Florida's New Open Carry Law What You Need To Know

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Here Are The Pros of Florida’s New Open Carry Law

Expanded Rights: With Florida’s new open carry law, law-abiding citizens can now carry firearms openly in public spaces, reinforcing constitutional protections.
No Concealment Hassles: No need to worry about “printing” or accidental exposure of a concealed weapon.
Visual Deterrent: Openly carried firearms may discourage criminal activity in some situations.
Simplified Access: Faster draw time in emergencies without needing to lift clothing or adjust concealment.

Here Are Some Of The Cons Of Open Carry

⚠️ Cons and Risks to Consider

Tactically, You Lose the Element of Surprise: When your adversaries can see that you are armed, you’re not going to scare then off just because they see that you have a gun. You’re simply alerting them that they need to attack you from the rear, instead of face-to-face.
Target On Your Back: Openly carried firearms are more vulnerable to being snatched—especially from behind. This risk is real for both civilians and law enforcement.
Public Alarm: Seeing a gun on someone’s hip can cause panic or discomfort, especially in senior communities or family settings.
Legal Gray Areas: Despite the ruling, open carry is still prohibited in sensitive locations like schools, courthouses, and bars. Confusion may lead to accidental violations.
Retention Challenges: Without proper holster retention systems, a firearm can be grabbed in seconds—before the carrier even reacts.

Real-World Examples of Gun Snatching

Here are images showing the risks of open carry when retention and awareness are lacking:

A police officer’s gun stolen during a physical altercation in the Bronx.
A civilian’s gun stolen from his holster while waiting in line at a Detroit gas station.

Another incident where a man was killed after his gun was snatched from behind.

What You Can Do

If you choose to open carry:

Use a Level II or III retention holster.
Practice situational awareness, especially in crowds or queues.
Consider in-home training to simulate real-world scenarios.
Stay updated on location-specific restrictions.

Open carry is now legal—but that doesn’t mean it’s always wise. For older people and CCW holders, the best defense is training, awareness, and gear that protects you from being disarmed. If you choose to open carry, you are going to want to get some training to keep you safe.

About the Author: Alan B. Densky is the Founder & Lead Instructor at CCW Training Academy in Summerfield, FL. A former deputy sheriff, professional hypnotherapist, and scenario-based tactical instructor, Alan includes teaching firearms safety and self-defense laws in every course. He enjoys helping active adults 45+ build real-world defensive confidence through practical, competent firearms training. Learn more about Alan B. Densky | Read Student Reviews | Get Trained, Get Real Confidence