Open carry officially in effect in Florida

Florida's 1st District Court of Appeal claimed prohibiting open carry in the state was unconstitutional. 

For 38 years, openly carrying a firearm was deemed as a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. 

The court's ruling changed the law Sept. 25, allowing Floridians to open carry in public. 

If you choose to carry a firearm with you, here's what you need to know: 

Courthouses, police stations, bars, school properties and commission meetings prohibit open and concealed carry. 

At the discretion of the owners, you may or may not be allowed to open carry at grocery stores, retail stores and dining areas of a restaurant. 

If you're asked to leave an establishment and refuse to do so, that is considered armed trespass, which is a felony. 

The Orange County Sheriff's Office asks all to handle handguns responsibly and safely and to respect private property and posted signs.