Open Carry and the Church

​(We are sending this to everyone in the event that your state decides to allow open carry. This document is for churches who decide not to allow open carry. You need to check with your state on private property rights and / or contact an attorney.)
 
Florida’s statewide ban on open carry of firearms was struck down as unconstitutional on September 15th, 2025, by the First District Court of Appeals and the Florida’s Attorney General’s office has stated that it will not appeal the decision. As for that decision, individuals who are not prohibited from carrying a firearm may open carry. The ruling will officially take effect on September 25, 2025, opening the door for Floridians to open carry. This means you may have members or other individuals visiting your church carrying a firearm in plain view. Churches across Florida must decide on how to deal with this recent ruling. Leadership must get together and choose if they will allow open carry on church property or not. If the church leadership decides they do not want open carry in the church you have a right to ban it. I have listed several suggestions for your church.
 
1. Have the conversation about the issue. Leadership must get together and decide what they feel is best for their church. There should be a lot of prayer and open conversation on this issue. Some churches will have those that feel strongly one way or the other, so tough decisions have to be made. I was training this weekend when a safety team member asked how I felt about open carry. He already knew how his pastor, who was at the training felt about the issue. Leadership and the pastor had said no open carry, but the safety team member asked me in spite of their decision. I could see there was dissention among the ranks.
 
2. If a decision is made to prohibit open carry of firearms within your church, it is necessary to document this policy clearly. Consulting with an attorney can help ensure that the language is specific and unambiguous. If weapons are not entirely banned on property, the policy should specify whether members and visitors are allowed to carry concealed firearms. Stating that open carry is not permitted on church property—except for law enforcement or licensed armed security during operational hours—aligns with legal requirements. Policies should be applied consistently and not allow exceptions for certain groups, such as a safety team, while prohibiting others. This approach helps avoid confusion and ensures that regulations are uniformly enforced.
 
3. Advise your church members. September 25th is right around the corner and even if you cannot get a written policy or signage around the campus before the 25th, advise the church of your stance and from that day on it is policy. Saying you are going to wait until all is in place and then enforce your no open carry on church property is going to confuse church members. Once you make the decision, enforce your decision.
 
4. It is important to train volunteers on how to address situations where individuals arrive at the church with a visible weapon. Although signage may be posted throughout the property, law requires that attendees be verbally notified if they have missed signs indicating "No Open Carry." If a volunteer is not comfortable speaking with an armed individual—which may apply to many greeters and ushers—the safety team and church leadership should be prepared to address the situation appropriately. Individuals should be informed of the church’s “no open carry” policy and encourage them that, while their presence is welcome, church policies must be followed.
 
5. Individuals are encouraged to comply with church policies. When addressing others, remain polite and clarify that all visitors are welcome to attend services provided they adhere to the established guidelines. If someone refuses to comply and leaves the premises, document any relevant details about the individual and their vehicle. Afterwards, complete a church incident form as needed for future reference. Some individuals may challenge new rules, but all discussions regarding policy should be handled respectfully within the appropriate context.
 
6. If an individual refuses to comply with the church’s open carry policy or leave, notify local law enforcement immediately. Treat such situations as potentially dangerous and respond with caution to maintain the safety of everyone present.
 
Start to isolate the individual, keep communications calm, and move other attendees away from the immediate area to ensure their safety. Once law enforcement arrives, advise them of the incident and if appropriate, request that the individual be trespassed from church property. Afterwards complete a church incident form to document the occurrence for future reference and accountability.

We hope this information is helpful to those seeking clarity regarding the forthcoming changes in carry law. Please note, the content provided reflects our perspective on the subject and does not constitute legal advice. In response to recent inquiries, we are offering the same guidance previously shared with the church we attend. If your congregation requires assistance in drafting such policies, we advise consulting with your church's legal counsel.


If we can be of any other assistance in matters like these, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to serve you and assist you.
 
Be safe and be blessed,
 
Jim

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