Clarification on Attorney General's recent statement regarding open carry.

Posted Date: 9/22/25 (3:01 PM)

Dear Sumter County Families,

You may have seen recent news and statements from the Florida Attorney General about open carry of firearms. To avoid confusion, we want to clarify what Florida law requires and how it applies to our schools. 

The Attorney General's statement does not override existing state law. Firearms remain restricted in certain locations, including schools, school administration buildings, school board meetings, courthouses, police and sheriff's offices, and other government facilities (see F.S. 790.06(12))
Florida law also makes it illegal to display a firearm in a careless, threatening, or reckless manner (see F.S. 790.10)
Private property owners, including school districts and businesses, retain the right to prohibit firearms on their property.

What does this mean for the Sumter County School District? 

Firearms are prohibited on all school campuses, in school buildings, and at school events.
If you see someone with a weapon on school property or at a school event, call 911 immediately and then notify school administration. Do not approach the person.
The district continues to work with local law enforcement to ensure that state laws are followed and that our schools remain safe.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. 

Thanks,

Sumter County School District