The Florida Concealed Weapon License after permitless carry

Florida moved to permitless concealed carry on July 1, 2023. If you meet the requirements for a Concealed Weapon License, you may carry a concealed handgun without one. Yet hundreds of thousands of Floridians still hold and renew the license. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply and why many owners keep one.

Who may carry without a license

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for a Concealed Weapon License under Florida law may carry concealed without it, as long as they carry valid identification and show it to a law enforcement officer who asks. Criteria include being at least 21 (with military exceptions), not being prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law, and having no disqualifying convictions, commitments or injunctions. If you would not qualify for the license, you may not carry under permitless carry either.

Why get the license anyway

Travel. Many other states honor the Florida license. Permitless carry only covers Florida.
The waiting period. License holders are exempt from Florida's three-day wait when they buy a firearm.
Fewer questions. A license makes your eligibility clear at a glance.

Training

You must show competence with a firearm, usually by completing a firearms safety or training course taught by a certified instructor, a hunter education course, or proof of military or law enforcement training. Keep the certificate; it is part of your application.

Applying

The license is issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing. You can apply at a Division regional office or at one of the many county Tax Collector offices that accept applications, which also take your fingerprints and photo. Some offices require an appointment.

Fees

FDACS lists the fee for a new resident license at $97 and a renewal at $45, with fingerprinting fees on top at some offices. Check the Division of Licensing fee schedule for current amounts. The license is valid for seven years.

Where you still cannot carry

A license does not open prohibited places: courthouses, polling places, police stations, jails, government meetings, schools and college campuses with narrow exceptions, bars and the bar area of restaurants, airport secure areas, and federal buildings. Private businesses can ask you to leave if they do not allow guns.

Choosing a carry pistol for Florida

Heat and humidity shape carry choices here. Thin, lightweight 9mm pistols such as the SIG P365 family, the Glock 43X and 48, the Springfield Hellcat and the Smith and Wesson Shield Plus carry well under a light shirt. Choose a sweat-resistant holster and clean and oil your pistol often in salt air. Browse carry pistols in the catalog.