Public carrying of firearms strictly prohibited in “sensitive locations”

In St. Johns County, Historic City News readers need to understand that publicly carrying of firearms remains strictly prohibited in several “sensitive locations” mandated by Florida Statute § 790.06(12). These restrictions apply regardless of whether the weapon is concealed or open.

The next categories constitute the primary prohibited areas in the county:

1. Government and Judicial Facilities

Courthouses & Courtrooms: All courthouses in St. Johns County, including the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center in St. Augustine. (Judges have individual discretion for their own courtrooms).

Government Meetings: Any meeting of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, the St. Augustine City Commission, or any other municipal or special district governing body.

Polling Places: Any location being used as a polling place or early voting site during an election.

Law Enforcement Stations: Any police, sheriff, or highway patrol station, including the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office headquarters and various precincts.

Detention Facilities: Any jail, prison, or detention center.

2. Educational Institutions

School Property: Any elementary or secondary school facility (K-12) or administration building. This includes all St. Johns County Public Schools and private academies.

School Events: Any school-sponsored athletic event or activity not related to firearms.

Colleges & Universities: Facilities of higher education, like Flagler College or St. Johns River State College campuses. (Exceptions exist for certain non-lethal devices by students/faculty, but firearms are generally prohibited).

3. Public Transportation & Infrastructure

Airports: The passenger terminal and “sterile areas” (beyond TSA checkpoints) of any airport. Note that firearms may be transported if they are properly encased for shipment as checked baggage.

Career Centers: Any vocational or career center.

4. Establishments Serving Alcohol

Bars and Taverns: Any portion of an establishment primarily devoted to the dispensing of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. While you may generally carry in the dining area of a restaurant that serves alcohol (like many in downtown St. Augustine), you are strictly prohibited from carrying in the “bar” area of that restaurant.

5. Other Restricted Areas

Places of Nuisance: Any location defined by law as a “place of nuisance” (typically sites linked to ongoing illegal activity).

Federal Property: Federal buildings, like Post Offices or Social Security offices, are governed by federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930), which generally prohibits firearms on the premises.

Private Property: Any private business or residence where the owner has posted “No Firearms” signs or otherwise provided notice that firearms are not welcome.

Legal Note: Violating these restrictions can result in a second-degree misdemeanor or more severe charges depending on the location (e.g., carrying on school property is often treated as a felony). Always look for posted signage at the entrance of public buildings in St. Johns County for specific local notices.