So You Wanna Be Florida's Newest James Bond (Without the Explosions, We Hope) - A Guide to Concealed Carry in the Sunshine State
Living in Florida is practically a lifestyle choice, what with the beaches, the theme parks, and the...alligators. But hey, maybe you crave a little extra protection in the paradise that is Florida. That's where concealed carry comes in, and let's face it, who wouldn't want to feel like a secret agent while dodging rogue squirrels and overzealous tourists?
The Sunshine State's Shift to Slinging Steel (Legally):
Gone are the days of extensive permit applications and mandatory training courses (unless you really want them). As of July 1, 2023, Florida became a "permitless carry" state. This means that anyone 21 years of age or older, who isn't a convicted felon and can legally own a firearm, can now strut their stuff with a concealed weapon. Pretty sweet, right?
But Hold on There, Buckaroo, It's Not All Sunshine and Bullets:
While the permit requirement is gone, there are still some hoops to jump through (not literally, please don't jump through hoops with a concealed weapon). Here's the skinny:
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
- You gotta be 21 or older (or 18 for military and veterans).
- You can't be a convicted felon or have any other disqualifying criminal history (check with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the nitty-gritty).
- You still need to follow all the normal gun laws, like not brandishing your weapon willy-nilly or forgetting it at the movie theater (been there, done that...with a phone, not a gun...hopefully).
- There are certain places where concealed carry is still a no-go, like schools, government buildings, and bars (because apparently, James Bond doesn't need a margarita to be cool).
The Great Concealed Carry Debate: To Permit or Not to Permit?
Even though Florida is now a permitless carry state, getting a Concealed Weapons License (CWL) can still have its advantages. Here's why:
- Reciprocity: A Florida CWL allows you to carry concealed in other states that recognize it, which is pretty darn handy if you're the adventurous type.
- Potential Perks: Some businesses or private properties might require a CWL for concealed carry on their premises.
- Peace of Mind: Having a permit demonstrates that you've gone through some firearm safety training, which can be a confidence booster for yourself and those around you (assuming they know you have a permit, that is).
So, How Do You Become a Licensed to Chill (with a Weapon) Floridian?
The good news is that Florida has a shall-issue policy, meaning they pretty much have to grant you a CWL if you meet the requirements. Here's a quick rundown:
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
- Take a certified firearms safety course.
- Fill out the application and pay the fees.
- Get fingerprinted.
- Wait patiently (because bureaucracy can be a real drag).
 |
| Can I Conceal Carry In Florida |
Concealed Carry FAQs:
How to apply for a Concealed Weapons License in Florida?
 |
Check with your local county tax collector's office for specific details and applications.
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
How to find out if a state honors my Florida CWL?
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has a handy reciprocity map https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/.
How to store my firearm safely when I'm not carrying it?
Invest in a quality gun safe and follow proper gun safety protocols. There are plenty of resources online and at gun stores to help you out.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
How to choose the right holster for concealed carry?
Comfort and concealment are key! Do your research and try out different holsters to find one that works best for you and your body type.
How to stay up-to-date on Florida's concealed carry laws?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement website https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Concealed-Weapon-License is a good resource for legal updates.
Remember, carrying a concealed weapon is a big responsibility. Make sure you're properly trained and comfortable handling a firearm before strapping on your inner James Bond. Now go forth, sunshine state defender, and conquer Florida (responsibly, of course)!
 |
