How to Get a Gun License in Florida?
Getting a gun license in Florida is a straightforward process that requires meeting certain eligibility requirements, completing a background check, and passing a training course. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of obtaining a gun license in Florida.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for a gun license in Florida, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old (18 years old for a concealed carry permit)
- Be a resident of Florida
- Not have any felony convictions or currently be under indictment for a felony
- Not be currently under a restraining order or have a domestic violence injunction against you
- Not be addicted to medication or drugs
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Not be mentally defective or have a history of mental illness
- Not be a citizen of a country that makes it unlawful to possess, ship, or transport a firearm or ammunition
Application Process
To apply for a gun license in Florida, you will need to:
Get a Fingerprints Card: You will need to have your fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency or at a fingerprinting service.
Fill Out the Application: You can find the application form on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) website or at any sheriff’s office in the state.
- Background Check: You will need to undergo a background check through the FDACS, which will review your criminal and mental health records.
- Take a Training Course: You will need to take a training course approved by the FDACS, which covers firearms safety, self-defense, and Florida’s firearms laws.
Types of Gun Licenses in Florida
Florida offers two types of gun licenses: concealed carry permits and standard gun permits.
Concealed Carry Permit: Allows you to carry a gun concealed on your person.
- Standard Gun Permit: Allows you to possess and purchase firearms, but does not allow you to carry them concealed.
Documents Required
To apply for a gun license in Florida, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Fingerprints Card: A card containing your fingerprints.
- Application Form: A completed application form.
- Photo ID: A copy of your photo ID.
- Proof of Residence: A copy of a document that proves you reside in Florida, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Proof of Florida Residency: A copy of a document that proves you are a Florida resident, such as a voter registration card or vehicle registration.
Fees
The fees for obtaining a gun license in Florida are as follows:
Concealed Carry Permit: $60 initial fee, $20 5-year renewal fee.
- Standard Gun Permit: $10 initial fee, $5 3-year renewal fee.
Waiting Period
After you submit your application, there will be a waiting period of 21 days (14 days for a standard gun permit) before you can pick up your permit.
Renewal Process
To renew your gun license in Florida, you will need to:
- Fill Out a Renewal Application: Obtain a renewal application form from the FDACS or the sheriff’s office where you originally applied.
- Provide Proof of Completion of a Refresher Course: You will need to provide proof that you have completed a refresher course, which covers firearms safety, self-defense, and Florida’s firearms laws.
- Pay the Renewal Fee: Pay the required renewal fee.
Refund Policy
If you are denied a gun license in Florida, you can request a refund of the application fee.
Reciprocity
Florida honors the concealed carry permits issued by the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Concealed Carry Laws
In Florida, it is illegal to carry a firearm concealed on your person or in a vehicle without a permit. You can, however, carry a firearm openly in a holster, provided you are not concealed.
Conclusion
Getting a gun license in Florida is a straightforward process that requires meeting certain eligibility requirements, completing a background check, and passing a training course. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can obtain a gun license in Florida and exercise your right to possess and carry firearms. Remember to always follow Florida’s concealed carry laws and any local ordinances that may affect your ability to carry firearms.
