Bill Moore on Open Carry: Respect Court Ruling, Protect Taxpayers
Bill Moore, candidate for Orange County Sheriff (Orlando, FL), announced his support for non-enforcement of Florida’s open carry ban considering a September 10, 2025, ruling by the First District Court of Appeal declaring the ban unconstitutional under the Second Amendment; See McDaniels v. State, No. 1D2023-0533 (Fla. 1st DCA Sept. 10, 2025). The ruling becomes effective September 25, 2025, unless a higher court intervenes.
“Enforcing a law that has been struck down not only undermines constitutional rights but also risks exposing Orange County taxpayers to expensive lawsuits in state and federal court,” said Moore. “If elected as your Sheriff, I will uphold the Constitution while protecting residents from unnecessary legal and financial burdens.”
The appellate court’s decision, grounded in U.S. Supreme Court precedent, applies directly to the First District but is expected to carry significant persuasive weight statewide. Moore cautioned that continuing to arrest law-abiding citizens outside of the First DCA, like in Orlando, Orange County, FL, could result in costly litigation that diverts resources away from critical public safety needs.
Moore noted that sheriffs in surrounding Seminole, Brevard, Osceola, and Polk counties have already come out publicly in support of non-enforcement, releasing videos and statements clarifying their positions. “It is unclear why the current Sheriff of Orange County has been silent on this critical issue while surrounding sheriffs have already taken clear stands,” Moore said. “What exactly has the Orange County Sheriff told his deputies in regard to arresting individuals on an unconstitutional open carry law?”
Moore emphasized that the ruling does not authorize open carry everywhere. “It remains illegal to carry firearms in sensitive places such as schools, courthouses, government buildings, and establishments primarily devoted to alcohol sales,” Moore said.
“As a retired law enforcement professional and candidate for Sheriff, I believe in transparency, constitutional policing, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” Moore added. “If elected, I will ensure the Orange County Sheriff’s Office respects the Constitution and protects both the community’s safety and its financial future. I won’t dodge the tough issues – I’ll face them head-on.”
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About Bill Moore Bill Moore is a retired Orlando Police Department Detective with 21 years of service, a former Task Force Agent with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, and a FAA-certified sUAS Remote Pilot (drone pilot). He is running for Orange County Sheriff on the theme “Reset the Tone.”
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