After a Florida appeals court struck down the state’s ban on open carry, both Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and the Ocala Police Department announced they will no longer enforce the law. Woods said the statute is “no longer enforceable” and stressed his support for the Second Amendment, while Ocala Police echoed that residents will not be charged solely for openly carrying a firearm.
Restrictions still apply — no firearms in schools, courthouses, or certain government buildings — and private property owners can still prohibit guns on their premises.
Implications
- Local law enforcement will not make arrests just for open carry under the old statute.
- The ruling could still be appealed or altered in higher courts, leaving some uncertainty.
- Citizens must remain aware of where open carry is lawful and where it isn’t, especially on private property.
What do you think?
- Is this a good precedent for law enforcement to follow?
- Would you want this same approach in your neighborhood?