Open Carrying of Firearms

On September 10, 2025, Florida’s First District Court of Appeal ruled that the state’s long-standing ban on the open carry of firearms was unconstitutional. On September 15, 2025, the Florida Attorney General issued guidance confirming that open carry is now legal. To see the Attorney General’s letter to law enforcement and prosecuting authorities, click HERE.  Law enforcement will not arrest peaceful, law-abiding citizens simply for open carrying, but will continue to act swiftly against unlawful or dangerous conduct.  Please know, this change does not mean that open carry is allowed everywhere or under all circumstances.

The Wilton Manors Police Department (WMPD) is committed to helping our community, businesses, property owners, and those carrying firearms understand what the law allows, what restrictions remain, and what to expect when interacting with law enforcement.

Who can open carry firearms?  

  • Anyone who can lawfully possess a firearm under state and federal law may openly carry in Florida.
  • People prohibited from possessing firearms include but are not limited to convicted felons, those convicted of a crime involving domestic violence, those under restraining orders, injunctions or court orders, and those adjudicated mentally incompetent.  

What can a person legally carry?
Law abiding adults may openly carry a handgun or long gun (rifle/shotgun) that are lawfully owned and possessed.

How can a person carry their firearm?

  • Firearms should be securely holstered (handguns).  Rifles/shotguns should be carried in a safe manner.  Just because a firearm is not within a holster does not necessarily mean a crime has been committed.  
  • DO NOT handle or display your firearm in a rude, careless or threatening manner. This is a crime (FSS 790.10).  
  • Always keep your firearm under your control — do not leave it unattended where others can access it.

Can I open carry in a vehicle?
Yes. When in a vehicle, you may carry openly or keep the firearm holstered/secured as you choose.  

Should I let officers know I have a firearm if I am pulled over or stopped?
Yes.  If you are pulled over or stopped by law enforcement, you should roll all your windows down, all occupants should keep their hands visible, and you should immediately notify the officer(s) you have a firearm in the vehicle and where it is located.  Do not reach for your firearm, and wait for further instructions from the officer(s).   Transparency between those carrying firearms (open or concealed) and officers is important to nurture a needed level of trust for both parties, and support a safe and lawful encounter.

Where is open (and concealed) carry still prohibited?
As stated by the Attorney General, even after this ruling, Florida law continues to prohibit carrying firearms — whether open or concealed — in certain locations, including:

  • Any police, sheriff, or highway patrol station;
  • Any detention facility, prison, or jail;
  • Any courthouse or courtroom;
  • Any polling place;
  • Any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special district;
  • Any school, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms;
  • Any elementary or secondary school facility or administration building;
  • Any career center;
  • Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose;
  • The inside of the passenger terminal and sterile area of any airport, provided that no person shall be prohibited from carrying any legal firearm into the terminal, which firearm is encased for shipment for purposes of checking such firearm as baggage to be lawfully transported on any aircraft; or
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.
     
    Click HERE to see additional prohibited locations listed in FSS 790.06(12)(a).

I am a business owner and do not want open carry or concealed firearms in my establishment.  Can I refuse someone’s entry?
Yes. Private businesses and property owners may prohibit firearms on their premises. If someone is asked to disarm or leave and refuses, they may be removed by law enforcement and charged with armed trespassing, a felony (FSS. 810.08 & FSS 810.09).  The Wilton Manors Police Department strongly urges those who do not want firearms upon or inside their private property to post this prohibition at all entry points, making sure signage is clearly visible.  This strategy looks to encourage someone not to enter a business, to avoid an encounter occurring inside a business.

What should I do if someone enters my business or private property openly carrying a firearm, and refuses to leave after I have instructed them to?
Call 9-1-1 to report this crime of armed trespassing.  Officers will respond to intervene and conduct a criminal investigation.

If I “See Someone” simply openly carrying a firearm, should I still “Say Something”?
This is one of the more challenging questions and evolving issues, so let’s keep it simple.  If you have to ask yourself whether or not you should call, we will tell you to make the call so officers can respond, assess, and determine whether or not a crime is being committed.   

If I “See Someone” openly carrying a firearm and acting suspicious, should I still “Say Something”?
Yes, absolutely.  Call 9-1-1 immediately and tell the dispatch center all details surrounding what you observed, or are observing.  Be patient with the 9-1-1 call taker as these trained professionals will ask the proper questions, so law enforcement has adequate information to respond to and handle the situation.     

Will officers contact a person merely for open carrying?
If there is no indication a crime is being committed, or is about to be committed, officers do not have the legal right to require an individual to stop to investigate them.  Officers may choose to conduct a “consensual contact” in these circumstances understanding this person is not required to stop and speak to law enforcement.  In these circumstances, it may be appropriate for officers to either not contact the individual, or attempt contact under consensual circumstances.     

 Age Requirements in Florida

Firearm Type

Minimum Age to Purchase from Licensed Dealer

Minimum Age to Possess of Carry

Handgun

21 years old. Florida law requires you to be 21 to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer.  (FSS 790.065(13)).

In many cases, 21.

Rifle/Shotgun

21 years of age for purchase from a licensed dealer under Florida law.  

You must be at least 18 years of age to possess or carry a long gun in many situations (e.g., open or inside a vehicle) if not otherwise prohibited.

Note: Exemptions exist for the purchase and possession of firearms by law enforcement officers, correctional officers and military service members, and exemptions exist for some circumstances where minors may lawfully possess firearms.   

Example Signage – Firearms Prohibited
The Wilton Manors Police Department provides examples of signage to assist community members with formulating their own ideas of what they want their sign to look like.  Please take into consideration the following when you make your decision that is in the best interest of your property.

  • Signage should be placed at all points of entry so those looking to enter know the prohibition;
  • Signage should be clearly visible and legible;
  • Language should clearly state the prohibition on firearms inside the premises, or upon private property;
  • Images showing firearms are prohibited are good, making it clearer to our diverse population that speaks different languages;
  • A directive notifying those carrying openly, or carrying concealed firearms, not to enter the premises or upon the private property;
  • In addition to the above, prohibition notices may be posted inside the business and placed on websites as an added way to educate citizens on the standards of your business.  

Example #1
Example #2
Example #3
Example #4

Simultaneously, businesses and properties that permit lawful firearm possession may choose to post signage to inform visitors of this policy.

Carry Responsibly
The Wilton Manors Police Department wants everyone who chooses to openly carry (or concealed) a firearm to do so safely and responsibly. Always keep your firearm holstered or slung securely, avoid handling it in public, and be respectful of others’ comfort and property rights. Responsible carry helps keep our Island City community safe and ensures the rights of lawful gun owners are respected.