So, you’re looking at how to get concealed carry in Florida. Honestly, the landscape shifted big time recently. You’ve probably heard people say, "Oh, Florida is permitless now, you don't need a license."
Well, yes and no.
Florida became a "permitless carry" state on July 1, 2023. This means if you are a law-abiding citizen and meet the legal requirements, you can carry a concealed weapon without a government-issued piece of plastic in your wallet. But here is the thing: ignoring the permit is a rookie mistake. If you travel across state lines or want to skip the three-day waiting period when buying a new piece, that permit is your golden ticket. It’s about more than just "permission." It’s about legal protection and convenience.
Why the Florida Concealed Weapon License Still Rules
Let's get real for a second. Permitless carry is great for constitutional rights, but it’s a bit of a legal minefield. If you step foot into a state that doesn’t have permitless carry but does have reciprocity with Florida, you’re suddenly a felon if you don't have that physical card.
States like Georgia, Alabama, and many others recognize the Florida Concealed Weapon License (CWL). Without it, you are basically tethered to the state line. Plus, there is the federal "Gun-Free School Zones Act." Federal law generally prohibits carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. However, there is an exception for people licensed by the state in which the school is located. Without that Florida permit, you could technically be violating federal law just by driving past a high school on your way to the grocery store. It’s a messy legal gray area that most people just don't want to deal with.
Then there’s the "cool down" period. In Florida, when you buy a handgun, there’s a mandatory three-day wait (excluding weekends and holidays). It’s annoying. But if you have your CWL? You walk in, pass the background check, and walk out with your purchase the same day. That alone is worth the $97 to $119 you’ll spend on the application.
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The Actual Steps to Getting Your Permit
Getting the permit isn't as scary as the government websites make it look. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) handles the whole thing. Commissioner Wilton Simpson’s office has actually made the process fairly streamlined compared to other states.
First, you need to prove you know what you’re doing. You have to complete a firearms safety course. This is non-negotiable. You can’t just watch a YouTube video and call it a day. It has to be a course led by a state-certified instructor or an NRA-certified instructor. Most local gun ranges offer these every weekend. They usually last about three to four hours.
Here’s a tip: make sure the course includes "live fire." Florida law requires you to actually discharge the firearm in front of the instructor. Some "online-only" courses claim to be valid, but if you don't pull a trigger in person, the state will likely reject your application. I’ve seen it happen. People try to save twenty bucks and end up wasting weeks.
Documentation You Can't Forget
Once you have your certificate of completion, you need to get your fingerprints taken. This isn't the old-school "ink on a card" vibe anymore. It’s almost all electronic (LiveScan) now. You can do this at many local sheriff’s offices or tax collector’s offices.
You also need a passport-style photo. Don’t take a selfie in your kitchen. Just go to a CVS or Walgreens and spend the $15 to get a professional one. The state is picky about the background and lighting.
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Where to Actually Apply
You have three main options.
- Regional FDACS Offices: Florida has regional offices in cities like Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami. You can make an appointment, walk in with your papers, and they do the fingerprints and photos right there. It’s a one-stop shop.
- County Tax Collector Offices: This is the secret weapon. Many county tax collectors (like in Pinellas, Hillsborough, or Brevard) are authorized to process these applications. It’s often much faster than the regional state offices.
- Mail-In: Don't do this. Seriously. If you mail it in, and you forgot to sign one line or your fingerprint smudge is too blurry, they’ll mail it back to you three weeks later. It adds months to the process.
The Cost Breakdown
Money matters. Here is what you are looking at roughly:
The state fee is usually around $70 for the initial license. Then you have the fingerprint processing fee, which is about $42. If you go through a tax collector, they might tack on a $12 to $22 convenience fee. All in, expect to drop about $125 to $150 including the cost of your safety class. The license is valid for seven years. When you do the math, it’s less than $25 a year for peace of mind.
Who Gets Denied?
Florida is a "shall-issue" state. This means if you meet the criteria, the state must give you the permit. They can’t just say "we don't like your vibe." However, there are hard "nos."
If you have a felony conviction, you’re out (unless your civil rights were restored). If you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, that’s a federal "no." If you have two or more DUI convictions in the last three years, the state considers you a "habitual abuser" of alcohol and will likely deny you. Also, if you were committed to a mental institution involuntarily, you’re going to have a very hard time getting approved.
Wait times fluctuate. Legally, the state has 90 days to issue or deny the permit once they receive a "complete" application. Lately, they’ve been pretty fast, often turning them around in 20 to 30 days, but don’t hold your breath if there’s a sudden surge in applications.
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Common Misconceptions About Carrying in the Sunshine State
A lot of people think that once they have the permit, they are Wyatt Earp. Not quite. Florida is very specific about where you cannot carry.
Even with a permit, you can't carry in a police station, a courthouse, a polling place, or any meeting of a governing body (like a city council meeting). You also can't carry in the "bar" portion of a restaurant. If you’re sitting at a table eating a burger, you’re fine. If you move to the stool at the bar to wait for your table, you’re technically breaking the law. It’s a silly nuance, but the law doesn't care if it's silly.
And then there's the "Open Carry" thing. Florida is not an open carry state. You cannot walk down the street with a holster on your hip for everyone to see. There are tiny exceptions for fishing, hunting, or camping, but even then, don't be surprised if someone calls the cops and you end up in a long conversation with a deputy. Keep it concealed. That’s the whole point.
Practical Steps to Take Right Now
If you are serious about figuring out how to get concealed carry in Florida, don't just sit on the fence.
- Book a class today. Find a local range that offers the Florida Concealed Weapon License course. Look for one that includes a legal segment. Knowing when you can legally use force is more important than knowing how to aim.
- Check your local Tax Collector's website. See if they offer concealed carry services. If they do, book an appointment for about two weeks out—this gives you time to finish your class first.
- Clean up your record if needed. If you have an old arrest that was dismissed but still shows up on your background check, get the court disposition papers ready. The state will ask for them.
- Invest in a good holster. Most people spend $600 on a gun and $15 on a "one size fits all" nylon holster. Don't be that person. A good holster makes the difference between carrying every day and leaving the gun in the safe because it’s uncomfortable.
The permitless carry law changed the game, but for anyone who takes personal defense seriously, the official license is still the gold standard. It proves you’ve had the training, it clears your path for travel, and it keeps you on the right side of complex federal laws. Get the training, get the permit, and stay sharp.