If you live in Florida and you want to carry a firearm for personal protection, getting your Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL) is one of the smartest steps you can take. Florida has a well-established process for issuing concealed carry permits — and as of 2023, the state also enacted permitless carry, also called constitutional carry. So why bother getting a permit at all? We’ll answer that, along with everything else you need to know about the Florida concealed carry permit process.
Permitless Carry vs. Licensed Carry in Florida
Since July 1, 2023, Florida law allows most law-abiding adults (21 and older) to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. However, there are still major advantages to obtaining your Florida CWFL:
- Reciprocity with other states — Dozens of other states recognize a Florida CWFL. Without it, you may lose your carry rights the moment you cross state lines.
- Skip the NICS wait at gun stores — In many cases, license holders bypass the standard 3-day waiting period for firearm purchases in Florida.
- Access to certain venues — Some private properties and businesses require a permit before they allow you to carry on their premises.
- Documentation of your right — A permit provides legal proof that authorities have vetted you, which can help during any law enforcement encounter.
Florida CWFL Requirements
To qualify for a Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Have no felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history
- Have no domestic violence convictions or active injunctions
- Not have received a mental defective adjudication or commitment to a mental institution
- Complete a state-approved firearms safety training course
- Not be a controlled substance abuser
How to Apply for Your Florida CWFL
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) manages the application process. Here is how it works, step by step:
- Complete a safety course — First, you must demonstrate competency with a firearm. You can satisfy this requirement through a certified instructor, a hunter safety course, a law enforcement or military training record, or a National Rifle Association (NRA) course.
- Gather your documents — Next, collect a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship or residency, and your training certificate.
- Submit your application — You can apply online at freshfromflorida.com or in person at a Florida tax collector’s office. In person is the fastest route — you will also complete fingerprinting on the spot.
- Pay the fee — As of 2026, a new application costs $102. The license stays valid for 7 years.
- Wait for approval — Processing typically takes 50 to 90 days after FDACS receives a complete application.
What Firearms Can You Carry?
Your Florida CWFL allows you to carry any legal handgun — for example, a semi-automatic pistol or a revolver. However, you cannot carry rifles, shotguns, or other long guns under a concealed carry license. Furthermore, your firearm must stay concealed from ordinary sight at all times. Partial exposure or “printing” — where the outline of a gun shows through clothing — is a gray area, but you must not display the firearm openly.
Where You Cannot Carry — Even With a Permit
Florida law prohibits carrying at specific locations, regardless of permit status. For instance, you cannot legally carry at:
- Police stations, sheriff offices, and detention facilities
- Courthouses and courtrooms
- Polling places on election days
- Government meetings open to the public
- School facilities (K–12)
- College and university campuses (with limited exceptions)
- Bars and restaurants where alcohol is the primary business
- Any place of nuisance as Florida law defines it
Therefore, always confirm the rules before you carry in any new location.
Get the Right Firearm for Concealed Carry
At Action Firearms Florida in Fort Lauderdale, our team helps customers find the right firearm for concealed carry. Whether you want a compact 9mm, a micro pistol, or a reliable revolver, we will walk you through every option. In addition, we stock used handguns at competitive prices — a smart way to get a quality carry gun without overpaying for a new one.
Stop by our store, contact us online, or call us at (954) 306-6139 to find the right firearm for your lifestyle and carry setup.
