Going to work is an important part of everyone’s lives. Most civilian jobs do not normally entail carrying a firearm. A question we hear all the time is, “Can I carry my handgun at work?” The answer is best understood in two parts: Whether it’s a crime, and whether your employer can prohibit carrying, even if it isn’t a crime.
Florida Concealed Carry at Work
Under Florida criminal law, there are specific places where possession of a firearm is absolutely prohibited (for example, schools, bars, Disney World, and the list goes on). If you have a Florida concealed carry license, taking your handgun to work is simple. If the business has not given you notice or is not a prohibited place, you should be clear of any potential criminal charges. On the other hand, if you don’t have a CWFL, you generally cannot carry a handgun at work, unless the premises are considered under your control. If you are a business owner, you may legally possess a firearm on the premises under your control without a license.
Under Florida law, both private sector and government employers can prohibit a person from having their handgun inside of the building. For example, if a valid employment contract prohibits firearms anywhere on a company’s premises, carrying your handgun inside of an office could be grounds for termination, even if it’s not a crime. But fear not, Florida law allows gun owners to conceal firearms within their privately-owned motor vehicles in an employee parking area. In fact, Florida statute 790.251 forbids an employer from even asking an employee if he or she has a firearm in their vehicle.
If you have any questions about firearms and your job, call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to an Independent Program Attorney today.
790.251
(4) PROHIBITED ACTS.—No public or private employer may violate the constitutional rights of any customer, employee, or invitee as provided in paragraphs (a)-(e):
e) No public or private employer may terminate the employment of or otherwise discriminate against an employee, or expel a customer or invitee for exercising his or her constitutional right to keep and bear arms or for exercising the right of self-defense as long as a firearm is never exhibited on company property for any reason other than lawful defensive purposes.
paragraph e makes it clear that we can carry a firearm at work. Please explain.