Facing Gun or Weapons Charges?

Florida gun laws are always changing, and it’s your responsibility to know what the rules are.

Read our guide on Florida gun laws for more information. 

Florida is now generally considered an open-carry and permitless-carry state. You don’t need a license to carry a firearm openly or concealed.

Law-abiding adults who can legally possess a firearm may carry it openly in most public places without a permit.

In September 2025, the First District Court of Appeal ruled Florida’s long-standing open-carry ban unconstitutional. The Florida Attorney General directed law enforcement not to enforce the old ban, effectively making open carry legal statewide as of September 25, 2025.

Even though open carry is now permitted in many situations, you still cannot legally carry a firearm (open or concealed) in certain places under state and federal law:

Prohibited locations include:

• Courthouses, courtrooms, and detention facilities
• Police stations, sheriff’s offices, or government buildings
• Schools and school property (including college campuses and school events)
• Polling places and government board meetings
• Airports (in secure areas)
• Bars and restaurants where alcohol is consumed
• Private property where the owner prohibits firearms

If you enter these prohibited areas with a firearm, you could face criminal charges even under the new open-carry rules.

If a firearm is discovered during a stop, police may question you and possibly make an arrest, depending on how the gun was stored, who it belongs to, and whether the stop or search was lawful. Even routine traffic stops can turn into serious charges if officers believe a rule was violated.

Yes. Police can still make an arrest if they believe you had control over or access to the firearm, even if it belongs to someone else. These cases often come down to where the gun was found and what officers think you knew, which is why details matter.

Many people carry a firearm because they’re trying to protect themselves, not cause trouble. But self-defense alone doesn’t automatically make carrying legal. Where you were, how the gun was carried, and whether you were legally allowed to have it all matter. An attorney can review the details and help determine whether your actions were lawful and how to best protect you moving forward.

Many people carry because they’re trying to stay safe, not to cause trouble. But the law can be strict about where you can carry, how it’s stored, and whether you’re eligible. A quick review of the facts can make a big difference in how your case is handled.

You work directly with TJ Grimaldi. If your case needs additional resources, TJ can bring in support, but you’ll still have direct access to TJ as he leads your defense.