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Do You need gun license to carry in Florida?

Do You Need a Gun License to Carry in Florida?

Florida is one of the most gun-friendly states in the country, with a long history of promoting the Second Amendment rights of its citizens. With a surge in gun sales and ownership in recent years, it’s essential for Floridians to understand the laws and regulations surrounding gun ownership and carrying.

Direct Answer: Yes, You Need a Gun License to Carry in Florida

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To carry a gun in Florida, you must obtain a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL) from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This license allows you to carry a concealed firearm on your person, in a vehicle, or in a locked container in a locked vehicle.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a CWFL in Florida, you must:

• Be a resident of Florida
• Be at least 21 years old (18 years old for active military personnel and honorably discharged veterans)
• Not have been adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
• Not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving the use or threat of physical violence
• Not be under a restraining order or domestic violence injunction
• Not have been denied a license to carry a firearm in another state or jurisdiction
• Not be addicted to controlled substances
• Complete a firearms safety course or have a Florida concealed weapons permit issued before January 1, 1988

Application Process

To apply for a CWFL in Florida, you must:

  1. Gather Required Documents: Provide proof of Florida residency, identification, and completion of a firearms safety course.
  2. Fill Out the Application: Complete the application form, which can be downloaded from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website or obtained in person at a local tax collector’s office.
  3. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the $53 application fee (plus a $2.25 convenience fee if applying online).
  4. Pass a Background Check: Submit to a state and federal background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  5. Wait for Approval: Receive your CWFL once your application is approved and your background check is cleared.

Concealed Carry Laws

Once you have your CWFL, you must follow these rules:

Carry with Caution: Be aware of your surroundings and the law when carrying a concealed firearm.
Keep Your Permit with You: Always carry your CWFL with you when carrying a concealed firearm.
Follow Local Ordinances: Comply with local laws and ordinances, even if they are stricter than state laws.
Do Not Carry in Certain Places: Do not carry a concealed firearm in places where it is prohibited, such as schools, government buildings, and hospitals.

Penalties for Violating Concealed Carry Laws

If you are caught violating concealed carry laws in Florida, you could face:

Fine: A fine of up to $500
Jail Time: Up to 60 days in jail
License Revocation: Your CWFL could be revoked

Conclusion

Carrying a gun in Florida requires a license, which can be obtained by meeting the eligibility requirements and following the application process. Remember to always carry with caution, keep your permit with you, and follow local ordinances. With a CWFL, you can exercise your Second Amendment rights responsibly and legally in the Sunshine State.

Additional Resources

For more information on gun laws and regulations in Florida, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website or consult with a firearms instructor or attorney.

Licensing RequirementsEligibilityApplication Process
Age21 (18 for active military personnel and honorably discharged veterans)Gather required documents, fill out application, pay fee, pass background check
ResidencyFlorida residentSame as above
Felony ConvictionNoneSame as above
Mental HealthNo adjudication or commitmentSame as above

Important Dates

  • January 1, 1988: Florida concealed carry permit law takes effect
  • 2011: Florida allows concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms in churches and places of worship
  • 2019: Florida reduces the age to carry a concealed firearm to 21 (previously 18)

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