Parkland Democratic Rep. Christine Hunschofsky has filed a bill aimed at closing what she calls a dangerous “long-gun loophole” created by a recent court ruling that struck down Florida’s open carry ban.
Hunschofsky filed the legislation (HB 321) in response to the 1st District Court of Appeal’s decision in McDaniels v. State of Florida. The ruling effectively overturned Florida’s decadeslong open carry ban, which gun rights advocates hailed as a constitutional victory.
Hunschofsky said the decision unintentionally opened the door to allow people to bring long guns — such as rifles, shotguns, and AR-15s — into places where concealed handguns remain prohibited. That includes courthouses, police stations, prisons and meetings of the Legislature or School Boards.
Hunschofsky’s bill would explicitly ban people from bringing any weapon into those or other protected locations unless otherwise authorized by law.
“Regardless of where people stand on the McDaniels decision, it was never the Legislature’s intent to allow individuals to carry long guns into these sensitive spaces,” Hunschofsky said in a statement announcing the bill. “This perceived loophole undermines public safety and creates confusion for both Floridians and law enforcement.”
The confusion has already led to clarifying guidance from state officials. Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz issued a directive reminding courts to maintain security measures, and Attorney General James Uthmeier released an advisory noting that the appellate decision “neither considered nor implicated” the state’s existing laws barring firearms — open or concealed — from certain government and community spaces.
But Hunschofsky wants to make that interpretation clear, describing her legislation as a “straightforward fix” to restore consistency.
“Leaving this potential loophole unaddressed creates additional challenges for law enforcement, increases security costs, and creates fear and confusion in our communities,” she said. “This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.”
So far, no Senate companion bill has been filed.
The 2026 Legislative Session begins Jan. 13.
