice; or regularly enrolled members of clubs organized for modern or antique firearms collecting, while such members are at or going to or from their collectors' gun shows, conventions or exhibits;

(3)(h) A person engaged in fishing, camping or lawful hunting or going to or returning from a fishing, camping or lawful hunting expedition;

(3)(i) A person engaged in the business of manufacturing, repairing or dealing in firearms, or the agent or representative of any such person while engaged in the lawful course of such business;

(3)(j) A person firing weapons for testing or target practice under safe conditions and in a safe place not prohibited by law 

or going to or from such place;

(3)(k) A person firing weapons in a safe and secure indoor range for testing and target practice; 

(3)(n) A person possessing arms at his or her home or place of business; 

You may have noticed that open carry is permitted while on your way to or coming home from a gun range or gun show, or from a fishing, camping, or hunting trip.

I can tell you from personal experience that most police officers do not know this is legal.

If you get pulled over for speeding and the officer sees your firearm openly displayed, chances are you're going to waste a lot of time attempting to educate the officer, or you may go to jail. 

My personal opinion is that even if open carry is lawful, you will scare most people, and they will call the police.

These guys are in a chipotle....

If people are going to see me, I prefer to keep my firearm concealed.

Only if I'm fishing in the middle of nowhere is it smart for me to carry my firearm openly.

Honestly, I'm so used to carrying my gun concealed that I wouldn't change the position of my firearm just because I was fishing. 

Who Can Open Carry in Florida?

Anyone who is legally allowed to posses a firearm under federal and state law is allowed to open carry in Florida.

Conclusion 

I am a supporter of open carry but I think it needs to be used wisely. Just because open carry is lawful doesn’t negate the fact that you may scare people and the police may just show up.

Always use an extreme amount of discretion before choosing to open carry your firearm. Anti Gun people tend to overreact and think you're a threat, when really you're just exercising your rights.

That's all I have for today. So until next time keep training and stay safe...Talk to you soon,

Ryan G. Thomas

P.S. You’re one step away from getting your Florida concealed carry permit. Click here to get started...