Florida Concealed Carry
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Permitless Carry and Licensing Florida is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Concealed weapons licenses are issued at the state level by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
No license, background check, or firearms registration is required when buying a handgun from a private individual. Buyers must be at least 21 years old to purchase any firearm. Some counties have waiting periods for purchases from non-licensed sellers, but Florida Concealed Weapons License (CWL) holders are exempt.
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Open Carry Restrictions Open carry is not legal in Florida, except for limited exceptions such as fishing, camping, lawful hunting, or target practice at an indoor range.
Concealed Carry Regulations Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Florida CWL and for non-residents with a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors. Permitless concealed carry is legal for anyone 21 years old or older who is not prohibited by law from carrying a firearm. The Florida CWL allows holders to carry not only a handgun but also other weapons such as electronic weapons, tear gas guns, billie clubs, and knives. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have completed a firearms training course, or be a current member of the military or an honorably discharged veteran. CWLs are issued to residents and non-residents. Florida only honors resident CCW licenses from states with which it has a reciprocity agreement.
New Legislation On April 3, 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 543 into law, making Florida the 26th constitutional carry state in the U.S. This law took effect on July 1, 2023.
Non-Deadly Force A person is justified in using or threatening to use force, except deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary to defend themselves or another against imminent unlawful force. There is no duty to retreat before using or threatening to use such force.
Deadly Force A person is justified in using deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent commission of a forcible felony or imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another. There is no duty to retreat and individuals have the right to stand their ground, provided they are not engaged in criminal activity and are in a place where they have a right to be.
Deadly force is also justified when resisting an attempt to murder or commit any felony upon oneself or in any dwelling where the person is located. The law presumes a reasonable fear of imminent death or bodily harm if an alleged perpetrator unlawfully enters or remains or attempts to remove another person against their will. Anyone who unlawfully and by force enters or attempts to enter another’s home or vehicle is presumed to have intent to commit an unlawful act involving force or violence.
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Florida follows the Castle Doctrine. There is no duty to retreat if you are attacked in any place you have a lawful right to be. You may stand your ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to yourself or others.
Q: Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Florida with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
A: Yes. Electronic weapons or devices, tear gas guns, knives, and billie clubs are allowed.
Q: Does Florida have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
A: No. Florida does not restrict the capacity of magazines for firearms.
Q: Does Florida have ammunition restrictions?
A: Yes. Armor-piercing bullets, exploding bullets, “dragon’s breath” shotgun shells, bolo shells, and flechette shells are prohibited.
Q: Does Florida allow constitutional carry?
A: Yes. As of July 1, 2023, anyone 21 years old or older who can legally possess a firearm may concealed carry a firearm without a permit.
Q: If Florida requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
A: Shall issue. Florida utilizes a shall-issue policy when assigning concealed carry licenses.
Q: What is the minimum age in Florida to get a concealed carry license?
A: 21 years old. Or a member of the military or an honorably discharged veteran.
Q: Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Florida?
A: Yes. Pepper spray is legal when carried solely for purposes of lawful self-defense and provided the device contains not more than two ounces of chemical.
Q: Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Florida?
A: Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license. They can be openly carried for defensive purposes but are not allowed at school-sponsored events or on school property without authorization. A nonlethal stun gun or dart-firing stun gun designed solely for defensive purposes can be carried in a concealed manner without a license.
Q: Is open carry permitted in Florida?
A: Generally no. Persons licensed to carry a concealed firearm in Florida who possess a firearm in a concealed manner may “briefly and openly display” the firearm to the ordinary sight of another person, unless the gun is intentionally displayed in an angry or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense. Exceptions include:
- A person engaged in fishing, camping, or lawful hunting, or going to or returning from such activities.
- A person engaged in the business of manufacturing, repairing, or dealing in firearms while engaged in the lawful course of such business.
- A person firing weapons for testing or target practice under safe conditions and in a safe place not prohibited by law, or going to or from such a place.
You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol with a Florida concealed carry license or a permit/license from a state that Florida honors, unless posted. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
Yes, with a Florida Concealed Weapons License or a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors.
Florida statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Each hotel develops its own policies, so contact the individual hotel to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Yes, you can carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Florida.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Florida?
Yes, with a Florida Concealed Weapons License or a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors, except as forbidden by federal law. Additionally, Florida state law allows open carry while engaged in fishing, camping, or lawful hunting.
Yes. No public or private employer may prohibit a customer, employee, or invitee from possessing a legally owned firearm or ammunition locked inside or locked to a private motor vehicle in a parking lot. Employers may not inquire about the presence of a firearm or ammunition inside or locked to a private motor vehicle or search a private motor vehicle in a parking lot to ascertain the presence of a firearm. Additionally, employers cannot take action against a customer, employee, or invitee based on verbal or written statements regarding possession of a firearm or ammunition stored inside a private motor vehicle in a parking lot for lawful purposes.
Employers cannot condition employment on whether the applicant possesses a license to carry a concealed firearm or on the existence of an agreement by the applicant not to possess a firearm or ammunition in a locked vehicle in a parking lot. Exceptions apply for correctional institutions, nuclear-powered electricity generation facilities, national defense businesses, aerospace businesses, homeland security businesses, and businesses involving the manufacture, use, storage, or transportation of combustible or explosive materials. School districts may adopt written and published policies that prohibit the possession of concealed firearms within the interior of a private vehicle for student and campus parking privileges.
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Question: Does Florida issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Answer: Yes. Florida issues licenses to non-residents.
Question: Does Florida allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
Answer: No, however, the information is available for law enforcement.
Question: Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Florida?
Answer: No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Florida, unless the officer asks.
[Fla. Stat. § 790.06(1)]
Question: Does Florida state law define brandishing?
Answer: No definition of brandishing was found in Florida law. However, if any person having or carrying any dirk, sword, sword cane, firearm, electric weapon or device, or other weapon shall, in the presence of one or more persons, exhibit the same in a rude, careless, angry or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense, the person so offending shall be guilty of improper exhibition of a firearm.
[Fla. Stat. Ann. § 790.10]
Question: Is my Florida driver’s license linked to my Florida concealed weapons license?
Answer: No. Your Florida driver’s license is not linked to your Florida concealed weapons license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
Question: Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Florida?
Answer: No. Florida does not enforce “No Weapons Allowed” signs.
Question: Does Florida have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Answer: Yes. The state has full preemption over all gun laws for handguns and long guns. In addition, a local official who knowingly and willfully violates the statute shall be fined up to $5,000; may not be indemnified for the costs of defending himself or herself; and may be removed from office by the governor. Per the passage of SB 1884, as of July 1, 2021, a person can maintain a legal action against a preempted local regulation applies even if the local regulation is unwritten.
[Fla. Stat. § 790.33]
Question: Does Florida have a red flag law?
Answer: Yes. Florida has a red flag law. A petition for a risk protection order may be filed by a law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency prohibiting the respondent from having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving, a firearm or any ammunition for up to 12 months.
[Fla. Stat. § 790.401(1)(a), (2)(a)]
Question: Does Florida have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?
Answer: A person may not discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in the person’s hand while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance set forth in § 877.111, or any substance controlled under § 893, when affected to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired. However, this statute does not apply to persons exercising lawful self-defense or defense of one’s property.
[Fla. Stat. § 790.151]
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Yes. Anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm may open or conceal carry in his or her home or place of business without a license.
Does my current Florida concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
No.
No. A permit is not required when purchasing a handgun in Florida. The minimum age to purchase a firearm is 21.
Yes, it is either 3 business days or the time it takes to complete the required criminal background check — whichever occurs later. However, the waiting period does not apply to holders of concealed weapons licenses.
No. Florida does not require handgun registration.
You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Florida, except in the following situations:
- The minor is engaged in a lawful hunting activity and is:
- At least 16 years of age; or
- Under 16 years of age and supervised by an adult.
- The minor is engaged in a lawful marksmanship competition or practice or other lawful recreational shooting activity and is:
- At least 16 years of age; or
- Under 16 years of age and supervised by an adult who is acting with the consent of the minor’s parent or guardian.
- The firearm is unloaded and is being transported by the minor directly to or from an event authorized in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b).
No. Florida has no law requiring a background check on the purchaser of a firearm when the seller is not a licensed dealer. However, the Florida Constitution states the following: “Each county shall have the authority to require a criminal history records check and a three to five day waiting period (excluding weekends and legal holidays) in connection with the sale of any firearm occurring within such county. For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘sale’ means the transfer of money or other valuable consideration for any firearm when any part of the transaction is conducted on property to which the public has the right of access. Holders of a concealed weapons license as prescribed by general law shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection when purchasing a firearm.”
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (handguns only, at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (handguns only)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (handguns only, Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (handguns only)
North Carolina (handguns only)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (handguns only, resident permits only)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (handguns only)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (only non-resident permits)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (handguns only, permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (handguns only, Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Moving to Florida and interested in applying for a resident license?
You can apply for your Florida resident license once you have registered to vote, made a statement of domicile, or filed for a homestead tax exemption on property in Florida. If you have a valid concealed carry license from your former state, it remains in effect for 90 days after establishing legal residency in Florida.
Moving from Florida with a Florida resident license?
If you establish residency in another state, your Florida concealed weapons license remains valid until it expires, provided you notify the Division of Licensing of your change of address as required.
An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old, or a member of the military or an honorably discharged veteran.
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien.
- Have completed an approved firearms training class, including live fire in the presence of an instructor (waived for current military members and honorably discharged veterans).
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces.
- Not be a fugitive from justice.
- Demonstrate competence with a firearm.
- Not suffer from a physical infirmity preventing the safe handling of a weapon or firearm.
- Not be ineligible to possess a firearm due to a felony conviction (unless civil and firearm rights have been restored by the convicting authority).
- Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of violence in the last three years.
- Not have had adjudication withheld or a sentence suspended on a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence unless three years have elapsed since probation or other court conditions have been fulfilled.
- Not have been convicted of a violation of controlled substance laws or multiple arrests for such offenses.
- Not have a record of drug or alcohol abuse.
- Not habitually use alcoholic beverages or other substances to the extent that normal faculties are impaired.
- Not have two or more DUI convictions within the previous 3 years.
- Not have been adjudicated an incapacitated person unless five years have elapsed since restoration to capacity by court order.
- Not have been committed to a mental institution or adjudged incompetent or mentally defective unless a licensed psychiatrist certifies no disability for at least five years prior.
- Not have had adjudication of guilt withheld or a sentence suspended on any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence unless three years have elapsed since probation or other court conditions have been fulfilled, or the record has been expunged.
- Not have been issued an injunction currently in force restraining the applicant from committing acts of domestic violence or repeat violence.
- Not be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm by any other provision of Florida or federal law.
- Meet federal law requirements.
Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, contact the State Bar of Florida.
- Initial license fee: $97 (Tax Collector may add a $12 — $22 convenience fee).
- License renewals: $45 for residents and $87 for non-residents (includes $42 fingerprint processing fee).
- 90 days
- In-Person (Fast Track) and Mail-In Application Processes.
- Florida issues licenses to non-residents. The process is the same as for residents.
If your license is lost or destroyed, it becomes invalid, and you must request a duplicate within 30 days. Provide a notarized statement stating the loss or destruction and a $15 payment to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Mail your request to: Division of Licensing P.O. Box 6387 Tallahassee, FL 32314–6387
- 7 years
Complete a firearm training course within one year of your application, if required. You may apply by mail, in person, or online.
Make an appointment to complete the online application at either a FDACS Regional Office or a Tax Collector’s Office. There is no need to complete an application in advance.
If you are applying by mail, you will need to schedule an appointment at your local sheriff’s office or police department to submit fingerprints.
For in-person applications, you will need to go to your appointment and complete your application at a computer station. You will need the following documents:
- Driver’s license or State ID
- Certified copies of court documentation reflecting the final disposition of any charges if you have ever been arrested
- Training certificate
Staff will take your fingerprints and photo. Out-of-state residents can submit electronic fingerprints or paper fingerprint cards completed at your local law enforcement agency. You will also need to submit a passport-style photo and pay the fee.
Some counties may require you to take a psychological test to assess your moral character and judgment.
FDACS has 90 days after receipt of a complete application to either issue a license or deny the application.
Step 1: Complete your firearms training course, if required.
Step 2: You will need the following documents:
- Your firearms training certificate
- A digital, passport-style photo taken within the last 30 days
- Certified copies of court documentation reflecting the final disposition of any charges if you have ever been arrested
Complete the online application and pay the fee.
Step 3: Within 90 days of submitting your online application, you must submit your fingerprints.
- Florida residents may submit electronic fingerprints. Fingerprints must be taken by a Division of Licensing Regional Office or Law Enforcement Agency.
- Out-of-state residents must mail a fingerprint card. Fingerprints must be taken by a Law Enforcement Agency.
Step 4: You will be notified if your application has been approved.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is now expediting all Florida concealed weapon or firearm license applications submitted by active military members and veterans.
Active military personnel who want to apply for a concealed weapon license should include a copy of their Common Access Card or other form of official military identification with their applications. FDACS will also accept a copy of service members’ current orders as proof of active duty status.
Honorably discharged veterans should submit a copy of their DD 214 long form with their applications.
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. Approximately 150 days before the expiration date of your license, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will send you a renewal form with complete instructions. If you fail to renew your license by its expiration date, you may renew it up to 6 months after it has expired, with a late fee of $15. If your license has been expired for longer than 6 months, it cannot be renewed, and you must apply for a new license. There are three options for renewal: online, in person at an FDACS regional office or an authorized Florida tax collector’s office, or by mail.
If renewing in person, schedule an appointment online and take the following documents:
- Your unsigned application.
- An acceptable picture ID, such as a driver’s license or state-issued identification card.
- Payment for the fee:
- Regional offices accept payment by personal check, cashier’s check, or money order. They cannot accept cash or credit/debit cards for renewals.
- Tax collector offices may charge an additional convenience fee of up to $12 for renewal licenses. Contact your local tax collector to determine the precise amount you need to pay and which payment methods are accepted.
- If arrested since the last issuance of your concealed weapon license for a non-disqualifying offense, bring certified copies of the court documentation reflecting the final disposition of the charges.
- Any legal documentation associated with a name change.
- Your renewal notice.
A tax collector deputy will take your photograph and submit your renewal application electronically to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for processing. Staff will also take fingerprints when applicable; fingerprints are required for out-of-state renewals.
If renewing by mail, complete your renewal form and mail it to the following address:
- Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Renewal
- Division of Licensing
- P.O. Box 6387
- Tallahassee, FL 32314–6387
- At a regional office: You should be able to complete the entire process of applying for a renewal license in an hour or less. Your application will be processed while you wait, and you will receive your license in minutes.
- At a tax collector’s office: Eligible Florida residents should be able to complete the entire process of applying for a renewal license in an hour or less. Your application will be processed while you wait, and you will receive your license in minutes. Non-Florida residents or applicants requiring a name change will receive their license by mail.
- If renewing by mail, you should receive your license within two weeks.
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Florida?
Yes. A person may not intentionally, within a publicly or privately owned wildlife management or fish management area or on any state-owned water body, interfere with or attempt to prevent the lawful taking of fish, game, or non-game animals by another.
What are the knife laws in Florida?
Open carry of knives is legal. All types of knives are legal except for ballistic knives. Ordinary pocket knives with blades less than 4 inches in length can be carried concealed without a license. Anything 4 inches or longer requires a license to carry concealed.
Can you have a firearm at any Walt Disney Resort Properties?
No. Firearms, ammunition, knives, and weapons of any kind are prohibited at all Walt Disney World Resorts. This includes parking areas.
Can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying a concealed firearm in Florida?
Yes, there is no law against carrying a gun while wearing a mask. However, statutes apply when masks are worn with the intent to deprive any person or class of persons of their civil rights.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Florida?
Yes, with a Florida Concealed Weapons License or a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors. A person engaged in fishing, camping, or lawful hunting, or going to or returning from a fishing, camping, or lawful hunting expedition may own, possess, and lawfully use firearms and other weapons, ammunition, and supplies for lawful purposes.
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Florida?
Yes, with a Florida Concealed Weapons License or a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors.
