September 15, 2025

Subject: Florida’s Open Carry Victory: Defending the McDaniels v. State Decision Against New Restrictions

On September 10, 2025, Florida’s First District Court of Appeals declared statute 790.053 unconstitutional in McDaniels v. State, striking down restrictions on open carry. This landmark decision restored a fundamental civil right denied to Floridians for nearly 40 years. However, some are now pushing for new regulations to limit the impact of this hard-fought victory.

For 15 years, since 2010, dedicated organizations and individuals have tirelessly advocated for the restoration of open carry rights through legislative and judicial efforts. Despite these efforts, the Florida Legislature failed to act, leaving the courts to uphold this constitutional right.

Florida Carry (FLC), Gun Owners of America (GOA), National Rifle Association (NRA), and Florida Gun Rights (FLGR) all have spent countless dollars and manhours in this fight, that they have now won.

These organizations stand united in solidarity that any new restrictions on this right or to limit the impact of this VICTORY, will be vigorously and strongly opposed by a unified front of Florida gun owners and the members of these four organizations.

Luis Valdes
Florida State Director
Southeast Regional Director
Co-Chair, Fuerza 2A
Gun Owners of America