Today, July 22, 2026, Alachua County is buzzing with discussions around firearms regulations. Florida Carry, a local gun rights group, has taken a strong stance against four specific ordinances that they claim violate Florida’s firearms preemption law. The group made its intentions clear by sending a notice to the county listing the contentious provisions in local law.
The ordinances under fire revolve around a few critical points: the handling of firearms during emergencies, ownership restrictions on certain bodies of water, and limitations on firearms within county court facilities. Additionally, Florida Carry has expressed concern over signage in the courthouse that prohibits firearms, weapons, explosives, and destructive devices. Bennett Latimer, operations manager at Lawful Defense Shoot GTR, chimed in, stating that some of these restrictions seem excessive and infringe upon individual self-defense rights.
Upcoming Discussions and Legal Context
In response to the notice, county officials confirmed that it has been forwarded to the County Commission, the county manager, and the legal department. They’ve also mentioned that the commission will discuss the matter in their upcoming meeting on August 11. Until then, county staff are awaiting further instructions from the board before taking additional actions.
In a related development, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) recently announced that there have been no arrests for open carrying of firearms, provided it is the only crime committed. This comes after State Attorney Brian Kramer issued a memo regarding the recent decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal, declaring Florida’s open carry ban unconstitutional. Kramer believes that the Attorney General likely won’t appeal this decision, which means it could permanently change the landscape of firearm laws in the state.
The ASO emphasized the importance of following current laws, urging citizens to respect the judicial process as they navigate these changes. Moreover, other law enforcement agencies have shared guidelines that clarify that adults who can legally possess a firearm are allowed to openly carry it in most public spaces. However, it’s worth noting that businesses and private property owners still hold the right to prohibit open or concealed carry on their premises.
Florida’s Evolving Gun Laws
Gun ownership and regulations in the U.S. are often a hot topic, with states having the authority to set their own laws. Florida has loosened its legislation regarding concealed carry, allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms without a special permit. This change was passed in a Senate vote of 27 to 13 and is expected to be signed quickly by Governor Ron DeSantis. Currently, concealed carry is permitted in 25 states, and the only requirement is to present an ID, like a driver’s license. Nonetheless, gun purchases are still restricted to individuals over 21, and background checks are mandatory.
The backdrop of these changes is not without controversy. Democrats have raised alarms about a potential rise in gun violence and accidents, especially following several tragic mass shootings in Florida, including the devastating Parkland school shooting in 2018 and the Orlando nightclub shooting in 2016. Just three days before the new concealed carry law was passed, a shooting incident in Tennessee claimed six lives, adding to the urgency of the discussion around gun laws.
As Alachua County prepares for the upcoming commission meeting, the dialogue around firearms regulations is likely to intensify. Residents and officials alike are watching closely, as the implications of these laws affect not just individual rights but community safety as well.