Florida requires applicants for a concealed carry permit to be 21 years old. Applications need to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer services, along with the $55 fee. However, the cost for renewing a concealed carry permit is $45. Furthermore, the state does issue non-resident permits to citizens of the United States and permanent resident aliens. In order to obtain a CCW with Florida, you must provide proof of firearm proficiency. Online courses are not sufficient to meet this training component. A Florida concealed carry permit is valid for 7 years. Also, 36 other states accept a Florida concealed carry permit.
This information was last updated in January 2019.
Table of Contents
Florida Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars
# of States That Accept FL License
# of Years Valid
Minimum Age
# of Days To Get A Permit
Reciprocity Map for Florida
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept an Florida concealed carry permit or those states that Florida will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor Florida Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Florida Will Honor The Following States
- Alabama – Resident Permit ONLY
- Alaska – Resident Permit ONLY
- Arizona – Resident Permit ONLY
- Arkansas – Resident Permit ONLY
- Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
- Delaware – Resident Permit ONLY
- Georgia – Resident Permit ONLY
- Idaho – Resident Permit ONLY
- Indiana – Resident Permit ONLY
- Iowa – Resident Permit ONLY
- Kansas – Resident Permit ONLY
- Kentucky – Resident Permit ONLY
- Louisiana – Resident Permit ONLY
- Maine – Resident Permit ONLY
- Michigan – Resident Permit ONLY
- Mississippi – Resident Permit ONLY
- Missouri – Resident Permit ONLY
- Montana – Resident Permit ONLY
- Nebraska – Resident Permit ONLY
- Nevada – Resident Permit ONLY
- New Hampshire – Resident Permit ONLY
- New Mexico – Resident Permit ONLY
- North Carolina – Resident Permit ONLY
- North Dakota – Resident Permit ONLY
- Ohio – Resident Permit ONLY
- Oklahoma – Resident Permit ONLY
- Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
- South Carolina – Resident Permit ONLY
- South Dakota – Resident Permit ONLY
- Tennessee – Resident Permit ONLY
- Texas – Resident Permit ONLY
- Utah – Resident Permit ONLY
- Virginia – Resident Permit ONLY
- West Virginia – Resident Permit ONLY
- Wyoming – Resident Permit ONLY
How To Apply for a Florida Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in Florida?
Florida is a shall issue state. The state will issue a concealed carry permit to a person who meets the appropriate criteria. Although the following list isn’t extensive, below are reasons for denial of a concealed carry permit application:
- physical infirmity which prevents the safe handling of a weapon
- convicted of a felony
- committed for the abuse of a controlled substance
Relevant Code(s):
What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in FL?
Florida residents must be 21 years or older to obtain a concealed carry permit.
Relevant Code(s):
Who issues a concealed carry permit in Florida?
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for approving or denying applications for a concealed carry permit in Florida. Applications include valid fingerprinting, proof of competency, and a full color photograph from the past 30 days.
Relevant Code(s):
How long is an Florida concealed carry permit good for?
Florida concealed carry permits are good for 7 years from the date of issuance. Holders of a CCW must carry valid photo identification in addition to the permit to carry concealed.
Relevant Code(s):
Does FL issue concealed permits to non-residents?
Florida will issue concealed carry permits to non-residents. However, the code does state that applicants must be :
“[…]a resident of the United States and a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien of the United States, as determined by the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services[…]“
Relevant Code(s):
How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
According to the below code, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will either deny the application or issue a permit to carry concealed within 90 days of receiving a completed application.
Relevant Code(s):
How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of $55 to process a request for a new concealed carry permit. Persons wishing to renew their approved license must pay a fee of $45.
Relevant Code(s):
What are the accepted forms of competency training?
Florida requires proof of firearms competency in order to obtain a concealed carry permit. There are various acceptable options for completing this component.
- law enforcement firearms safety or training course
- proficiency with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or military service
- firearms training or safety course from a certified state approved NRA instructor
However, any course that occurs solely online is not acceptable.
“[…]observed the student safely handle and discharge the firearm in his or her physical presence and that the discharge of the firearm included live fire using a firearm and ammunition[…]
Relevant Code(s):
Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Florida
Is Florida an Open Carry State?
While it is possible to obtain a concealed carry permit, it is illegal in Florida to openly carry a firearm. However, it is not illegal to unintentionally reveal a concealed weapon. Furthermore, the code does allow persons to openly carry the following:
- self defense chemical spray
- non-lethal stun gun
- other non-lethal electric weapon(s)
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
The state of Florida does allow licensed individuals to carry a concealed weapon in their vehicle. However, during transport the weapon must be “securely encased” to adhere to Florida code. The weapon cannot be in the person’s manual possession. Below is the Florida definition of “securely encased.”
“Securely encased” means in a glove compartment, whether or not locked; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether or not locked; in a zippered gun case; or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access.“
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
According to the nps.gov website, anyone legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm is permitted to do so within state parks.
However, it is unclear if it is up to the discretion of the individual park to decide if concealed carry is allowed. Therefore, it is advised that you contact the state park you intend to visit and verify their firearm policy.
The research conducted for this site yielded at least one instance of this in the following code for the Savanna’s State Reserve:
“It is unlawful for any person, except a law enforcement or conservation officer, to have in his or her possession any firearm while within the Savannas except when in compliance with regulations established by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission applying to lands within the described boundaries.“
Furthermore, after inspecting the Fish and Wildlife Conservation site, the following code appeared. It is unclear if this language is applicable to all state park lands.
“Persons in possession of a valid concealed Weapon or Firearm License may carry concealed handguns.”
Relevant Code(s):
Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
Florida state code prohibits the carrying of a concealed firearm by a licensed individual into any area whose primary function is to dispense alcohol. Restaurants are not generally considered to have the primary function of dispensing alcohol. However, a bar or bar area of a restaurant could be considered to have this primary function, and therefore is prohibited by state code.
“Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose.“
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
Florida does not expressly list a church as an area where concealed carry is prohibited. However, if such a place is used for the purposes of a meeting of certain governing bodies, the meeting of certain legislative bodies, or for polling purposes then concealed carry of a firearm is forbidden.Also, it is recommended that any posted signage declaring the area as gun free be obeyed.
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Similar to Churches, banks and financial institutions are not expressly listed as places where concealed carry is prohibited. It is recommended to follow any signage posted on the property declaring it a gun free area.
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Florida does not expressly prohibit a licensed individual from carrying concealed within a hospital. However, there are several state codes that would suggest it is not advisable. The most compelling argument against carrying concealed in a hospital in Florida is the below excerpt:
“[…]any person who is in possession of a concealed[…]within the premises of a ‘pharmacy,’ is guilty of a felony of the third degree”
Because hospitals and other medical facilities may prescribe and distribute medication to patients, it could be considered a pharmacy. Furthermore, the following excerpt regarding “explosive chemicals” is also applicable to hospitals.
“[…]which the primary business conducted is the manufacture, use, storage, or transportation of combustible or explosive materials regulated under state or federal law“
Therefore, it is recommended that along with following any posted signage, you do not carry a concealed firearm onto hospital property.
790.145
Relevant Code(s):
The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.