Ron DeSantis Hints At Passing Open Carry Legislation in 2025 Legislative Session

Florida has catching up to do on gun rights.

On November 4, 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suggested that open carry could be a potential legislative item during Florida’s upcoming legislative session in 2025.  Despite Florida having a pro-gun image due to how it is a solidly red state, the state does not have open carry on the books. Only rabidly anti-gun states such as California, Connecticut, and Illinois have also banned open carry. 

During an interview with North Central Florida radio host Bob Rose’s show, DeSantis discussed Amendment 3, a ballot proposal that would have legalized the recreational use of marijuana in Florida. They specifically talked about how the Florida state legislature would handle this issue in the case that this ballot initiative was passed. 

With respect to the state legislature’s priorities, Rose said "I'd much rather have open carry than weed but that's just me Governor", to which DeSantis replied, "You may get that in this upcoming legislative session, stay tuned on that."

Rose then commented, "I'll hold you to it if I get the chance Governor."

Amendment 3 ended up not being added to Florida’s constitution after Florida voters pulled the lever 56% to 44%, falling short of the 60% threshold that’s needed for this Amendment to be tacked on to Florida’s constitution. 

With firm Republican supermajorities in both chambers of the state legislature — 28-12 in the State Senate and 85-35 in the State House — and a Republican in Ron DeSantis occupying the governor’s mansion, there’s simply no excuse for open carry to be passed in the 2025 legislative session.

According to Guns & Ammo magazine’s best states for gun owners rankings, Florida is ranked in 22nd place in terms of states that are friendly towards gun owners. All told, Florida is a state that still needs to make improvements on gun rights.  

Passing open carry will go a long way in improving gun rights in the Sunshine State.