ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A 32-year-old man was arrested after deputies say he brought a firearm onto the campus of Meadowbrook Middle School, raising questions about Florida’s recently enacted open-carry law.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the school Saturday afternoon after reports of a dispute involving Shelton Bowe. According to the arrest report, Bowe mentioned “it’s open carry” during the argument before deputies arrived.

Bowe, who has a concealed weapons license, was charged with felony possession of a firearm on school property. He told deputies he did not realize he was standing on school grounds.

Attorney James Phillips, a partner at The Firearm Firm, said the case underscores the importance of gun owners understanding the limits of Florida’s new policy.

“He went through training. It’s just kind of common knowledge among those who carry firearms that you don’t carry them onto school property, on your person,” Phillips said.

Phillips added that the open-carry law does not override federal or state restrictions. Guns remain prohibited inside schools, courthouses, police and sheriff’s stations, post offices, airports and other designated locations.

“Open carry definitely does not mean a free-for-all,” Phillips said. “Having it on your person, whether it’s concealed or open, is going to violate this law. And that’s exactly what this guy found out.”

Despite the restrictions, Phillips said the policy represents a “win for the Second Amendment,” noting that open carry provides both tactical advantages and practical convenience in Florida’s climate.

Court records show Bowe has since bonded out of jail.