Where You Can't Carry a Firearm in Florida
Florida law lists specific places where carrying a firearm is prohibited. Know them before you carry, because the license does not authorize carrying in these places (section 790.06(12)).
The list below comes from section 790.06(12)(a) of the Florida Statutes. Other laws, including federal law, add more. These restrictions apply whether you carry concealed or openly. When in doubt, don't carry into the building, and ask your instructor or an attorney.
The places the statute lists
A place of nuisance as defined in section 823.05
Any police, sheriff, or highway patrol station
Any detention facility, prison, or jail
Any courthouse
Any courtroom (judges are the exception)
Any polling place
Any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special district
Any meeting of the Legislature or a committee of it
Any school, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms
Any elementary or secondary school facility or administration building
Any career center
Any portion of an establishment licensed to serve alcohol for drinking on the premises, if that portion is primarily devoted to serving alcohol
Any college or university facility. There is no firearm exception; the only carve-out is for registered students, employees and faculty carrying a stun gun or nonlethal electric weapon
The inside of the passenger terminal and sterile area of any airport
Any place where federal law prohibits carrying firearms
The ones that surprise people
Government meetings. City commission meetings, county commission meetings, and school board meetings are covered, not only the buildings.
Bars versus restaurants. The ban applies to the part of a licensed establishment primarily devoted to serving alcohol. A restaurant dining area is different from a bar area, but the line can be unclear. Ask before you go.
Airports. The ban covers the passenger terminal and the area past security. Section 790.06(12)(a) has a carve-out for a firearm that is encased for shipment and checked as baggage. Transporting a firearm for a flight also has rules set by the airline and the TSA.
Federal property. State law also incorporates federal prohibitions. Post offices and federal buildings are examples.
Schools. Section 790.115 covers school property and school buses, with limited vehicle exceptions that districts can restrict for parking areas. Check the exact rule before you carry onto school grounds.
Private property. Owners and businesses can post that firearms are not allowed. Ignoring a warning can lead to a trespass charge.
What to do if you aren't sure
Leave the firearm secured at home or locked in your vehicle where the law permits. An unnecessary stop at your car is better than a criminal charge.
What to do next
Our concealed weapons permit class walks through this list and the vehicle and storage rules in more detail. Text (305) 791-4249 or email info@topshotmiami.com.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change and this is not a complete list. Consult a Florida attorney about your situation. Last reviewed October 3, 2026.
Sources: Florida Statutes 790.06 and 790.115 (flsenate.gov).
More free guides: Free Firearms Resources From Miami Instructors
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