JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- While Florida law states it's OK for residents to pack a pistol in their car, a Jacksonville utility has told its employees that bringing guns onto its property is prohibited.

JEA officials said the utility company is adding its name to the list of other Florida companies, including Disney, that are refusing to allow employees and visitors to bring guns onto their property despite the new law.

There are exceptions to the new law, and Phil Mattox, who works for JEA, said they qualify.

"JEA's decision to not allow firearms on JEA property is what we believe is the best interest of all of our customers," Mattox said.

Under the statute that went into effect 14 days ago schools, correctional institutions and businesses with combustible or explosive materials can still prohibit employees from bringing guns to work.

The exemption also covers any property used for national defense or homeland security -- JEA believes that includes them.

JEA officials said normal operation of the sheriff's office and fire and rescue units depend on their utilities, making their company a very valuable asset to homeland security.

"All of these services rely on electric, water and sewer services. With that in mind, JEA feels that we have to protect this community," Mattox said.

However, former NRA president Marion Hammer and other gun owners said JEA's interpretation of the law could be considered unconstitutional.

"It's part of the corporate mentality where corporate giants think they own the world," said Hammer.

The statue's enforcement and is triggered by a grievance process. If a gun owner files a complaint, the state's attorney general would look into the objection.

JEA said thus far their employees have been OK with the decision not to allow guns onto their property.