Jacob Ogles
An open carry bill will be filed in the House, though its sponsor acknowledges the gun rights legislation may face resistance.
Rep. Monique Miller, a Palm Bay Republican, said she has a bill in drafting that would allow anyone in Florida to openly carry firearms. She said the issue is especially important in the state for women who own guns.
“Sometimes women have to choose between protecting themselves and what they want to wear that day,” Miller said. “Women have to worry that if they have a gun showing they could face 60 days in jail.”
This isn’t the first time there has been a push for open carry legislation in the House. Former Rep. Joel Rudman late last year filed an open carry bill, but it was withdrawn when he resigned from the House to run for Congress.
Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis has repeatedly said he would sign an open carry bill, and even hinted at calling a Special Session for such a policy when he was running for President in 2023. The same year, he signed a permitless carry measure.
But that Special Session never happened, in part because Senate leadership has remained opposed to taking up such legislation.
Senate President Ben Albritton signaled in November that the upper chamber’s position has not changed.
“I’ve supported law enforcement my entire life. It’s the way I was raised,” Albritton told media, pointing to law enforcement groups that oppose open carry. “And I’ve been super consistent as a legislator to support law enforcement in Florida, and I encourage you to check that record.”
Miller said she recognizes that not everybody in the Legislature thinks the time is right to consider open carry legislation. But she hopes it will be discussed this year.
“It is my sincere hope Florida can join the other 45 states that have some form of open carry in the country,” she said.
7 comments
PeterH
February 10, 2025 at 1:38 pm
Shoot ‘em up Florrrida!
MarvinM
February 10, 2025 at 7:21 pm
From the article “Sometimes women have to choose between protecting themselves and what they want to wear that day,” Miller said.”
How does what a woman wear enter into it? If someone wants to explain it I will listen. But, don’t they carry purses? Can’t the purse hold the gun? Are you suggesting women shouldn’t have to carry purses if they want to carry a gun? Both men and women can easily carry a bag that conceals their weapon.
Open carry is not necessary for safety and only allows those showing guns to intimidate others. Open carry often makes it difficult for law enforcement officers arriving on a scene to determine who are the “good guys” and who are the “bad guys”.
Floridians will be less safe if open carry is instituted, and I will have no problem walking out of any business that allows open carry.
It's Complicated
February 11, 2025 at 11:04 am
Not advocating for open carry, but have experience as my wife, daughter, and many female friends conceal carry. Top of the list is it is difficult for women to conceal carry and dress fashionably. For men, who wear heavier belts and such, it is relatively easy to conceal carry if they wear a jacket or an untucked shirt. Even in business or church attire, jackets and blazers effectively cover an inside or outside the belt holster. Ankle carry holsters can be effective, but again, the pants/slacks must cover the firearm, they require deliberate practice on deployment, AND they are uncomfortable (IMHO). Carrying in a purse is a challenge because the woman needs to maintain constant control of the purse (it is irresponsible to leave a purse containing a firearm unattended). Even small pistols have some weight to them, and that becomes a factor over time. For example, the smallest 9mm Glock, loaded, weighs 21 oz. and the smallest .380 Glock, loaded, weighs 16 oz.
David
February 13, 2025 at 10:56 am
Handgun, Handgun, Handgun, open carry has nothing to do with handguns! I can conceal them, backpack, etc. but if I exit my vehicle with a rifle or shotgun. Or even if I leave one in my car where it can be seen, and I am not at a shooting range or hunting or fishing. Then I am open carrying a firearm. The worst weapon you can bring to a gunfight is a pistol.
Steven
February 13, 2025 at 11:19 am
Handgun worst for a gunfight!?! Only if you’re a lousy shot!
JimW
February 13, 2025 at 11:42 am
We are one of only 4 states and DC that do not allow open carry. It is our 2nd Amendment right. Not sure how much fashion should play into thoughts on it, but I do know that not having to be so careful that nothing shows when getting something off the bottom or top shelf at the grocery store would make many lives easier.
Florida should pass the open carry and remove all the state restricted locations.
Phil Levine
February 18, 2025 at 3:57 am
I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it…. The restriction prohibiting Open Carry needs to be removed from Florida law. I’m not personally going to Open Carry in most cases, but it needs to be my choice and not prohibited by law.
The only caveat should be a requirement for some level of holster retention to make sure that the firearm is under the owner’s control at all times and not inadvertently removed by another party. The same policy as most law enforcement agencies.
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