Florida Carry Laws
Florida Attorneys for Gun Law Defense Statewide
Florida has some of the most debated firearm laws in the nation, and they continue to evolve. Understanding these laws is essential for responsible gun owners. A simple mistake, such as carrying in the wrong place, misunderstanding recent legal changes, or not meeting eligibility requirements, can lead to serious criminal charges, loss of firearm rights, steep fines, or even jail time.
At Katz & Phillips, we are devoted exclusively to defending gun owners. If you face criminal consequences tied to firearm possession, carry, or self-defense, our attorneys bring decades of experience, advanced training, and a statewide reputation for protecting Second Amendment rights. We help clients navigate the complexities of Florida’s carry laws to lawfully exercise their rights and defend themselves when necessary.
Request a confidential consultation with a Florida gun law defense attorney at Katz & Phillips by contacting us online or calling (321) 425-8961. We offer virtual appointments for your convenience. Hablamos español.
Key Concepts & Definitions
- Concealed carry: Carrying a firearm in a way that is not openly visible.
- Open carry: Carrying a firearm visibly in public.
- Concealed Weapon License (CWL): Historically required for concealed carry; still relevant for certain benefits, such as reciprocity with other states.
- Prohibited places: Certain locations remain off-limits for carrying firearms, regardless of permit status.
Who Can Carry in Florida
Carrying a firearm in Florida is generally NOT allowed unless you possess a valid Concealed Weapon and Firearm License (CWFL), although exceptions can exist.
To lawfully carry in Florida, an individual generally must:
- Be at least 21 years old (with some exceptions)
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have no disqualifying criminal convictions or pending charges
- Have no mental health adjudications or substance abuse disqualifications
Recent & Major Changes
Permitless Concealed Carry (2023)
As of July 1, 2023, Florida law allows permitless concealed carry for qualified individuals. While a license is no longer required for most Florida residents to carry concealed, eligibility requirements still apply.
Open Carry Ban Overturned (2025)
In a landmark decision in September 2025, the First District Court of Appeal struck Florida’s ban on open carry in McDaniels v. State. The ruling, which cites the Second Amendment and historical traditions of firearm regulation, prevents the enforcement of the state's longstanding open carry ban.
Following the decision, the Florida Attorney General confirmed that the ruling applies statewide and advised law enforcement to no longer enforce the ban. This development effectively makes Florida an open-carry state for qualified individuals, aligning its laws with most other states' laws.
While open carry is now permitted, the ruling does not affect existing prohibitions on carrying firearms in specific sensitive locations such as schools, government buildings, and courthouses.
License Requirements Remain
Concealed Weapons Licenses (CWLs) are still available, remain valid for seven years, and provide benefits such as reciprocity in other states. Even under permitless carry, individuals must carry government-issued identification and present it to law enforcement when carrying.
What Hasn’t Changed
- Eligibility rules (age, background, criminal history, etc.) remain strictly enforced.
- Prohibited places such as courthouses, polling places, schools, athletic events, bars, nightclubs, airports, or any place prohibited by federal law, remain off-limits.
- Private property rights allow business and property owners to restrict firearms on their premises.
Protecting Gun Owners in Orlando. Orange County & Statewide
Florida’s firearm laws are complex and continue to shift with new court rulings and legislative updates. Misunderstanding these laws can expose you to life-changing criminal consequences.
At Katz & Phillips, we devote our practice exclusively to defending gun owners and their rights. From Orlando, we represent clients statewide, providing trusted legal counsel and decades of experience in firearm law and criminal defense.
Call (321) 425-8961 or submit our online contact form to consult a Florida attorney about your gun rights and defense options today.
Florida’s authority on gun law & self-defense
Our Client Testimonials
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“Mr. Phillips was Always respectful, and genuine to the whole family ! And the Court of Law! He arrived at the courthouse ready, professional and ready to be heard for your rights!”- Peter P.
Discover the complex and confusing gun laws of Florida explained in simple, easy-to-understand chapters. Written by the attorneys at The Firearm Firm, in plain English for everyone to understand, this book is a must-read for every gun owner. If you are going to be armed, you must be educated. Completely revised and updated containing all the newest laws and case decisions including Florida’s NEW permitless carry law, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. Learn what you need to know to stay legal. You are armed, now get educated with Florida Gun Law: Armed and Educated.
