Close Menu
  • Home
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • THINGS TO DO
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • Contact
Facebook
Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Niceville.com
Niceville.com
Home»CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY»Court strikes down Florida open carry ban, Sheriff Aden responds
CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY

Court strikes down Florida open carry ban, Sheriff Aden responds

Niceville.comOctober 1, 20252 Mins Read
Head and shoulders portrait of Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden in uniform with American flag behind his right shoulder
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden, Okaloosa County, Fla. (Contributed)

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.

Advertisement
Eglin Federal Credit Union auto loan ad with family and open road theme.

Niceville.com Community Partner

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.

Advertisement
Eglin Federal Credit Union auto loan ad with family and open road theme.

Niceville.com Community Partner

“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.

Advertisement
Eglin Federal Credit Union auto loan ad with family and open road theme.

Niceville.com Community Partner

“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.”

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleK9 Beau leads deputies to swamp fugitive wanted in battery cases
Next Article Alleged Spice ring smashed in Pensacola, 5 suspects hauled off to jail

Related Posts

It's Geek to Me header illustration for weekly tech column by Jeff Werner

How to strengthen your online security with smarter password habits

October 26, 2025
Lula J. Edge Elementary School building in Niceville, Florida.

Edge Elementary invites alumni to 100-year celebration

October 25, 2025
FDOT traffic advisory illustration, Northwest Florida

FDOT announces lane closures, detours in Okaloosa, Walton next week

October 25, 2025
Advertisement
Eglin Federal Credit Union auto loan ad with family and open road theme.

Niceville.com Community Partner

Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida

Niceville.com Community Partner

COMMUNITY PARTNERS
  • EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
  • EYEWEAR UNLIMITED
  • HAIR EXPRESS
  • MIDBAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
  • NICEVILLE FARMERS MARKET
  • NICEVILLE INSURANCE AGENCY
  • RUCKEL PROPERTIES, INC.
  • THE WHARF 850
Advertisement
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida

Niceville.com Community Partner

Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida

Niceville.com Community Partner

Advertisement
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida

Niceville.com Community Partner

ABOUT NICEVILLE.COM

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS OF SERVICE

© 2025 Niceville.com. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.