Home » Blog » Can I carry a gun in Florida?

Can I carry a gun in Florida?

Can I Carry a Gun in Florida?

Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and warm weather. But aside from its tourist attractions, Florida is also a haven for gun enthusiasts. If you’re planning to visit or live in the Sunshine State, you might be wondering if you can carry a gun in Florida.

Direct Answer:

Bulk Ammo for Sale at Lucky Gunner

In Florida, the short answer is yes, you can carry a gun. But there are some caveats and requirements you need to know before doing so. Here’s a breakdown of Florida’s gun laws:

  • Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP): To carry a gun in Florida, you’ll need to obtain a CWP from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The permit is valid for 5 years.
  • Residency: You must be a Florida resident to apply for a CWP.
  • Age: You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a CWP.
  • Background Check: A thorough background check is required as part of the application process.
  • Course Requirements: You’ll need to complete a firearms training course approved by the FDACS.

What Can You Carry?

As a CWP holder, you can carry the following firearms:

  • Handguns: You can carry handguns, including revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, provided they are loaded with hollow-point bullets or waxy-coated bullets.
  • Rifles and Shotguns: You can carry rifles and shotguns, but only on licensed hunting grounds or when defending yourself or others in your home.
  • Ammunition: You can carry up to 20 rounds of ammunition in your handgun.

Where Can You Carry?

As a CWP holder, you can carry your gun in the following locations:

  • Public Buildings: You can carry your gun in public buildings, including government offices, courtrooms, and post offices.
  • Parking Garages: You can carry your gun in parking garages, including public parking garages and privately-owned parking garages.
  • Restaurants: You can carry your gun in restaurants, including sit-down restaurants and fast-food restaurants.
  • Sports Stadiums: You can carry your gun in sports stadiums, including professional and college sports stadiums.
  • Public Parks: You can carry your gun in public parks, including hiking trails and picnic areas.
  • Schools: Note: You are prohibited from carrying a gun in schools, except for law enforcement officers and security personnel.
  • Airports: You can carry your gun in airports, but only in designated areas such as checkpoints and security screening areas.
  • Hospitals: You can carry your gun in hospitals, except for areas designated as patient care areas.

Places Where You Can’t Carry

As a CWP holder, you cannot carry your gun in the following locations:

  • Schools: As mentioned earlier, you are prohibited from carrying a gun in schools, except for law enforcement officers and security personnel.
  • Hospitals: You are prohibited from carrying a gun in hospitals, except for areas designated as patient care areas.
  • Government Meetings: You are prohibited from carrying a gun in government meetings, including city council and county commission meetings.
  • Prisons and Jails: You are prohibited from carrying a gun in prisons and jails, except for law enforcement officers.
  • Public Libraries: You are prohibited from carrying a gun in public libraries.
  • Churches: You are prohibited from carrying a gun in churches, except for law enforcement officers and security personnel.
  • Air Traffic Control Areas: You are prohibited from carrying a gun in air traffic control areas.

Penalties for Illegal Gun Carrying

If you’re caught carrying a gun illegally in Florida, you could face the following penalties:

  • Fines: You could face fines ranging from $100 to $500.
  • Jail Time: You could face up to 60 days in jail.
  • Revocation of Permit: Your CWP could be revoked for 1 to 3 years.

Conclusion

Carrying a gun in Florida requires careful consideration of the law and regulations. While Florida is a gun-friendly state, there are strict requirements and penalties for illegal gun carrying. Before carrying a gun in Florida, make sure you understand the law and follow the guidelines outlined above.

Enhance Your Knowledge with Curated Videos on Guns and Accessories


Leave a Comment