Your Free Florida Gun License Information Guide

Understanding Florida's Concealed Carry Permit System

Florida allows law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms through a permit issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This guide provides information about how the concealed carry permit process works in Florida, the basic requirements, and what to expect during the process.

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The concealed carry permit, officially called a "License to Carry a Concealed Weapon or Firearm," permits residents and certain non-residents to carry a hidden handgun in public. According to FDACS data, Florida has issued millions of concealed carry licenses since the system began in 1987. The state uses a "shall-issue" system, meaning the state must issue a license if the person meets the statutory requirements and has no legal disqualifiers.

Florida recognizes three categories of permits: resident permits (for Florida residents), non-resident permits (for people who live outside Florida), and permits issued to active military members. Each category has slightly different requirements. Non-residents must be at least 21 years old and legally able to own firearms in their home state. Active military members may be as young as 18 years old and can get a permit regardless of their state of residence.

The permit is not a one-time document. Licenses in Florida are valid for five years from the date of issuance and must be renewed before expiration to remain valid. During the five-year period, license holders can carry a concealed handgun in most public places across the state, and Florida's permit is recognized in many other states through reciprocity agreements.

Takeaway: Understanding the permit categories and the five-year validity period helps you plan when to renew and know which type of permit may fit your situation.

Requirements You Must Meet to Carry Concealed in Florida

Before carrying a concealed firearm in Florida, a person must meet several legal requirements. These requirements exist under Florida law and federal law. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee anything—it simply means you do not have a legal barrier that would prevent you from moving forward with the process.

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Age requirements differ by category. To carry a concealed firearm as a Florida resident, you must be at least 21 years old. The only exception is active-duty military members, who may be 18 or older. Non-residents must also be at least 21 years old.

You must be legally allowed to own and possess a firearm. This means you cannot have certain criminal convictions, particularly felonies. Certain misdemeanor convictions—especially those involving violence, drugs, or domestic violence—also disqualify someone. You also cannot have been adjudicated mentally incapacitated or committed to a mental institution. Additionally, you cannot be subject to a restraining order or injunction related to domestic violence or stalking, and you cannot be a fugitive from justice.

Residency status matters for the type of permit you seek. To obtain a resident permit, you must be a Florida resident. This typically means you maintain a residence in Florida and have demonstrated intent to make Florida your home. Non-residents can obtain a non-resident permit without living in Florida, though they must meet all other requirements and pay a higher fee.

Some specific situations create additional restrictions. If you have been dishonorably discharged from the military, you are disqualified. If you are a subject of a protective order or restraining order (other than domestic violence), it may affect your status. Additionally, Florida law states that certain persons—such as those adjudicated guilty but mentally ill—may have restrictions on their firearm rights.

Takeaway: Understanding these requirements helps you know whether legal barriers exist. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact the FDACS License Section or consult with a local attorney who handles firearms law.

The Application Process and Required Documentation

The process of obtaining a concealed carry permit in Florida involves submitting an official form to the state along with required documentation and paying a fee. This section explains what documents you will need and how the process generally works.

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The first step is completing the official application form. FDACS provides Form DPI 680, which is the "Application to Carry a Concealed Weapon or Firearm." This form asks for personal information, residency details, criminal history questions, and mental health history questions. The form is available on the FDACS website and from the local sheriff's office in your county. Some applicants print the form and submit it in person, while others mail completed forms to their county sheriff's office.

You will need identification documents. A valid government-issued photo ID is required, such as a Florida driver's license, passport, or military ID. Non-residents will need their government-issued ID from their home state. Some applicants also bring a second form of identification showing their current address.

Proof of residency is required for resident permits. This can be shown through a Florida driver's license, a utility bill, a lease agreement, or a property deed. Non-residents do not need Florida residency proof but must provide proof of residency in their home state.

You will need to pay the application fee. As of 2024, Florida charges $120 for a five-year resident license and $297 for a non-resident license. Military members active on duty pay $20. Payment is typically made to the sheriff's office or through the online system, depending on which method you use. Some counties accept credit cards, while others require checks or money orders.

Additional documentation may be required if you have a criminal history. If your application form discloses any arrests or convictions, FDACS may request court records, disposition documents, or other paperwork explaining the outcome of those cases. Having these documents ready speeds up the review process.

Takeaway: Gather your ID, proof of residency, and payment information before starting the application process. Having these materials organized reduces delays.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application

Once you submit your application for a concealed carry permit, the state begins a review process. Understanding this process and the timeline helps you know what to expect during the waiting period.

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FDACS has 30 days to issue or deny your application from the date it is received by the local sheriff's office. However, if additional information is needed, the state may take longer. According to published data, most applications are processed within 30 to 60 days. Some applicants receive their license within two weeks, while others wait the full timeframe or slightly longer if their application requires additional review.

The state performs background checks during the application review. FDACS checks against the Florida criminal database, the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The state also verifies the information you provided on your form. If you disclosed any arrests or convictions, FDACS obtains and reviews court records to determine whether those convictions legally disqualify you.

If your application is approved, FDACS will issue your concealed carry license. The license is typically sent by mail to the address you provided. The license itself is a wallet-sized card that shows your name, photograph, a license number, and the date of issue and expiration. Your license is valid for five years from the issue date.

If FDACS denies your application, they must provide written notice explaining the reason for denial. Common reasons for denial include disqualifying criminal convictions, mental health findings, restraining orders, or false information on the application. If you receive a denial, you have legal options to challenge the decision, though this typically requires consulting with an attorney.

During the processing period, you do not yet have carry rights. You cannot legally carry a concealed handgun until you receive your actual license. Some people mistakenly believe that submitting an application grants temporary carry rights—this is not true under Florida law. You may open carry (carry a visible firearm) in your own vehicle, but concealed carry is only legal with a valid license.

Takeaway: Plan for 30 to 60 days of processing time. Do not carry a concealed handgun before receiving your actual license in the mail, as doing so is illegal.

Where You Can and Cannot Carry Under Florida Law

A Florida concealed carry license permits you to carry a handgun in many places, but there are important legal restrictions on where carry is prohibited. Understanding these restrictions is essential to staying in compliance with the law.

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