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Florida Concealed Carry Laws |
Florida operates as a shall-issue state for concealed weapons licenses (CWL), overseen by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Here are key points regarding gun laws in Florida:
Permit Requirements and Open Carry
- Florida issues CWLs to residents and non-residents, allowing legal concealed carry of handguns and other specified weapons.
- Open carry is generally prohibited in Florida, except for limited exceptions such as during fishing, camping, lawful hunting, or at an indoor range.
Recent Legislative Changes
- On April 3, 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 543 into law, making Florida the 26th constitutional carry state in the U.S., effective July 1, 2023.
Use of Force and Self-Defense
- Use of Force: Individuals may use force, excluding deadly force, when they believe it necessary to defend against imminent unlawful force.
- Deadly Force: Permissible if believed necessary to prevent a forcible felony, imminent death, or great bodily harm. There is no duty to retreat in such situations.
- Castle Doctrine: Florida supports the Castle Doctrine, allowing individuals to stand their ground and use force, including deadly force, when faced with a threat of death or great bodily harm in any place they have a legal right to be.
Presumptions in Self-Defense Cases
- In cases involving home or vehicle defense, there is a presumption of reasonable fear of imminent death or bodily harm when facing an intruder unlawfully entering or attempting to remove someone against their will.
[Reference: Fla. Stat.§§ 776.012, 776.013 & 782.02]
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed? Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Florida with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
- Yes. Electronic weapons or devices, tear gas guns, knives and billies.
Magazine Limits for Handguns? Does Florida have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
- No. Florida does not restrict the capacity of magazines for firearms.
Ammunition Restrictions? Does Florida have ammunition restrictions?
- Yes. Armor-piercing bullets, exploding bullets, “dragon’s breath” shotgun shells, bolo shells and flechette shells are prohibited.
Constitutional Carry? Does Florida allow constitutional carry?
- 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.
Gun Permit Licensure? If Florida requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
- Shall issue. Florida utilizes a shall-issue policy when assigning concealed carry licenses.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry? What is the minimum age in Florida to get a concealed carry license?
- The minimum age for concealed carry in Florida is 21 years old, or a member of the military or an honorably discharged veteran.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray? Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Florida?
- 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.
Tasers or Stun Guns? Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Florida?
- Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license. They can be openly carried for defensive purposes, with restrictions.
Open Carry Permitted? Is open carry permitted in Florida?
- Generally no. There are limited exceptions, such as during specific activities like fishing, camping, or lawful hunting.
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Florida?
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.
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Florida?
Yes, with a Florida Concealed Weapons License or a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors.
Carry/Possess at a Hotel?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Florida?
Florida statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Carry in Vehicle?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Florida?
Yes.
[Section 15 790.251]
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas 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. Furthermore, Florida state law allows open carry while engaged in fishing, camping or lawful hunting.
[Fla. Stat. 790.025(3)(h)]
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?
Does Florida have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
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. In addition, no employer may inquire regarding the presence of a firearm or ammunition inside or locked to a private motor vehicle in a parking lot or search a private motor vehicle in a parking lot to ascertain the presence of a firearm within the vehicle. Employers may not 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 for lawful purposes. There are exceptions for correctional institutions, nuclear-powered electricity generation facilities, national defense businesses, aerospace businesses, homeland security businesses, and businesses that involve the manufacture, use, storage, or transportation of combustible or explosive materials. Please note that School districts may adopt written and published policies that prohibit the possession of concealed firearms within the interior of a private vehicle for the purposes of student and campus parking privileges.
[Fla. Stat. § 790.251(7)]
Non-Resident Permitting?
Does Florida issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Yes. Florida issues licenses to non-residents.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?
Does Florida allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No, however the information is available for law enforcement.
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?
Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Florida?
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Florida, unless the officer asks.
Brandishing?
Does Florida state law define brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Florida law. However, if any person exhibits a weapon in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense, it is considered improper exhibition of a firearm.
Driver's License Linked to Weapons License?
Is my Florida driver’s license linked to my Florida concealed weapons license?
No. Your Florida driver’s license is not linked to your Florida concealed weapons license. However, law enforcement officers may have access to databases containing this information.
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Florida?
No. Florida does not enforce "No Weapons Allowed" signs.
Preemption?
Does Florida have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes. The state has full preemption over all gun laws for handguns and long guns.
Red Flag Law?
Does Florida have a red flag law?
Yes. Florida has a red flag law allowing for risk protection orders restricting firearm possession for up to 12 months.
Carry While Using Alcohol or Chemical Substances?
Does Florida have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?
A person may not discharge or carry a loaded firearm while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or certain controlled substances, except in lawful self-defense or defense of property.
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 or reaction times. Any decision made while carrying a firearm could have serious consequences.
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license?
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.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Florida?
No. A permit is not required when purchasing a handgun in Florida. The minimum age to purchase a firearm is 21.
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Florida?
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.
Do handguns need to be registered in Florida?
No. Florida does not require handgun registration.
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Florida?
You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Florida, except in specific circumstances outlined in the law.
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Florida?
No. Florida has no law requiring a background check on the purchaser of a firearm when the seller is not a licensed dealer. However, counties may impose additional requirements for firearm sales within their jurisdiction.
These FAQs provide key information about handgun purchase and possession laws in Florida.
Which states' permits does Florida honor?
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)
Florida law allows permit holders to conceal carry stun guns, billy clubs and knives. However, the laws in these states only allow for handguns and pistols to be conceal carried. In addition, some states will honor only resident Florida licenses, and they are noted.
Florida offers resident and non-resident licenses. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Florida resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
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 (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
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)
Louisiana (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? How soon can you apply? Florida issues licenses to residents and non-residents. 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 issued in your former home state, that license remains in effect for 90 days following the date on which you establish legal state residence in Florida.
Moving from Florida and have a Florida resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Florida license remains valid? If a person with a Florida concealed weapons license establishes residency in another state, the license is 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 physical presence of an instructor (waived for current members of the military 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 which prevents 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 conditions set by the court 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 chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages or other substances to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired;
- Not have two or more DUI convictions within the previous 3 years;
- Not been adjudicated an incapacitated person, unless 5 years have elapsed since the applicant’s restoration to capacity by court order;
- Not have been committed to a mental institution, adjudged incompetent or mentally defective, unless the applicant produces a certificate from a licensed psychiatrist stating that he or she has not suffered from disability for at least 5 years prior;
- Not have had an adjudication of guilt withheld or the imposition of a sentence suspended on any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence unless 3 years have elapsed since probation or any other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled, or the record has been expunged;
- Not have been issued an injunction that is currently in force and effect and that restrains the applicant from committing acts of domestic violence or acts of repeat violence;
- Not be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm by any other provision of Florida or federal law; and
- Meet federal law requirements.
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Florida.
$97, however, the Tax Collector may add a $12 - $22 convenience fee. License renewals are $45 for residents and $87 (includes $42 fingerprint processing fee) for non-residents.
90 days
- In-Person (Fast Track) and Mail-In Application Processes
- Link to application
Florida issues licenses to non-residents. The process is the same as for residents.
In the event that your license is lost or destroyed, your license automatically becomes invalid, and you must request a duplicate within 30 days. Duplicate licenses will be provided upon furnishing a notarized statement stating that your license has been lost or destroyed and a payment of $15 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
Notify the Division of Licensing in writing within 30 days after a change of address. You may change your address online or submit your notification to us in writing at the following address: Division of Licensing P.O.Box 6387 Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387
The law does not require you to obtain a revised license after a change of address so you may continue to carry your current license until it expires. If, however, you would like a revised license, please send a written request with a check or money order in the amount of $15 made payable to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You do not need to send a passport-type color photograph until it is time to renew your license. For name changes, provide a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court documentation.
Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- Any elementary or secondary school facility or administration building (firearms may not be taken out of the vehicle and while firearms in vehicles on school parking lots are legal under state law, an individual school may have a policy that makes it illegal to have one on the lot) [Fla. Stat. § 790.115(2)(a)];
- Any college or university facility;
- Any school, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms;
- Any person who is trespassing upon school property is prohibited from possessing any weapon. “School property” means the grounds or facility of any kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, junior high school, secondary school, career center, or postsecondary school, whether public or nonpublic;
- Any area of a vocational-technical center;
- Any career center;
- Any place of nuisance as defined in s. 823.05;
- Any police, sheriff or highway patrol station;
- Any detention facility, prison or jail;
- Any courthouse or courtroom;
- Any polling place;
- Any meeting of the Legislature or a committee thereof, or any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality or special district;
- Any hospital providing mental health services;
- Any establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, while in the portion of the establishment which is primarily devoted to such purpose;
- Savannas State Reserve;
- Inside the passenger terminal and sterile area of any airport; and
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation. [Fla. Stat. § 790.06(12)(a)]
- Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
- Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes.
- Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
- Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and WMAs? Yes.
- Carry in places of worship? Yes, with a permit, on property owned, rented, leased, borrowed, or lawfully used by a church, synagogue, or other religious institution, (even those that share properties with schools), unless posted prohibiting firearms.
- Carry in Florida State Fairgrounds? Yes.
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. [Fla. Stat. 379.105]
- Open carry of knives is legal. All types of knives are legal with the exception of ballistic knives. Ordinary pocket knives with blades less than 4 inches in length can be carried in a concealed manner without a license. Anything 4 inches or longer requires a license in order 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.
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Florida, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
- The following statutes were identified that apply when masks are worn with the intent to deprive any person or class of persons of their civil rights. Both the Fort Myers Police Department and Hillsborough County officials have clarified that there is no law against carrying a gun while wearing a mask. [Fla. Stat. §§ 876.12, 876.13 and 876.155]
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. [Fla. Stat. 790.25(3)(h)]
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.