TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried issued a statement this week strongly opposing the First District Court of Appeals ruling that declared Florida’s ban on open carry unconstitutional. Fried argued the decision “paves the way for open carry in the State of Florida” and claimed it will make Floridians less safe.
Fried referenced rising gun violence nationwide, warning that allowing open carry could embolden criminals and cause public confusion. She urged law enforcement to hold off on recognizing the ruling until a final legal judgment is issued. “This is a moment in history when we need to promote safer environments, not embolden those who could abuse the ruling’s intent to sow seeds of terror,” Fried said.
But the argument raises an important question: why would legally allowing open carry embolden criminals? By definition, criminals do not follow the law. Whether open carry is legal or not has little bearing on those already willing to break gun laws. Instead, restrictions primarily affect law-abiding citizens, leaving them with fewer options for exercising their rights.
Florida already allows concealed carry without a permit, so there is no reason to treat open carry any differently. The vast majority of states that permit open carry have not experienced the dire consequences opponents often predict. Instead, these laws simply recognize the rights of responsible citizens and give them the choice of how they carry.
Currently, open carry of handguns is lawful in 45 states. Only California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York maintain statewide bans. Florida has only allowed open carry in narrow circumstances, such as while hunting, fishing, or camping. This ruling expands those rights and moves the state closer to the overwhelming majority of the nation.
The First DCA’s decision also reflects the growing recognition that firearm restrictions must align with the nation’s historical tradition, as emphasized in the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen ruling in 2022. Open carry has deep roots in American history, and restoring that right in Florida is consistent with both the Constitution and common sense.
Fried’s warning echoes arguments that have been made against open carry for years, but experience in 45 other states shows those fears are unfounded. Laws restricting open carry do nothing to stop criminals. Instead, they penalize the very people who respect the law. For Floridians, this ruling is a step toward reinforcing constitutional rights and ensuring that lawful citizens are trusted to exercise them, openly or concealed, without unnecessary government interference.
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