Free Guide to Florida Concealed Weapons Permits

Understanding Florida's Concealed Weapons Permit System

Florida's concealed weapons permit (CWP) is a document issued by the state that allows a person to carry a concealed firearm in public. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, manages this program. The permit itself is a credential that shows law enforcement the holder has met certain state requirements.

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Florida operates under what's called "shall-issue" licensing. This means that if someone meets all the requirements set by state law, the state must issue a permit. The state cannot deny a permit based on subjective reasons or personal judgment. This is different from some other states that use "may-issue" systems, where officials have discretion to deny permits even if basic requirements are met.

The state has issued millions of concealed weapons permits since the program began in 1987. As of 2023, Florida had issued over 2.7 million active permits. This makes Florida one of the states with the highest number of active permit holders. The number has grown steadily over the decades as more people have sought permits.

Before applying for a permit, it helps to understand what the document actually allows. A Florida CWP permits the holder to carry a concealed firearm on their person or in a vehicle. It does not permit open carry in most situations. It also does not override private property owners' rules—businesses and property owners can still prohibit weapons on their property, and permit holders must respect those restrictions.

Practical takeaway: Learning about how Florida's permit system works helps you understand what you may be able to do with a permit and what limitations still apply. The state's shall-issue framework means that if you meet the specific legal requirements, the state has a duty to issue the permit.

Requirements for Getting a Florida Concealed Weapons Permit

Florida law sets out clear requirements that someone must meet to obtain a concealed weapons permit. These requirements are spelled out in Florida Statute 790.06. Understanding each requirement helps you know what documentation and background will be reviewed.

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First, you must be at least 21 years old. Some exceptions exist for active military members who are at least 18, but the standard age requirement is 21. You must also be a Florida resident or a member of the U.S. military stationed in Florida. Non-residents cannot obtain a Florida CWP, though Florida recognizes permits from certain other states through reciprocity agreements.

You must not have been convicted of a felony. This is checked through background searches. Florida defines felony broadly to include any crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. Additionally, you cannot have been convicted of certain misdemeanors involving weapons, violence, or drugs within the past three years. Specific misdemeanors that disqualify include domestic violence convictions, stalking, harassment, and drug-related crimes.

You must not have been adjudicated mentally ill or committed to a mental institution. You also cannot be the subject of a restraining order or protective order related to domestic violence. If a court has found that you pose a substantial threat to yourself or others due to mental illness, you would be disqualified. These requirements exist under both state and federal law.

You must not have had a Florida CWP revoked within the past three years. If a permit was revoked for cause, a person must wait at least three years before they can submit a new application. A revocation typically means the state found the person had violated permit conditions or was no longer eligible.

Finally, you must demonstrate that you have "good moral character." Florida courts have interpreted this to mean that you have not engaged in conduct that shows dishonesty, lack of integrity, or disregard for the law. This is evaluated based on your criminal history, civil judgments, and other documented behavior.

Practical takeaway: Review these requirements carefully. If you have questions about whether a past conviction or incident might disqualify you, you can speak with the licensing office or a lawyer familiar with Florida firearms law before submitting an application.

The Application Process and Required Documentation

The Florida concealed weapons permit application process involves completing a form, paying a fee, and submitting it to your county sheriff's office. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services sets the rules, but county sheriffs actually process and issue the permits. This means you apply through your local county sheriff, not directly to the state.

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The application form is called DHSMV 73000, also known as the "Application for License to Carry Concealed Weapon or Firearm." This form requests personal information including your name, address, date of birth, physical description, and driver's license number. You must list your citizenship status and whether you meet the residency requirement. The form also asks about your criminal history, mental health history, and restraining orders.

You will need to provide identification. A current driver's license or state ID card is typically required. Some applicants may need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, though the Florida statute does not explicitly mandate this. Different county sheriffs may have slightly different document requirements, so checking with your specific county's office is important.

The application fee varies by county but typically ranges from $75 to $150. As of 2024, most counties charge around $117 for a initial application. This fee covers the background investigation and permit issuance. Renewal permits usually cost less, often around $75. Fees must be paid at the time you submit the application, typically by check, money order, or credit card depending on the county's payment methods.

Many county sheriffs now allow online submission of applications or provide forms online to download and print. Some offer walk-in service at their office during business hours. A few counties have moved to fully online systems. You should contact your county sheriff's office to learn their specific process. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services maintains a list of all county sheriffs with their contact information online.

The processing time is typically 30 days from the date the complete application is received. During this time, the sheriff's office conducts a background check, including FBI fingerprint checks and searches of state criminal databases. The office also contacts the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and reviews records from the Department of Children and Family Services and other relevant agencies.

Practical takeaway: Start by contacting your county sheriff's office to learn their specific application process, required documents, and fees. Have your identification ready and accurate information about your residency and background before you begin.

Background Checks and What They Examine

When you submit a concealed weapons permit application in Florida, the sheriff's office conducts a thorough background investigation. This is a standard process designed to verify that you meet all legal requirements. Understanding what is checked helps you know what records may be reviewed and why.

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The background check includes a search of Florida's criminal history records. This checks for any felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, and pending charges. The system can access records from all Florida counties. The check looks specifically for convictions that would disqualify you under statute 790.06, including violent crimes, drug crimes, and weapon-related crimes.

The FBI maintains the National Crime Information (NCIC) database. Florida sheriffs submit fingerprints to the FBI to search this national database. This check can reveal criminal records from other states and federal criminal convictions. If you have lived in multiple states, this check is important because it covers your entire criminal history nationwide.

The background check includes a search for restraining orders and protective orders. The state maintains a database of these orders, and the sheriff's office searches it to see if you are the subject of a domestic violence restraining order or similar court order. If such an order exists, it can result in denial of the permit.

Mental health adjudication records are also searched. This includes records from the Department of Children and Family Services indicating whether you have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution or adjudicated mentally ill. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains records of such adjudications, and sheriffs consult this database.

The office checks whether you have any active protective supervision or probation. If you are currently under supervision for a prior conviction, this can be relevant to determining good moral character. The check also includes searching for civil judgments, though these are reviewed differently than criminal records.

Some counties conduct additional checks, such as searching local police records for arrests that may not have resulted in conviction. The thoroughness of the investigation can vary somewhat by county, but the state law requires certain minimum searches be performed.