MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. ( WWSB ) — Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells has issued a statement following a Florida appeals court ruling that struck down the state’s ban on open carry of firearms.

The Florida First District Court of Appeals ruled Sept. 15 that prohibiting open carry is unconstitutional. Sheriff Wells said the decision is effective immediately, though restrictions remain on where firearms may be openly carried.

Open carry is still prohibited at county and city commission meetings, courthouses, police stations, sheriff’s offices, bars and bar areas of restaurants, and schools. It is also banned at school-sponsored events, on school property, on school buses, and at bus stops, including colleges and universities.

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