Can you carry a concealed firearm during a State of emergency?

With Hurricane Dorian making landfall soon this is a question that we have been receiving a lot and here is the answer.

Under Florida State Statute 790.01 all lawful gun owners are permitted to carry a concealed weapon if they are complying with a mandatory evacuation during a state of emergency.The law allows for a 48-hour window that this would be allowed after the evacuation has been ordered. However, the governor can authorize an extension as needed.

(a) A person who carries a concealed weapon, or a person who may lawfully possess a firearm and who carries a concealed firearm, on or about his or her person while in the act of evacuating during a mandatory evacuation order issued during a state of emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to chapter 252 or declared by a local authority pursuant to chapter 870. As used in this subsection, the term “in the act of evacuating” means the immediate and urgent movement of a person away from the evacuation zone within 48 hours after a mandatory evacuation is ordered. The 48 hours may be extended by an order issued by the Governor.

The Gun Shoppe of Sarasota4402 S. Tamiami Trl.Sarasota, FL 34231941-822-0707