On September 10, 2025, the First District Court of Appeal, State of Florida, struck down Florida’s general ban on the open carrying of firearms, declaring Section 790.053, Florida Statutes, unconstitutional, (First DCA Opinion attached). Florida Attorney General Uthmeier supports the decision and is not expected to appeal. Essentially, this decision will become final once the deadline for filing an appeal expires, which will be in the next 30 days.
SJSO Deputies have been informed of the court decision and will no longer consider the open carrying of a firearm unlawful in most circumstances. Other statutory restrictions concerning improper exhibition of a firearm and prohibiting the possession of firearms in certain locations remain in effect, including courthouses, other government buildings, and schools, (complete list attached). Additionally, private business owners still have the right to prohibit firearms on their property.
As a combat military veteran and the Sheriff of St. Johns County, I support the Constitution and our Second Amendment. Your SJSO Deputies are well trained and will continue to serve with excellence and provide first-class customer service to our citizens and visitors as we transition to an open-carry state along with 46 other states that currently allow open carry in some form.
Please be patient and understanding of residents and visitors who may not understand or have knowledge of this court decision, as we must help educate and protect constitutional rights during a time that may be confusing for some. Thank you for your continued support of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office – please contact us if you have additional questions or need further assistance.
Locations where firearms are not authorized: F.S. 790.06 (12)(a) https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0790/Sections/0790.06.html
