News and Investigations

News & Investigations

News Releases and Public Information

Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.

PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Meghan Petty. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.

The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.

Jun 30, 2023

Florida’s new permitless concealed weapon carry law begins July 1

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

Florida’s new law regarding the carrying of concealed weapons without having a government permit is in effect as of July 1, 2023.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd discusses the new law in a video released on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & YouTube) today.

View the video on YouTube here.

The PCSO website also provides detailed information about who can and cannot carry a concealed weapon in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section at https://www.polksheriff.org/about/faqs

“I urge everyone who plans to take advantage of their right to carry a concealed weapon in Florida to familiarize themselves with the law. There are still some restrictions and guidelines having to do with who is eligible and where firearms can be carried. I encourage anyone who wants to own, possess, or carry a concealed firearm to become familiar with that weapon—learn how to safely handle it and fire it. And always make sure you carry and store firearms safely and securely.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Among the requirements and rules that are important to know:

- Anyone carrying concealed MUST also carry a valid identification on them and produce that ID upon demand by a law enforcement officer.
- The firearm MUST be concealed at all times. Open carry is still against the law in Florida (with exceptions where you are actively fishing, camping, hunting, or target shooting, or traveling to or from these activities).
- Previous restrictions regarding who is eligible to carry a firearm basically remains the same (eg: must be 21 or older, cannot have been convicted of a felony, etc.) and where you cannot carry a concealed firearm (eg: schools, bars, courthouses, etc.).