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

Published on August 31, 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 gun owners argue infringes on due process. Opposition from the Florida Sheriff's Association and some Republican leaders is a significant hurdle, leaving the state at a crossroads regarding its gun rights.

Quick Summary

Florida's HB543, enacted in 2023, permits concealed carry without a license, but open carry remains broadly illegal. Proposed bill HB31 seeks to repeal this ban and the 2018 red flag law, aiming for full constitutional carry, though it faces opposition from the Florida Sheriff's Association.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Florida's Gun Law Evolution
  2. 00:47Reputation vs. Reality: Gunshine State
  3. 00:52HB543: Permitless Concealed Carry
  4. 01:23The Halfway Free Feeling: Open Carry Ban
  5. 02:05History of Carrying in Florida
  6. 02:32Millions Carrying Concealed Licenses
  7. 02:51DeSantis Signs HB543
  8. 03:24The Open Carry Ban and HB31 Challenge
  9. 04:16Representative Joel RDM's HB31 Push
  10. 04:48The Red Flag Law Showdown
  11. 04:55Parkland Shooting and Risk Protection Orders
  12. 05:24HB31 Targets Red Flag Law
  13. 06:11Who Opposes Open Carry?
  14. 06:21Florida Sheriff's Association Opposition
  15. 06:43Republican Leadership Stance
  16. 07:06Frustration for Everyday Gun Owners
  17. 07:29Florida at a Crossroads
  18. 07:32The Fork in the Road for Gun Rights
  19. 07:44HB543: A Taste of Freedom
  20. 07:54Open Carry and Red Flag Laws Remain
  21. 08:04HB31's Potential Impact
  22. 08:14Florida as a Model State?
  23. 08:29Leadership Caves to Sheriffs?
  24. 08:44The Simple Choice: Model or Pretender

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Florida's HB543 law accomplish in 2023 regarding gun carry?

Florida's HB543, effective July 1, 2023, allowed for permitless concealed carry of handguns. This meant Floridians no longer needed a state-issued license to carry a handgun concealed, making it the 26th state to adopt such a measure.

Is open carry legal in Florida after HB543?

No, open carry of handguns remains largely illegal statewide in Florida, even after HB543. Exceptions are narrow, typically limited to activities like fishing, hunting, camping, or traveling directly to and from these pursuits.

What is the purpose of Florida's HB31 bill?

Representative Joel RDM's HB31, introduced in December 2024, aims to repeal Florida's broad open carry ban and dismantle the 2018 red flag law (risk protection order). The goal is to fully implement constitutional carry, allowing citizens to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit.

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

A significant obstacle to repealing Florida's open carry ban is the Florida Sheriff's Association. They argue that open carry would alarm the public and complicate law enforcement efforts, a stance that has also found support among some Republican leaders in Tallahassee.

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