Is Open Carry Legal in Fort Myers?

Recent court rulings have cast doubt on the legality of open carry in many Florida cities, including Fort Myers. What is going on with these laws? Are you really allowed to open carry in Fort Myers? How can you avoid legal issues while also exercising your Second Amendment rights? These are questions you might want to raise with a gun violation lawyer in Fort Myers, especially if you already face charges.

Florida’s Open Carry Ban Is Overturned

Recently, Florida’s long-standing open carry ban was overturned. A court found the law to be unconstitutional, and Florida officials have declared open carry to be the law of the land. Open carry refers to your right to openly carry firearms without concealing them. No open permit license is necessary. However, you must meet the requirements for all legal gun owners in Florida in order to exercise this right. Perhaps most obviously, you cannot possess or open carry a firearm if you are a convicted felon.

Assuming you have the right to possess a firearm, you have the right to carry it in public without concealing it. Police, on the other hand, have no right to arrest you for publicly displaying your firearm in public. One of the most common ways to open carry is with a pistol holster clearly visible on your hip.

You Could Still Face Charges 

Although you might be able to display your firearm in public, you still can’t point it at people or wave it around in a reckless manner. The authorities may interpret this as a form of assault, and you may face criminal charges as a result. You also need to use your firearm in a responsible manner. If you handle your firearm in a reckless manner and it discharges unexpectedly, you might also face criminal charges. These charges could be especially serious if you accidentally shoot someone.

Some Areas Are Still Off-Limits for Firearms

In addition, you should know that Florida still has firearm-free zones. These include schools, government buildings, and other areas. If you bring a firearm into one of these areas, you could face criminal charges.

Owners of private properties also have the right to set their own rules when it comes to firearms. If a property owner asks you not to open carry, you must respect their wishes. This applies to both private residences and private residences. For example, the owner of a bar might ask you not to open carry when you visit their establishment.

Can a Fort Myers Gun Violation Lawyer Help Me? 

A Fort Myers gun violation lawyer may be able to help if you face issues related to new open carry laws. While recent court rulings have been quite clear, you could still face criminal charges for certain activities in public. If you face gun charges, it makes sense to contact a lawyer immediately. Reach out to The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today for more detailed answers.

Sources:

 winknews.com/news/charlotte/open-carry-now-legal-in-florida-how-punta-gorda-is-responding/article_173875ce-07af-4b75-bbde-7881ed31785d.html

theconversation.com/floridas-new-open-carry-ruling-combines-with-stand-your-ground-to-create-new-freedoms-and-new-dangers-267496