Florida Concealed Carry: Permitless Carry Law (Effective July 1, 2023)
Florida joined the "constitutional carry" movement on July 1, 2023. Here is what changed and what the legacy permit process still offers.
Current Law: Permitless Carry (HB 543)
- Who: Any person 21+ (18+ for active-duty military/veterans) who is legally eligible to possess a firearm under state/federal law.
- What: Carry a concealed handgun (or other concealed weapon) without a license/permit.
- Where: Anywhere not prohibited by statute (schools, courthouses, police stations, polling places, bars/bar areas, airports, etc. — see F.S. 790.06(12)).
- No Training Required: The mandatory firearms safety course is eliminated for permitless carry.
- No Background Check at Time of Carry: Eligibility is based on your legal status (no felonies, no domestic violence injunctions, no adjudicated mental incompetence, etc.).
Why Still Get a CWFL (Concealed Weapon & Firearm License)?
| Benefit | Permitless | With CWFL |
|---|
| Reciprocity (carry in other states) | ❌ No | ✅ 37+ states honor FL permit |
| NICS Exemption (buy gun without background check delay) | ❌ No | ✅ Instant proceed on Form 4473 |
| Carry in "Gun-Free" School Zones (Fed. law 18 USC 922(q)) | ❌ Illegal within 1000 ft | ✅ Permit holders exempt |
| Training/Legal Knowledge | ❌ None mandated | ✅ Mandatory course covers law/use-of-force |
| Police Interaction | No duty to inform | No duty to inform, but card signals vetting |
Legacy CWFL Eligibility (Still Required for Permit)
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card).
- 21+ (18+ military).
- No felony convictions; no misdemeanor domestic violence; no active injunctions.
- Not adjudicated mentally incompetent / involuntarily committed.
- Complete FDACS-approved firearms course (live fire).
- Submit fingerprints, photo, application, fee (~$97 new / $50 renewal).
- Issued by FDACS (Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services) — typically 30–60 days.
Critical: "Constitutional carry" does not override federal law, private property rights (businesses can post "no firearms"), or the duty to know prohibited locations. Ignorance is not a defense. Consult a firearms attorney for personal legal advice.
Wanderlust World