Efforts to pass open carry legislation in Florida are faltering, even with strong backing from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Senate President Ben Albritton, newly installed in his leadership role, has voiced opposition to the measure, aligning with concerns from law enforcement groups.
Albritton, a Republican, said last week he stands with the Florida Sheriffs Association, which has consistently opposed open carry policies.
“I trust my law enforcement officials, and that’s where I stand,” Albritton said, signaling little appetite for pushing the controversial measure forward.
Florida currently prohibits openly carrying firearms in public spaces, except in limited circumstances such as hunting, fishing or target shooting. That stance makes it one of only four states in the nation with such restrictions.
Gov. DeSantis has publicly expressed his support for open carry and suggested earlier this year that the Legislature could revisit the issue. The debate comes months after Florida adopted a permit-less concealed carry law, a measure DeSantis and other Republican leaders hailed as a victory for Second Amendment rights.
However, some gun rights advocates were disappointed that the bill stopped short of allowing individuals to openly carry firearms in public. Groups like Florida Carry argue the state’s refusal to expand gun rights further undermines constitutional freedoms.
“It’s a fundamental right that the state continues to deny its citizens,” said Richard Nascak, co-executive director of Florida Carry. “There’s no logical reason for Florida to lag behind the majority of the country on this issue.”
Albritton has not ruled out future discussions but urged caution, saying any new legislation would require careful review. “If a bill gets filed that deals with [open carry], we’ll take a closer look at it and see what the implications are,” he said.
His position echoes that of his predecessor, Kathleen Passidomo, who declined to support open carry legislation during her tenure as Senate president. Passidomo, like Albritton, cited concerns from law enforcement officials who worry the measure could complicate public safety and police interactions.
The Florida Sheriffs Association has warned that open carry laws could escalate tensions during police encounters and pose risks to both officers and the public. Their opposition has been a significant factor in the Legislature’s reluctance to act on the issue.
DeSantis, who is widely expected to run for president in 2028, has used his support for gun rights to bolster his conservative credentials on the national stage. But with Senate leadership opposing open carry, the proposal appears unlikely to advance in the near term.
The issue has divided Florida Republicans, with some arguing that open carry would cement Florida’s status as a leader in gun rights. Others, including influential lawmakers, have hesitated to back measures they fear could alienate law enforcement or spark backlash from constituents.
Despite the setbacks, proponents of open carry remain hopeful the issue will gain traction in the legislative session that begins in early March. They argue that expanding gun rights is not only a constitutional necessity but also a political imperative for Florida’s Republican leadership.
For now, Florida’s open carry debate remains unresolved, highlighting the state’s complex balancing act between expanding gun rights and addressing public safety concerns.