A reversible polarity fiber optic connector includes an outer housing including a polarity key for coupling the outer housing to a fiber optic receptacle in only one orientation. A ferrule assembly is received in the outer housing in a first position corresponding to a first polarity of the fiber optic connector and in a second position corresponding to a second polarity of the fiber optic connector. The ferrule assembly forms an optical connection with the fiber optic receptacle. A boot assembly is releasably connected to the outer housing to enable the ferrule assembly to be inserted into and removed from the outer housing. The boot assembly includes a rotor rotatable between locked and release positions. The rotor includes a blocking portion to block disconnection of the boot assembly with the outer housing in the locked position and to permit disconnection of the boot assembly with the outer housing in the release position.