Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Florida’s new open carry law takes effect September 25, but Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is warning gun owners not to misinterpret what that means.
In a WFLA interview, Judd emphasized that while open carry is now on the books, plenty of restrictions remain.
Schools, courthouses, and government buildings are still off-limits. His advice: default back to the concealed carry rules until the legislature clears up the gray areas.
“I’ve spoken with the Senate president, the House speaker, and the governor’s chief of staff,” Judd explained. “We need to tighten the rules through legislation. Until then, people could easily misinterpret the law.”
That misinterpretation could get someone in serious trouble. Even though open carry is legal, a person could still find themselves in handcuffs if they walk into the wrong place.
Judd said to “just stay away” from schools and government buildings, period.
SEE ALSO: The 432 UC Ti – The Lightweight Ultimate” Carry
The sheriff isn’t shy about his Second Amendment support, but he’s equally blunt about tactics. He argues that carrying concealed offers a critical advantage.
“If you expose a firearm, you’re making yourself a target,” he said. “Bad guys don’t get scared off by a holstered gun. They’ll try to take it from you and use it against you.”
Judd went even further: “I want you to carry concealed so that if you have to use a firearm to protect yourself or someone else, you have the tactical and surprise advantage. All of that goes away if it’s exposed.”
That message might surprise some in the pro-gun community, but Judd is speaking from a street-level perspective. Criminals already carry illegally. They’re not fazed by someone wearing a pistol on their hip or slinging an AR-15 across their back.
For law-abiding citizens, open carry may feel empowering, but Judd warns it could paint a target on their back.
The sheriff’s bottom line: open carry may now be legal, but it doesn’t mean open carry everywhere. Florida’s appellate courts have already upheld restrictions, and more legislative action is likely coming.
Until then, Judd’s advice is simple—stick with concealed carry and avoid risky gray areas.
Whether you agree with him or not, Judd’s words highlight the reality: the law isn’t as straightforward as it seems, and tactical considerations still matter.
What about you? Do you plan to take advantage of Florida’s new open carry law, or do you see concealed carry as the smarter play?
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
I’ll keep saying it again and again as one of the staunchest promoters of the Second Amendment you will find… open carry in today’s highly criminal environment, is asinine!
The only reason why somebody would want to open carry is so they can show how big balls they have and try to intimidate others, which is certainly not intimidating the criminals! All one is doing is letting them (the criminals) know that you’ve got a firearm so they can run up behind you, hit you in the back of the head and take it then use it on you or somebody else!
Open carry has its time in its place, not just willy-nilly out in public like a blithering idiot!
In the 19th century, concealed carry was considered by many to be dishonorable and the realm of criminals.
I could not agree more with Sherriff Judd. Carrying concealed is a tremendous tactical advantage and reduces the chance someone will try to take your gun. Open carry is fine outdoors hunting, camping, fishing or hiking. A level 2 or 3 holster is a good idea for either one. When you can not carry in a restricted area make sure there is adequate security and decide if you want to proceed unarmed.
As I see it my big takeaway is should somebody see a gun butt sticking out of my pocket by accident
or notice a bulge around my waistband as I am carrying concealed there would be no harm, no foul.
(assuming I am in a legal open carry area) Screaming soccer moms aside…
Say you’re carrying concealed and the wind blows, or you turn sideways or something else and your piece becomes visible – now, all of a sudden, you’re open carrying and, with absence of an open carry right, not a law abiding citizen anymore..
So being able to open carry not only adds a choice (always good), but also provides an insurance against potentially costly accidental wardrobe malfunction and such.
Do you know of any CPL holders who’ve been successfully prosecuted for a “wardrobe malfunction?”
no but their are a slew of brandishing a firearm suits.
To be safe, will the police be available in all those places where people gather to provide for the public’s safety? When my right to bear arms is restricted, then it should be made plain those entities, as in public restricted places, are responsible for our safety. If we are not protected and something happen, then those entities which restricted my right need to be held accountable for my injury or death.
Isn’t that already the case? Ever seen civil liability cases these days?
I definitely believe Grady is correct I do not believe in open carry I think it will cause more problems, concealed carry the only way that makes sense, surprise element just might be the edge that saves ur life in a gun fight.
As being a long time legal concealed carrier in Florida. I totally agree 100% with Sheriff Jud. The thought process is “Self Defense”, so why advertise? Take advantage of, every advantage that you can get. The real world you don’t get “Do Overs”. Just Say’n!
There is plenty of evidence that open carry also deters crime. I personally know of at least one instance where simply wearing a Glock ball cap deterred a crime when the criminals presumed the wearer was armed. So all the OC vs CC crap is no different than 9mm vs .45 or single action hammer fired vs double-ish action striker fired. These are matters of taste and preference and do not have a right and wrong.
Be that as it may, the government should have no opinion, and certainly no laws about how, when, or where a law abiding citizens carries.
I prefer concealed. Plenty of choices and a better option.
I carry, but I will never brandish a firearm. I won’t even show it.
As Massad Ayoob wrote, firearms should only be used in the gravest extreme, and a bad guy will not know I have a firearm until very shortly when they find a new hole in themselves.
just deputize all legal gun owners then no restrictions
Another dump comment….thought you were getting better……Nope.
if you’re looking for dick……look elsewhere!
No, just looking for some intellegence from you but we both know it does’nt exsist.
well you are chasing me around reading and replying so either you want dick or you are just a loser asshole independent of higher thought!