Open Carry of AR-15 in Florida: Not Legal

No. Florida prohibits open carry of firearms, including AR-15 rifles, in public. This applies statewide with very limited exceptions.

Florida Law (F.S. 790.053)

• Open carry banned: "It is unlawful for any person to openly carry on or about his or her person any firearm."
• Exceptions (narrow):
  • Law enforcement / military on duty.
  • Licensed security guards on duty.
  • Hunting, fishing, camping, target shooting while engaged in or traveling to/from the activity (F.S. 790.25).
  • On private property with owner consent (but not "in public").
  • Inside private vehicle (concealed or encased; not "open carry on person").

Concealed Carry

• Permitless carry (Constitutional Carry): Since July 1, 2023, Florida allows concealed carry without a permit for anyone 21+ legally able to possess a firearm (F.S. 790.06).
• AR-15 concealed? Practically impossible (size); applies to handguns.
• CWP still exists: For reciprocity (36 states), background check bypass, school zones.

Long Guns (Rifles/Shotguns)

• No permit needed to purchase (NICS check only).
• No registration.
• Transport: Must be "securely encased" (case, glove box, trunk) or not readily accessible in vehicle.
• Open carry in public: Illegal.

Penalties

• Open carry violation: 2nd-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days jail, $500 fine).
• If loaded + concealed without permit (pre-2023): 3rd-degree felony.

Bottom Line

You cannot walk down a Florida street, into a store, or in a park with an AR-15 slung openly. Concealed handgun carry is now permitless for eligible adults. Long guns must be cased in transport. Know the law—Florida prosecutes.