Applying for a license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm for self-defense is a right recognized in Florida Concealed weapons or firearms are weapons carried in a manner that conceals them from the ordinary sight of another person and includes handguns, electronic weapons or devices, tear gas guns, knives and billies.[i] Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing is the issuing agency.

Eligibility requirements stipulate that the applicant must have completed 21 years of age and must demonstrate competency with the firearm.  The applicant must currently reside in the United States and must be a United States citizen or deemed a lawful permanent resident alien by Department of Homeland Security.  The applicant should not be a convicted felon or have a record of drug or alcohol abuse.  S/he should not have two or more DUI convictions within the previous three years and should not be mentally incompetent.  The applicant should not have been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces or be a fugitive from justice.

Florida recognizes permits from residents of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

The states recognize a Florida permit include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Permit is granted for a term of five years and cost for obtaining the permit is $117 for residents.  Division of Licensing began issuing concealed weapon licenses that are valid for seven years.  This law applies only to licenses issued on or after June 11, 2008.  This legislation also enacted statutory language stipulating that a person must be a resident of the United States and either a citizen or a permanent resident alien in order to qualify for the concealed weapon license.  There is no additional increase in fees.

[i] Fla. Stat. § 790.06 (1)