Florida Statute 790.053 prohibits open carry of firearms in public, with narrow exceptions for hunting, fishing, camping, target shooting, and lawful self-defense. Jacksonville follows state law; the city cannot loosen, tighten, or add open-carry overlays beyond Chapter 790.
Unlike most concealed-carry states, Florida retained an open-carry ban after permitless concealed carry took effect in 2023. Section 790.053 makes open display of a handgun or weapon in public a second-degree misdemeanor. Lawful open carry covers hunting and fishing while licensed, target practice at safe ranges, brief display in lawful self-defense, and travel directly to and from these activities. Brief, accidental exposure during lawful concealed carry is not an offense. As of 2025, limited legislative proposals and a federal Eleventh Circuit decision pressure expansion, but the statutory ban remains the operating rule in Jacksonville.
Open display of a firearm in public is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days jail and a $500 fine, plus possible loss of concealed-carry rights and federal firearm prohibitions if convicted.
Jacksonville, FL
Florida Statute 790.33 occupies the entire field of firearm and ammunition regulation, voiding any Jacksonville-Duval consolidated ordinance attempting to go...
Jacksonville, FL
Florida HB 543 (2023) authorizes permitless concealed carry of handguns by law-abiding adults aged 21 and over statewide. Jacksonville follows state law unch...
Jacksonville, FL
Florida Statute 790.25(5) permits any law-abiding adult to keep a firearm in a private vehicle if it is securely encased or otherwise not readily accessible ...
See how Jacksonville's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.