OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden has issued a statement following the First District Court of Appeal’s ruling that struck down Florida’s general ban on the open carrying of firearms.
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On September 10, 2025, the appellate court in Tallahassee declared Section 790.053, Florida Statutes, unconstitutional. The decision is not yet final and will become so only if no appeal is filed within 30 days, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).
OCSO deputies were notified of the decision and given guidance on how to handle such circumstances under agency policy and Florida law. Deputies are scheduled to undergo additional training to ensure proper application of the law and to help educate the public about the statutory restrictions that remain in place.
Sheriff Aden shared several points for residents to understand: check local ordinances, do not openly carry in sensitive areas such as courthouses and schools, recognize that private property owners may prohibit firearms on their premises, and never display or brandish a firearm in a reckless or threatening manner.
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“As your Sheriff, I fully support the Constitution and our Second Amendment rights,” Sheriff Aden said.
“Your OCSO deputies are highly trained and will continue to serve with excellence as we transition to an open-carry state. Understand that deputies may be called by citizens who are unaware of this change to respond to an armed person.”
He said when deputies are called by citizens unaware of this change, they will respond as if to an armed-person call.
“We ask for your cooperation and understanding as deputies work to verify law circumstances.”
Sheriff Aden emphasized that safety and constitutional rights are the office’s dual priorities. He said the OCSO will continue to train deputies and share information with residents, visitors, and property owners so that all parties understand what the change means.
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“As your Sheriff, I remain committed to protecting both the safety of our community and the constitutional rights of our residents,” Sheriff Aden said.
“By working together with patience, respect, and understanding we can ensure this transition strengthens both public safety and the freedoms we all value.”
