Florida Set to Expand Permitless Carry—Constitutional Carry for ALL Handguns?

Published on November 2, 2025
Duration: 8:58

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

Quick Summary

Florida's HB543 allows permitless concealed carry, but open carry remains largely illegal. Proposed HB31 seeks to repeal the open carry ban and the 2018 red flag law, which permits temporary firearm confiscation via judicial order. Opposition from sheriffs and some politicians creates challenges for HB31's passage.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Florida's Gun Law Evolution
  2. 00:42Reputation vs. Reality: Gunshine State
  3. 00:52HB543: Permitless Concealed Carry
  4. 01:23The Open Carry Ban
  5. 02:05History of Carrying in Florida
  6. 02:32Millions Carrying Permits
  7. 02:51DeSantis Signs HB543
  8. 03:24The Open Carry Ban and HB31 Challenge
  9. 04:16Rep. Joel RDM's HB31 Push
  10. 04:48The Red Flag Law Showdown
  11. 04:55Risk Protection Orders Explained
  12. 05:24HB31 Targets Red Flag Law
  13. 06:11Who Opposes Open Carry?
  14. 06:21Florida Sheriff's Association Opposition
  15. 06:43Republican Leadership Resistance
  16. 07:06Impact on Everyday Gun Owners
  17. 07:29Florida at a Crossroads
  18. 07:32Fork in the Road: Freedom or Pretend
  19. 07:54Open Carry and Red Flag Laws Remain
  20. 08:04HB31's Potential Impact
  21. 08:14Florida as a Model State?
  22. 08:29Leadership Caves to Sheriffs?
  23. 08:44The Choice: Model or Faking It

Frequently Asked Questions

What is permitless concealed carry in Florida?

Permitless concealed carry in Florida, established by HB543 in 2023, allows eligible individuals to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state-issued license. This change removed the requirement for a permit to conceal a firearm.

Is open carry legal in Florida?

Open carry of handguns is largely illegal statewide in Florida. While permitless concealed carry is legal, openly displaying a handgun in public is prohibited, with very narrow exceptions for specific activities like hunting or fishing.

What is Florida's red flag law?

Florida's red flag law, enacted in 2018, allows a judge to issue a Risk Protection Order, permitting law enforcement to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others based on a petition.

What is HB31 in Florida?

HB31 is a proposed bill in Florida that aims to repeal the state's ban on open carry and dismantle the 2018 red flag law. Its passage would allow citizens to carry firearms openly and remove the judicial process for temporary firearm confiscation.

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