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Florida Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Everything you need to know about owning a firearm in the state of Florida

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Florida Reciprocity Map

Last Updated: 2022

  • yes
  • yes, with restrictions
  • no

Florida Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

22M

STATE POPULATION

2.3M

LICENSES ISSUED

10.5%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

35

STATES HONORED

21

MINIMUM AGE TO CC

7

YEARS LICENSE VALID

37

RECIPROCATING STATES

YES

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

17

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Knowing your gun rights in Florida is the first step in protecting yourself and your family.

Being fully aware of your gun rights and state laws is the first step toward responsible firearm ownership. The next is understanding how those gun laws translate across state lines.

Florida has more than 2.5 million active gun licenses, with the vast majority of these being for concealed carry (CC). This equates to 10.5% of the state’s nearly 22 million people being licensed for CC. The minimum age to CC in Florida is 21, and the license is valid for seven years.

If you are interested in obtaining your concealed carry permit, you need an education partner you can trust. Concealed Coalition has trained over a million U.S. citizens on how to carry their weapons safely and effectively. Contact us to find online or local training to get your Florida CCW license today.

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Summary of Gun Laws in Florida

Your Florida Gun Rights

Each state has its own take on gun laws, and that can make it difficult to keep those for your home area straight. There are existing Florida concealed carry reciprocity agreements with 37 states, for example, while acknowledging some state-specific exceptions. Here’s a summary of existing Florida concealed carry laws:

Individuals of the proper age, who are residents or lawful permanent residents in the U.S. and can display competency with a firearm, meet the initial requirements for a Florida concealed carry license. The list of disqualifications includes having a record of drug or alcohol abuse, a felony conviction, or the inability to handle a firearm safely.

Open Carry in Florida

Open carry is illegal in Florida unless under the provisions of Statute 790.25 (3) (h). Acceptable situations include fishing, hunting, gun shows, target shooting, camping, or going to and from such activities. Individuals may also openly carry a weapon in their home or place of business. Open carry licenses do not exist and are deemed rights under compliant circumstances.

Concealed Carry in Florida

Firearms may be concealed carried in locations that do not include Florida law prohibitions. State parks, state and national forests, roadside rest areas, vehicles, and all areas of the state except those listed as off-limits are permissible Florida concealed carry locations. 

Self Defense Laws in Florida

A CC license is a powerful way to protect yourself and others. It is crucial to know where the line is when it comes to self-defense under the law to avoid excessive action.

Use of Force

Legal use of force is defined in Statute 776.012 and is allowed to defend your person, home, or property.

Use of Deadly Force

Use of deadly force applies under the same circumstances and statute, especially if individuals feel their lives may be in danger.

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

Your legal position after the use of force depends on how authorities view the act. Acting under the perception of a legitimate threat with a reasonable belief of imminent harm in response to an immediate threat may be viewed as justified if the use of force did not persist after the danger had ended.

Firearms training is an excellent way to gain the skills necessary to gauge threat levels. Concealed Coalition has trained over a million people to become responsible, certified gun owners. Classes are available locally and online.

Gun Laws in Florida by Statute

Concealed Coalition is dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding gun ownership and promoting a culture of understanding, responsibility, and confidence. Our certified instructors are qualified across multiple states, and our online or local training classes provide convenient learning environments run by instructors who care.

Contact us today at 850-203-2218 or email to discuss your concealed carry permit educational needs. In the meantime, check out this page and our FL CCW reciprocity map above for additional information about Florida concealed carry laws.

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CONCEALED CARRY BASICS IN FLORIDA

Yes, as of July 1, 2023, Florida became a permitless carry state. Permits will still be available for residents who wish to lawfully carry in states that recognize a FL permit. A training course is still required for those seeking a resident or non-resident permit to gain Florida CCW reciprocity when traveling to other states.

Open carry is illegal in Florida unless under the provisions of Statute 790.25 (3) (h). Acceptable situations include fishing, hunting, gun shows, target shooting, camping, or going to and from such activities. Individuals may also openly carry a weapon in their home or place of business. Open carry licenses do not exist and are deemed rights under compliant circumstances.

Florida uses a shall-issue policy when assigning concealed carry licenses.

The minimum age to acquire a concealed carry license in the state of Florida is 21 years old. 

Yes. Concealed Carry Permit owners can legally carry electronic weapons and devices, tear gas guns, knives and billies. See Fla. Stat. § 790.06(1)

Yes, stun guns and tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a concealed carry license. They can be openly carried for defensive purposes, however, they are not allowed at school-sponsored events or on the property of any school, school bus, school bus stop, or education facility. 

A non-lethal stun gun or dart-firing gun, or other non-lethal electric weapon or device that is designed solely for defense can be carried in a concealed carry manner without a license. 

For more, see Fla. Stat. § 790.01(3)(b), 790.115 and 790.053

Yes, pepper spray and chemical spray is legal when carried for the purposes of lawful self-defense, and provided the device contains no more than two ounces of chemical. 
For more information, see Fla. Stat. § 790.053(2)(a)

Florida has no restrictions in this regard.

Statute 790.31 prohibits armor-piercing or exploding ammunition, dragon’s breath shotgun shells, bolo shells, and flechette shells. Anyone banned by Florida law from possessing firearms is also forbidden from possessing ammunition. 

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN FLORIDA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Where can I not conceal carry in Florida?

  • Courthouses
  • Detention facilities, jails, and prisons
  • Police departments, sheriff’s offices, and highway patrol stations
  • Airports
  • Any “place of nuisance,” as defined in Florida Statute 823.05
  • Polling locations
  • Meeting places reserved for governmental purposes
  • Schools, colleges or universities, or any facility with an educational area
  • Sporting events
  • Career centers
  • Buildings in federal parks (the parks themselves are cleared for CC)
  • All private property. Failure to comply can result in an armed trespassing charge, a third-degree felony under Florida Statue 810.09 (2)(c).

Where can I carry a concealed firearm in Florida?

Licensed individuals may CC in any location that does not meet the criteria above, provided they adhere to local and site-specific regulations and rules of conduct governing firearms.

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Florida?

You may be wondering, “Can I carry a gun in my car in Florida?”

The answer is yes, with a Florida Concealed Weapons License or a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors.

Without a license, the firearm or other weapon must be securely encased or otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. “Securely encased” means in a glove compartment, locked or unlocked; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, locked or unlocked; in a zippered gun case; or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access.

For more information, see Fla. Stat. § 790.251 & Fla. Stat. § 790.25(2)

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Florida?

Yes, with a Florida Concealed Carry Permit or Weapons License from a state that Florida reciprocates. 

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest 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. See the National Parks webpage for links to each National Park in Florida. Furthermore, Florida state law allows open carry while engaged in fishing, camping or lawful hunting. 

For more information, see Fla. Stat. § 790.025(3)(h)

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Florida?

This depends. The answer is “no” if the establishment is primarily intended to serve alcohol. The answer is “yes” if the provision of alcohol is secondary to the establishment’s primary function, such as a restaurant; however, you cannot CC if you are occupying an establishment’s designated bar area.

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Florida?

Some premises allow CC weapons to be checked in and stored, while others do not allow any firearms. Check with the hotel to clarify.

Does Florida have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

CC-licensed individuals may keep their weapons in their car. The firearm must be concealed and contained in the vehicle.

IMPORTANT GUNS LAWS IN FLORIDA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Florida?

Florida is one of two types of Duty to Inform states, meaning there is no responsibility for a concealed carrier to inform law enforcement of their weapon during a traffic stop unless an LEO asks. 

Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Florida? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

Signs in this category do not carry the force of law unless posted on properties that are off-limits to CC by state law. Locations outside of this law still have the right to ask anyone carrying a firearm to leave. This request must be complied with to avoid committing a felony under Statute 810.09 (2)(c). 

Does Florida have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Statute 790.33 gives the state preemption over gun laws for handguns and long guns.

Does Florida have a red flag law?

Yes, but under Statute 790.401, only law enforcement officers may petition a court to invoke it under the title of a Risk Protection Order (RPO).

Does Florida state law define brandishing?

Statute 790.10 details that a few weapon types, including firearms, may not be exhibited in a manner that may be deemed angry, careless, threatening, or even rude. This constitutes a first-degree misdemeanor.

Does Florida have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

Florida law clearly defines controlled substances and chemical substances that no firearm owner may be under the influence of while having or discharging a loaded firearm. 

Does Florida issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

A non-resident of Florida may carry a concealed firearm provided they are a U.S. resident that is 21 or older. They must also satisfy one of the following criteria per the FDACS:

  • Eligibility for receiving and maintaining a license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm under Florida law OR
  • Possession of a valid license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm issued to the non-resident in the state where he or she lives.

Does Florida allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

There is no public access to this information. Only law enforcement can use this data.

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN FLORIDA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Florida?

Florida does not require a permit to purchase a firearm nor is there a permit that exempts any person from the background check requirement.

There is a waiting period of three days, excluding weekends and state holidays, between purchase and delivery of all firearms. You must be a Florida resident to purchase a handgun in Florida. 

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Florida?

Neither federal nor Florida gun laws require private sellers (sellers who are not licensed dealers) to initiate a background check when transferring a firearm. However, Florida concealed weapons license holders are not exempt from the federal background check requirement.

Does my current Florida concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm? 

No, Florida concealed weapons license holders are not exempt from the federal background check requirement.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Florida?

There is a waiting period of three days, excluding weekends and state holidays, between purchase and delivery of all firearms.

Do handguns need to be registered in Florida?

There is no legal requirement to register firearms in Florida.  In fact, it is illegal for any government entity, or public or private individual to knowingly keep any list, record, or registry of privately owned firearms or any list, record, or registry of the owners of those firearms per Florida Statute § 790.335(2).

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Florida?

18 years of age.

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license? 

It is lawful to possess a concealed firearm for self-defense or other lawful purposes within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license, if the firearm is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use.

Florida Concealed Carry Permit Licensing

Acquiring a Concealed Carry License in Florida

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FLORIDA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in Florida

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 (waived for current members of the military and honorably discharged veterans);
  • 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;
  • 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 have convictions for a violent crime in the last 3 years, either misdemeanor or felony; 
  • 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, 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;
  • Demonstrate competence with a firearm; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.

Fees:

$97, however the Tax Collector may add a $12 – $22 convenience fee.

License renewals are $57 for residents and $99 for non-residents.

Valid For:

7 years

Processing Time:

The processing time for a Florida Concealed Weapon License is approximately 90 days from the date they receive your application.

Applications:

Non-Resident Concealed Carry License:

Florida issues licenses to non-residents.The process is the same as for residents.

Name & Address Changes:

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

Effective February 12, 2010, the Division of Licensing no longer prints the licensee’s residence address on the Florida concealed weapon license. 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.

Lost or Stolen Licenses:

You will need to submit a notarized statement explaining that your license has been lost, stolen or destroyed and a $15 replacement fee to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Mail your request to:

Division of Licensing 
P.O. Box 6387
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387

Residency Changes:

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.

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.

FLORIDA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

OVERVIEW

Florida is considered a “hybrid” state, meaning online and in-person certification classes are available to acquire a Concealed Carry license.

IN-PERSON

Step One:

Complete a Firearm Training Course. 

Step Two:

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. Further information regarding applying by mail can be found here.

Step Three:

For in-person applications, you will need to go to your appointment. You will complete your application at a computer station. You will need the following documents:

  • Driver’s license or State ID;
  • If you have ever been arrested, you will need certified copies of the court documentation reflecting the final disposition of the charge(s) filed against you; and
  • Training certificate.

Staff will take your fingerprints and your 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.
You will pay the fee.

Step Four:

Some counties may require you to take a psychological test to assess your moral character and judgment.

Step Five:

You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

ONLINE

Step One:

Complete your firearms training course.

Step Two:

You will need the following documents:

  • Your firearms training certificate
  • a digital, passport-style photo taken within the last 30 days

Submit your application and pay the fee.

Step Three:

Within 90 days of submitting your online application, have your fingerprints taken by a Division of Licensing Regional Office or Law Enforcement Agency.

Step Four:

Step 4: You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. 

Note to Military Members and Veterans:
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.

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FLORIDA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Step One:

Approximately 95 days prior to the expiration date of your license, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will send you a renewal form with complete instructions on how to renew your license. If you fail to renew your license by its expiration date, you may renew it up to 6 months after it has expired. However, there is a late fee of $15 for renewing after the expiration date.

If your license has been expired for longer than 6 months, it cannot be renewed. 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 in your area, or by mail. 

Step Two:

If renewing in person, schedule an appointment online and take the following documents:

  • Your unsigned application.
  • An acceptable picture ID; for example, a driver license or state-issued identification card.
  • Payment method: cash, check, debit or credit card. Please note, our third-party payment processor will charge a 2.5% convenience fee for credit and debit card transactions. Checks must be made payable to David Jordan, Lake County Tax Collector and not to the Department of Agriculture.
    • Regional offices will accept payment by personal check, cashier’s check or money order. Regional offices cannot accept cash and cannot accept credit or 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 will 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 with you certified copies of the court documentation reflecting the final disposition of the charge(s) filed against you.
  • 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 address below: 

Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Renewal 
Division of Licensing
P.O. Box 6387
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387

Step Three:

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. If you are a non-Florida resident or your application requires a name change, you will receive your license by mail.

If renewing by mail, you should receive your license within two weeks of the date we receive your application.

Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Officers and Retired LEOs

Federal law H.R. 218 allows both active and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs) to CC, but there are parameters. They are still subject to the rule of private property, for example, and are forbidden from CC on a plane. State- or government-owned properties may also exercise prohibitions.

Here’s what to know:

Confirmation ID and the certificate to carry are issued by the state in which the officer is currently (or was previously) employed. 

Florida requires qualified and retired LEOs to meet state standards and the Law Enforcement Officer’s Safety Act (LEOSA), plus meet the agency’s firearm proficiency standards requiring the employee to regularly qualify in the use of that firearm. 

CC credentials for retired LEOs in Florida must meet the following criteria:

Photo ID issued by the agency from which the law enforcement officer retired, indicating that they have been tested or otherwise found by the agency to meet its standards for training and qualification. This ID must show that the LEO has participated in the required training no less than one year prior.

Photo ID issued by the agency from which the law enforcement officer retired plus a state-issued certification verifying that the retired LEO has, not less than one year prior, been tested or otherwise found by the state to meet its standards for active LEOs to carry a firearm of the same type as the concealed firearm.

Firearms Training & Competency

The certified instructors at Concealed Coalition will teach you the applicable laws for your state and how to carry and fire a firearm safely. Training is available across the U.S. and online, so contact us with any questions or to sign up.

Proper firearms training is essential for any individual with the right to carry a gun, especially those who do not receive training as part of their employment. Florida citizens can get the following types of firearms training outside of the Concealed Coalition network:

NRA Training

The National Rifle Association offers several types of training at a wide range of locations. Use its local training locator to find classes near you as well as specific lessons.

Hunter Safety Courses

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requires anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, to have completed a hunter safety course before getting a license to hunt with a firearm. 

Firearms Safety Courses From Other Providers

Public and private institutions, colleges, or law enforcement agencies often provide firearms training. The educators in such scenarios will be certified by the NRA, FDACS, or the Criminal Justice Training Commission.

A Firearms Training Course With a State-Certified Instructor

Concealed Coalition offers firearm training to help you gain a CC license. Our highly specialized instructors provide actionable lessons based on their extensive practical experience to ensure you gain tested and reliable skills.

DD Form 214 or Military Orders for Active or Former Military Members

The military document DD 214 is issued when a service member performs active duty or has completed at least 90 consecutive days of active-duty training. Both active and honorably discharged military veterans may have their CC license application expedited via FDACS. Active veterans will need their Common Access Card or other military ID and possibly current orders as proof of active duty. Honorably discharged veterans should submit a copy of their DD 214 with their CC application.

Documents from Participation in an Organized Shooting Competition

Documented experience with a firearm obtained through participation in an organized shooting competition is considered sufficient training to CC. Such certification must be clear and legible and contain the names of the holder and their instructor, the instructor’s credentials, and the instructor’s license or certification number.

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Get Certified for a Florida Concealed Carry Permit Today

Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout Florida. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our Florida concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.

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Florida Gun Laws and Reciprocity

Did we miss something?

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved promptly. Your feedback matters to us, and we greatly appreciate you helping us make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners! The information contained on this website is provided by Concealed Coalition as a service to its members and the public. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to provide thorough, up-to-date information regarding concealed carry laws, reciprocity, and requirements. We make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. At the time of publishing the information contained in this page was correct and up-to-date. However, laws are constantly changing, and as a result, nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice. Please consult a lawyer should you require legal advice regarding concealed carry and gun laws in your state. Did you know our membership includes a pre-paid legal protection plan? Sign up today and gain access to 24/7 coverage from a team of legal experts.

*Legal protection plans available in select states.





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