Whether you’ve been a long-time gun owner or just purchased your first firearm, taking the steps toward getting your concealed carry may seem like a rather overwhelming task. There’s a lot of steps involved, which can discourage you from following through and receiving your concealed carry license—but it doesn’t have to be!
When it comes to concealed carry licenses, each state follows its own legislation and rules that you need to follow, so it’s essential that you closely follow Florida’s state laws. Florida operates as a shall-issue state, meaning that you’ll receive your license, should you provide the proper documentation and meet all eligibility requirements.
What Does Your Concealed Carry License Allow You To Carry?
With your concealed license, you will be allowed to carry a handgun, electric weapon, tear gas gun, billy clubs, and knives discreetly. This means that your weapon must be hidden at all times while on your person.
What Are The General CWL Requirements For Florida?
- You must be 21 years of age or older.
- You must be able to demonstrate competency with a firearm.
- Unless you are serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces, you must currently reside in the United States and be a U.S. citizen or deemed a lawful permanent resident alien by Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
- If you are serving overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces, submit a copy of your deployment documentation with your application. Those who are Resident Aliens must provide a valid Permanent Resident Alien card.
Note that there is an extensive list of items that may make you ineligible for a CWL:
- You’re physically unable to handle a firearm safely.
- You possess a felony conviction (unless civil and firearm rights have been restored by the convicting authority).
- You have adjudication withheld or 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.
- You possess a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of violence in the last three years.
- You possess conviction for violation of controlled substance laws or multiple arrests for such offenses.
- You have a record of drug or alcohol abuse.
- You possess two or more DUI convictions within the previous three years.
- You have been committed to a mental institution or adjudged incompetent or mentally defective.
- You have failed to provide proof of proficiency with a firearm.
- You have been issued a domestic violence injunction or an injunction against repeat violence that is currently in force.
- You have renounced your U.S. citizenship.
- You possess a dishonorable discharge from the armed forces.
- You are a fugitive from justice.
How To Completed The CWL Application
When preparing to complete your concealed application, there’s two paths you can take: you can either fill out your application online or in person.
In Person Application
- Complete and pass a firearms training course
- Schedule your appointment at a FDACS Regional Office or Tax Collectors Office
- Complete your application at a computer station. You will need to provide:
- Valid Florida’s Driver License or State ID
- Firearms Training Certification
- Staff will take your photo and fingerprints during your appointment time
- Submit application and fees
- Wait for approval of your application
Online Application
- Complete and pass a firearms training course
- Have a passport style photo taken
- Have your fingerprints taken at a Division of Licensing Regional Office or a law enforcement agency office
- Complete your application at your computer
- Submit application and fees
Your initial application fee in the state of Florida for your concealed weapons license is $119 including fees. It will be valid for seven years from the date of issuing. With a high volume of current applications, processing can take up to two to three months for your license to be issued.
Receive Your Firearm Training Certification Today With A To Z Guns & Pawn
Held twice weekly, A To Z Guns & Pawn offers concealed training certification classes for those looking to apply for their CWL. You’ll be trained by a NRA approved instructor who will teach you everything from firearm safety to properly discharging a firearm. To learn more about our Concealed Weapons Certifications classes, contact A To Z Guns & Pawn today either online or give us a call at (954) 941-1826.