How do I get a Florida concealed weapons permit?

How do I get a Florida Concealed Weapons Permit?

Florida is one of the most gun-friendly states in the country, and obtaining a concealed weapons permit (CWP) is a straightforward process. As a resident of Florida, you can carry a concealed firearm for personal protection and self-defense. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to obtain a Florida concealed weapons permit.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for a CWP, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the State of Florida. You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States
• Be a Florida resident
• Be at least 21 years old (18 years old for active duty military and veterans)
• Not have been adjudicated mentally incapacitated or mentally ill
• Not have been committed to a mental institution
• Not have been dishonorably discharged from the military
• Not be under indictment for a felony or have been convicted of a felony (except for certain misdemeanors)
• Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• Not be currently under a restraining order or have been convicted of a crime of domestic violence

Application Process

To apply for a Florida concealed weapons permit, you must:

1. Gather Required Documents: You will need to provide the following documents:

   • Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
   • Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
   • Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residence (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, etc.)
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   • Certificate of completion for a firearms safety course (see below)

2. Take a Firearms Safety Course: You must complete a firearms safety course approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The course covers topics such as:

   • Firearms safety and handling
   • Laws regarding firearms and concealed carry
   • First aid and emergency response
   • Range training

3. Fill Out the Application: You can download and fill out the application form (Form H7356) from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website or pick one up at your local sheriff’s office.
4. Submit the Application: Submit the completed application and required documents to your local sheriff’s office.
5. Pay the Fee: The application fee is currently $60 for a 3-year permit.
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6. Pass the Background Check: Your application will be processed, and you will undergo a background check by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
7. Take the Permit Test: If your application is approved, you will be scheduled to take a permit test to demonstrate your knowledge of firearms safety and the laws regarding concealed carry.
8. Pick Up Your Permit: If you pass the test, you will be issued a Florida concealed weapons permit.

Firearms Safety Course Requirements

To complete the firearms safety course, you must:

• Attend a 4-hour to 8-hour course: The course must be at least 4 hours long, but some courses may be longer.
• Complete a written exam: You must pass a written exam to demonstrate your understanding of firearms safety and the laws regarding concealed carry.
• Pass a live-fire exercise: You must demonstrate your ability to safely handle and fire a firearm.

Important Points

• Permit renewal: Your permit is valid for 3 years and must be renewed before it expires.
• CWP reciprocity: Florida has reciprocity agreements with many other states, allowing you to carry your concealed firearm in those states.
• Carrying a concealed firearm: When carrying a concealed firearm, you must follow all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to carrying a firearm in a vehicle.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Florida concealed weapons permit is a straightforward process that requires meeting the eligibility requirements, completing a firearms safety course, and submitting an application to your local sheriff’s office. Remember to carefully review the application process and requirements to ensure a smooth and successful application.

Table: Florida Concealed Weapons Permit Application Requirements

Bullet Points:

• Must meet eligibility requirements
• Must complete a firearms safety course
• Must submit an application to your local sheriff’s office
• Must pay the application fee
• Must undergo a background check
• Must pass a permit test
• Must follow all applicable laws and regulations when carrying a concealed firearm