The States With the Loosest Gun Laws

Starting July 1 of this year, Iowa will allow the open carry of all firearms in public, with some exceptions, and will no longer require permits to acquire handguns. The state doesn’t regulate assault weapons, but does classify as an aggravated misdemeanor the sale or offering for sale of devices that increase the firing rate of a gun.

There’s no law restricting assault weapons or the carrying of unconcealed, loaded firearms in most public places in Wisconsin. The state passed a law in 2011, however, that requires licenses for concealed carry in most public places.

Vermont allows people to carry concealed or unconcealed loaded firearms in most public places, with no location-specific prohibitions and no concealed-carry permits required. It has no law restricting assault weapons.

Florida has no laws regulating assault weapons, but prohibits the open carry of firearms. People with concealed-carry handgun permits can only “briefly and openly” display the weapon publicly in a non-threatening manner.

Ohio does not restrict the carrying of unconcealed, loaded firearms in most public places, but does require a concealed-handgun license. The state places no restrictions on assault weapons, but does extend the definition of an automatic firearm to include semi-automatic weapons designed or modified to fire more than 31 bullets before reloading.