Clearwater, FL – Pinellas County deputies will no longer enforce Florida’s ban on openly carrying firearms, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced Tuesday.
The decision follows guidance from Attorney General James Uthmeier after the First District Court of Appeals ruled in McDaniels v. State that Florida’s statutory ban on open carry is unconstitutional. Gualtieri said his office will comply with the Attorney General’s directive and stop making arrests under F.S. 790.053, which prohibited openly carrying firearms in public.
“This means deputies will not arrest someone solely for openly carrying a firearm,” the Sheriff’s Office said in its update.
However, Gualtieri stressed that restrictions still apply. Guns may not be openly carried in certain places, including schools, government meetings, courthouses, police stations, and sheriff’s offices. Businesses such as grocery stores, banks, restaurants, and shopping centers can also ban firearms on their property. Violating those rules could lead to arrest for armed trespass, a felony under Florida law.
The court’s decision does not officially take effect until September 26, 2025. Until then, residents are advised to respect the current effective date while understanding that deputies will no longer enforce the open carry ban in Pinellas County.
“Everyone needs to be respectful of property owner’s rights as we will be respectful of Second Amendment rights in public places,” Gualtieri said.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
