Rob Hardwick affirms open carry right

Yet another Northeast Florida Sheriff is saying that a recent appellate ruling striking down a Florida law is a green light for gun rights.

“On September 10, 2025, the First District Court of Appeal, State of Florida, struck down Florida’s general ban on the open carrying of firearms, declaring Section 790.053, Florida Statutes, unconstitutional…. Florida Attorney General Uthmeier supports the decision and is not expected to appeal. Essentially, this decision will become final once the deadline for filing an appeal expires, which will be in the next 30 days,” says St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick on social media.

Hardwick then outlined the rights and restrictions under his interpretation of the court decision.

“SJSO Deputies have been informed of the court decision and will no longer consider the open carrying of a firearm unlawful in most circumstances. Other statutory restrictions concerning improper exhibition of a firearm and prohibiting the possession of firearms in certain locations remain in effect, including courthouses, other government buildings, and schools, (complete list attached). Additionally, private business owners still have the right to prohibit firearms on their property.”

Hardwick promises “first-class customer service to our citizens and visitors as we transition to an open-carry state along with 46 other states that currently allow open carry in some form.”

He also urges locals to “be patient and understanding of residents and visitors who may not understand or have knowledge of this court decision, as we must help educate and protect constitutional rights during a time that may be confusing for some.”

Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters^[1] issued a similar statement this week, and most sheriffs in Florida who have opined stand behind the AG’s read on the ruling.

One exception: Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri^[2] says the ruling does not take effect until Sept. 25.

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