Florida Concealed Carry Laws & Permitless Carry Guide

Florida operates under constitutional carry, meaning eligible residents and non-residents aged 21 and older (with noted exceptions) may carry concealed firearms without a permit. This significant shift occurred when House Bill 543 took effect on July 1, 2023, removing the mandatory licensing requirement while maintaining strict eligibility standards rooted in Florida Statutes § 790.06.

This guide provides Florida-specific concealed carry information for legal gun owners, non-residents traveling through the state, and anyone seeking clarity on what changed with permitless carry. Given recent court rulings and ongoing litigation, understanding current requirements and prohibited locations is critical for lawful carry.

All information reflects statutory language and official guidance from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which continues to issue optional Concealed Weapon or Firearm Licenses for reciprocity purposes.

Is Concealed Carry Legal in Florida?

Yes. Florida is a permitless carry state for concealed firearms as of July 1, 2023. Eligible individuals may carry a concealed firearm without obtaining a license, provided they meet the criteria set forth in Fla. Stat. § 790.06(2)(a)-(f), (i)-(n), (3), and (10).

Who May Carry:

• U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or certified consular security officials from nations maintaining diplomatic relations with the United States
• Minimum age is 21 years under current statute and HB 543, though this is subject to legal challenge (see Recent Legal Changes)
• Both Florida residents and non-residents meeting the same eligibility criteria
• Individuals not disqualified by criminal history, mental health commitments, substance abuse issues, domestic violence restraining orders, or other statutory prohibitions

Eligibility Disqualifiers:

Permitless carriers must meet the same standards required for obtaining a formal license. Disqualifications include:

• Felony convictions unless civil and firearm rights have been restored
• Adjudication as mentally incapacitated or commitment to a mental institution within the past five years
• Controlled substance convictions or commitments for substance abuse within three years
• Chronic and habitual alcohol or substance abuse impairing normal faculties (presumed if committed for treatment, convicted of firearm use under the influence, deemed a habitual disorderly intoxication offender, or having two or more DUI convictions within three years)
• Pending domestic violence or repeat violence injunctions
• Withheld adjudications or suspended sentences on felonies or domestic violence misdemeanors unless three years have passed since completing all conditions
• Risk protection orders in effect
• Misdemeanor crimes of violence unless three years have passed and conditions fulfilled

Permitless carriers must carry government-issued identification and display it upon law enforcement request per Fla. Stat. § 790.013.

Concealed Carry Permits in Florida

Florida's optional Concealed Weapon or Firearm License remains available for those seeking reciprocity with other states. The issuing authority is the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing.

Why Obtain a Permit:

• Reciprocity with 36+ states recognizing Florida permits
• Exemption from the three-day waiting period for handgun purchases
• Enhanced credibility during law enforcement encounters
• Legal carry in states requiring permits from visitors

Training Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate firearms competence through:

• Hunter education or safety course approved by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• NRA firearms safety or training course
• Firearms course offered by law enforcement, colleges, private institutions, or training schools using NRA or state-certified instructors
• Law enforcement firearms training for security guards, investigators, or deputies
• Documented equivalent experience through organized shooting competition or military service

Training must include classroom instruction (minimum standards not specified in statute, though FDACS guidance references approximately 12 hours including a 4-hour handgun component with live fire).

Validity and Renewal:

Licenses remain valid for seven years from issuance. FDACS mails renewal notices at least 90 days before expiration. Licenses expired less than 180 days may be renewed with a $15 late fee; those expired longer require a new application with full background checks.

Processing Time:

FDACS must issue or deny licenses within 90 days of receiving complete applications. Actual processing typically runs 50-55 days but may extend if applications are incomplete, criminal history records lack final dispositions, or background checks reveal disqualifying issues.

Resident vs. Non-Resident:

Florida issues licenses to both residents and non-residents under identical criteria. Non-resident applicants follow the same application process, pay the same fees, and receive licenses with equivalent reciprocity recognition.

Where Concealed Carry Is Prohibited in Florida

Florida Statutes § 790.06(12) establishes locations where concealed carry—whether permitless or with a license—is prohibited:

• Any elementary, middle, or high school facility
• Any career center
• Any college or university facility
• Inside any polling place
• Any courthouse or courtroom
• Any meeting of the governing body of a county, municipality, school board, or special district
• Any meeting of the Florida Legislature or committees thereof
• Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises, if the establishment derives more than 50% of gross revenue from such alcohol sales (this excludes restaurants where alcohol represents less than 50% of revenue and any off-premises alcohol sales)
• Any school, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms
• Inside the secure, passenger, and baggage areas of airports
• Any law enforcement station, sheriff's office, or Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office
• Any detention or correctional institution

Signage and Private Property:

Florida has no statewide statute giving "no guns" signs the force of law. Private property owners may prohibit firearms through posted notice or verbal communication, but violation constitutes trespass under property law rather than a weapons offense. Carriers asked to leave must comply or face trespassing charges.

Exceptions:

• Law enforcement officers and authorized security personnel
• Firearms stored securely in vehicles at prohibited locations, provided they remain secured and are not removed while on premises
• Limited exceptions during emergency evacuations per statutory provisions

Concealed Carry Reciprocity in Florida

Florida recognizes valid concealed carry permits from states maintaining mutual recognition agreements under Fla. Stat. § 790.015. Reciprocity extends to both resident and non-resident permits issued by recognized states.

Florida Recognition of Other States:

Florida honors permits from states that reciprocate recognition of Florida licenses. The current list includes 36+ states with formal agreements. Permitless carriers from other constitutional carry states are treated the same as Florida permitless carriers if they meet Florida's eligibility criteria.

Florida Permits Recognized Elsewhere:

Florida issues both resident and non-resident licenses, and numerous states recognize Florida permits through reciprocity agreements. However, recognition varies—some states only honor resident Florida permits, while others accept non-resident licenses. Carriers traveling out of state must verify recognition with destination jurisdictions.

Verification:

The authoritative reciprocity list is maintained by FDACS and updated as agreements change. Always confirm current reciprocity status before traveling, as legislative changes in other states can affect recognition.

Federal Restrictions That Still Apply in Florida

Permitless carry and Florida permits do not override federal prohibitions. Federal law restricts firearms in:

• Federal courthouses and federal buildings (even if state law permits carry elsewhere in government facilities)
• U.S. Post Office facilities and property
• VA hospitals and facilities
• National parks and wildlife refuges (subject to specific regulations; concealed carry is generally permitted where state law allows, but facilities within parks may prohibit firearms)
• Schools receiving federal funds under the Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)), though valid state permits or licenses provide an exception to this federal prohibition

Interstate Travel:

The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) "Safe Passage" provision (18 U.S.C. § 926A) protects interstate travelers transporting firearms through states with restrictive laws, provided the firearm is unloaded, locked in a container inaccessible from the passenger compartment, and the traveler is traveling between locations where possession is legal. Florida respects this federal protection for permitless carriers meeting these transport requirements.

Recent Legal Changes or Trends

HB 543 Implementation (2023):

House Bill 543, signed into law on April 3, 2023, and effective July 1, 2023, enacted Florida's permitless concealed carry framework.

The law removed the requirement to obtain a license before carrying concealed firearms but maintained all underlying eligibility criteria from § 790.06. Crucially, the law added a mandatory identification requirement—permitless carriers must carry government-issued ID and display it upon law enforcement demand.

Broward County Age Ruling (October 2025):

A Broward County circuit court ruling in State v. Walkes struck down Florida's prohibition on concealed carry by individuals aged 18-20 as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.

This trial-level decision applies to the specific case and is not yet binding statewide. The ruling has not been appealed as of February 2026, creating legal uncertainty for young adults seeking to carry. Individuals in this age bracket should consult legal counsel before carrying concealed, as the decision may be appealed or face challenges in other jurisdictions.

Open Carry Ruling (2025):

A separate 2025 ruling from Florida's 1st District Court of Appeal found the state's open carry ban unconstitutional.

The Attorney General issued guidance recommending against enforcement. This development is distinct from concealed carry law but reflects ongoing Second Amendment litigation affecting Florida firearms regulations.

Pending and Future Developments:

No major legislative changes occurred in 2024-2025 beyond the HB 543 implementation. Ongoing litigation regarding age restrictions, open carry, and location-specific prohibitions may affect concealed carry policy. Carriers should monitor updates from FDACS and the Florida Legislature for statutory amendments.

Common Misunderstandings About Concealed Carry in Florida

• Misconception: Anyone 18 and older can now carry concealed without restrictions.
  Reality: While a recent court ruling challenged the 21-year age minimum, the statutory requirement remains 21 years. The trial court decision is not yet binding statewide. All carriers—regardless of age—must meet the comprehensive eligibility criteria in § 790.06, including clean criminal records, no mental health disqualifications, and no substance abuse issues.
• Misconception: Permitless carry eliminates the need for identification or interaction with law enforcement.
  Reality: Florida Statutes § 790.013 requires permitless carriers to carry government-issued ID and present it upon law enforcement request. Failure to comply constitutes a violation.
• Misconception: All bars are off-limits for concealed carriers.
  Reality: Only establishments where more than 50% of gross revenue derives from on-premises alcohol sales are prohibited. Restaurants serving alcohol but deriving less than half their revenue from on-premises consumption are generally permissible. Carriers may not consume alcohol while carrying. Off-premises alcohol sales (package stores) do not contribute to the 50% calculation.
• Misconception: Non-residents cannot carry concealed without a permit.
  Reality: Non-residents meeting Florida's eligibility criteria may carry concealed under permitless carry just as Florida residents do. The law explicitly authorizes non-resident permitless carry if the individual satisfies the same requirements as residents.
• Misconception: Training requirements were eliminated entirely.
  Reality: Training is no longer required for permitless carry. However, obtaining an optional license for reciprocity purposes still requires documented firearms training per § 790.06(2)(h). Many carriers pursue training voluntarily for safety and proficiency regardless of legal mandates.

Practical Notes for Concealed Carriers in Florida

Law Enforcement Encounters:

Permitless carriers are not required to inform law enforcement of their armed status unless asked. However, carrying government-issued identification is mandatory, and refusing to provide it upon request violates § 790.013.

Alcohol and Carry:

While establishments with less than 50% alcohol revenue are not categorically prohibited, consuming alcohol while carrying remains illegal under Florida law. Carriers should avoid any alcohol consumption when armed to prevent potential impairment charges and firearms violations.

Vehicle Storage:

Florida law allows firearms to be secured in vehicles at most prohibited locations, provided the firearm remains locked and is not removed from the vehicle while on restricted premises. This exception provides practical flexibility for carriers who must enter prohibited areas during their day.

Traveling Out of State:

Florida's permitless carry does not extend beyond state borders. Carriers traveling to other states must research destination laws thoroughly.

Some states recognize Florida permits, some allow permitless carry, and others prohibit concealed carry by non-residents entirely. Interstate travel with firearms requires careful legal verification and often benefits from obtaining a Florida license for maximum reciprocity.

Civil Liability:

Permitless carry does not alter civil liability exposure for firearm use. Carriers remain subject to criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits for improper use, negligent handling, or violations of use-of-force laws.

Florida's Stand Your Ground law provides certain legal protections, but these do not eliminate accountability for reckless or unlawful conduct.

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Disclaimer

This guide provides general information on Florida concealed carry law and is not legal advice. Laws change through legislation, court rulings, and regulatory updates. Individuals seeking legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances should consult a qualified Florida attorney specializing in firearms law.

Always verify current statutes and regulations with official sources, including the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Statutes Chapter 790 before making carry decisions.