Florida's Gun Law Shock - No Permit Needed to Carry ALL Handguns?

Published on September 18, 2025
Duration: 8:58

Florida's 2023 HB543 enabled permitless concealed carry, but open carry remains largely illegal, placing it alongside restrictive states like California. Proposed HB31 aims to repeal the open carry ban and the 2018 red flag law, which allows for temporary firearm confiscation via judicial order. Opposition from the Florida Sheriff's Association and some Republican leadership hinders progress, leaving the state in a "halfway free" status regarding gun rights.

Quick Summary

Florida's 2023 HB543 allowed permitless concealed carry, but open carry remains broadly illegal, placing it alongside restrictive states. Proposed HB31 seeks to repeal the open carry ban and the 2018 red flag law, which permits temporary firearm confiscation. Opposition from sheriffs and some politicians hinders full constitutional carry.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Florida's 2023 Gun Law Changes
  2. 00:47Reputation vs. Reality: Gunshine State Image
  3. 00:52HB543: Permitless Concealed Carry Explained
  4. 01:23The Halfway Free Feeling: Open Carry Ban
  5. 02:05The Past: Florida's Old Carry Permit System
  6. 02:51Governor DeSantis Signs HB543
  7. 03:24The Open Carry Ban and HB31's Challenge
  8. 04:50The Red Flag Law Showdown
  9. 06:11Who Opposes Open Carry? Sheriffs and Republicans
  10. 07:29Florida at a Crossroads: Gun Rights Future

Frequently Asked Questions

What major gun law change did Florida enact in 2023?

In 2023, Florida enacted HB543, which established permitless concealed carry, meaning residents no longer need a state-issued license to carry a handgun concealed.

Is open carry legal in Florida after HB543?

No, open carry of handguns remains largely illegal in Florida, even after the implementation of permitless concealed carry. Exceptions are narrow and tied to specific activities like hunting or fishing.

What is Florida's red flag law and what does HB31 propose?

Florida's 2018 red flag law allows courts to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a danger. HB31 aims to repeal both this law and the state's open carry ban.

Who is opposing the repeal of Florida's open carry ban?

Opposition to repealing Florida's open carry ban primarily comes from the Florida Sheriff's Association, who express concerns about public perception and law enforcement challenges.

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