News Summary
In response to a recent court ruling that overturned Florida’s ban on openly carrying firearms, House Democratic leader Rep. Christine Hunchofsky has proposed a bill to define gun-free zones. The legislation aims to designate specific locations, such as legislative meetings and police stations, as off-limits for firearms. The bill is intended to address public safety concerns arising from the court’s decision, which may allow individuals to openly carry firearms in previously prohibited areas. As the legislative session approaches, discussions continue among various stakeholders regarding the implications of the ruling.
Tallahassee, Florida – A new bill aimed at defining gun-free zones in the wake of a recent court ruling was proposed by House Democratic leader Rep. Christine Hunchofsky. The legislation, known as HB 63, seeks to ensure that specific locations, including legislative meetings, jails, and police stations, remain off-limits for firearms.
The proposal is a direct response to a decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal that overturned Florida’s longstanding ban on openly carrying firearms. The court ruling, resulting from the case McDaniels v. State of Florida, determined that Florida’s open-carry prohibition conflicted with the nation’s historical precedent regarding firearm regulation. This ruling nullified a 1987 law that made it a misdemeanor to visibly display firearms.
Hunchofsky’s bill aims to address concerns that the recent court ruling may inadvertently open the door for individuals to openly carry rifles and shotguns in areas where it had previously been prohibited. With public safety in mind, Hunchofsky highlighted the necessity for legislative clarity regarding where firearms can and cannot be carried after the appellate ruling.
As the legislative session approaches, which begins on January 13, 2026, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton have yet to confirm whether they will take action on this pressing issue. Law enforcement agencies, gun rights advocates, and local officials are currently engaged in discussions about the ruling’s potential impact on public safety and existing firearm regulations.
In connection with this matter, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz issued a memo clarifying that chief judges retain the authority to prohibit weapons in courthouses. It’s important to note that while the appellate court’s ruling analyzed Second Amendment rights, it did not specifically address firearm regulations within courthouses.
The governor’s office has commented that it will not be appealing the appellate court’s decision, meaning open carry will be permitted throughout the state under certain conditions. The case that led to this ruling involved Stanley McDaniels, who was arrested for openly carrying a firearm while brandishing a copy of the U.S. Constitution in Pensacola. Although open carry has been legalized, many existing laws in Florida still restrict firearms in locations such as schools, bars, and courthouses. Additionally, private property owners maintain the right to prohibit firearms from being carried on their premises, regardless of the open carry law. Therefore, many theme parks and notable retailers in Florida already enforce policies that ban firearms on their properties.
Despite the shifts in regulation, it is important to reiterate that the law still prohibits carrying firearms in a threatening manner and restricts possession for individuals who have certain legal restrictions, including felony convictions. Gun rights advocacy groups have advised caution to firearm owners concerning the implications of the court ruling, reminding them of the ongoing restrictions that still apply.
As the discussion around gun rights continues, Hunchofsky’s proposed bill represents a legislative attempt to restore clarity and safety in light of growing public concerns about the implications of open carry laws in Florida.
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Additional Resources
- JD Supra: Open Carry in Florida – What Should
- Wikipedia: Gun laws in Florida
- The Guardian: Florida Open Carry Gun Ruling Chaos and Confusion
- Google Search: Florida open carry 2025
- New York Times: Florida Open Carry Guns
- Google Scholar: Florida open carry law
- CBS News: Florida Open Carry Gun Law Details
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Politico: Florida Attorney General Declares Open Carry Law
- Google News: Florida open carry laws
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
