From a defensive standpoint, many gun owners prefer concealed carry over open carry. One of the primary reasons is the element of surprise. If you are in a public space and a situation arises, having a concealed firearm allows you to act without immediately being identified as a threat by a potential assailant.

In September 2025, a state appeals court ruled Florida's open carry ban unconstitutional. In a social media post, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said, "Open carry is the law of the state." The ruling does not affect any other Florida gun law restrictions and applies only to those legally allowed to possess firearms.