Major breaking news out of Florida as Gun Owners of America (GOA) secures another massive legal victory for the Second Amendment. A newly finalized federal court settlement effectively confirms that Florida is now both an open carry state and a permanent concealed carry state, marking a historic win for gun owners statewide.

The lawsuit, filed by GOA in 2024 against multiple Florida sheriffs, challenged the state’s long-standing prohibition on openly carrying handguns. In a decisive settlement, the defendants conceded that open carry is protected by the plain text of the Second Amendment and that there is no historical tradition supporting a ban on open carry under the Supreme Court’s Bruen framework.

As part of the agreement, Florida officials acknowledged that the state’s open carry statute is unconstitutional and agreed not to enforce it going forward. The settlement also requires payment of attorneys’ fees, underscoring the strength of GOA’s legal position.

This federal court win builds on a prior Florida appellate court ruling that struck down the open carry ban and aligns with guidance previously issued by the Florida Attorney General instructing law enforcement not to enforce the statute. Taken together, these developments make it increasingly clear that law-abiding Floridians may openly carry firearms without fear of prosecution.

GOA’s victory represents a powerful affirmation of the Second Amendment and further solidifies Florida as one of the most firearm-friendly states in the nation. While gun owners should always stay informed about local regulations, this ruling marks a major shift in Florida’s legal landscape—and a significant win for constitutional rights nationwide.