Yes, open carry of firearms is legal in Mississippi without a permit for individuals aged 18 or older who are not prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law. Mississippi operates under “constitutional carry” principles, eliminating permit requirements for both open and concealed carry since the repeal of the 2017 permit system. Local municipalities retain limited authority to regulate firearm discharge but cannot restrict open carry itself.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Mississippi
- Age and Eligibility: Open carry is permitted for residents and non-residents aged 18+, provided they are not convicted felons, subject to domestic violence restraining orders, or adjudicated as mentally defective.
- Prohibited Locations: Firearms are banned in courthouses, polling places, schools, and secured areas of airports under Miss. Code § 97-37-17(2). Private property owners may post signage prohibiting open carry.
- Local Ordinances: While state law preempts most firearm regulations, municipalities like Jackson or Biloxi may enforce noise ordinances or public safety restrictions near sensitive areas, though these do not outright ban open carry.
Recent compliance shifts include the 2026 legislative session’s proposed amendments to clarify “secure” areas under § 97-37-17, with potential expansions to include government buildings. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Firearms Permit Unit no longer processes open carry permits, aligning with constitutional carry statutes. Violations of restricted locations may result in misdemeanor charges or felony enhancements for aggravating circumstances.