Florida Gun Laws

Florida operates at the state level and can be considered lenient towards other states. The states policy is “Shall Issue” for a concealed carry license with the licenses being issued to both residents and non-residents. Florida is part of the 5 states which ban open carry although it should be known open carry is allowed in certain situations. The state has full preemption over all gun laws for handguns and long guns.

Florida has a stand your ground law which allows for no retreat if there’s self defense, and this has been widely copied by other states. There’s no requirement for background checks on private gun sales or to register firearms. If you reside in Florida you can file your license application at a Fast Track Office. Everything required for your application can be obtained in these offices, letting you complete the process in one trip. All applicants are required to complete a firearms training course.

Florida Gun Laws Quick Facts

Open Carry Permitted?	No
Carry In Vehicle?	Yes!
Carry In State Park?	Yes!
Carry In Restaurants?	Yes!
Constitutional Carry?	No
No Weapon Sign Enforced?	No
Must Notify Officer?	No

Florida CCW Reciprocity List

States Honoring Florida CCW

States NOT Honoring Florida CCW

Florida Honors These States CCW Permits

How Reciprocity Works In Florida

State statutes allow Florida to accept licenses from other states only if that state agrees to honor a Florida concealed carry license. Florida reciprocity law is governed by section 790.015 of the Florida statutes.

Florida currently has reciprocity agreements with 36 other states. A Florida concealed carry license is valid in all these states with a few exceptions as noted at the bottom of this section.

Firearms laws vary with each state and a Florida license holder will be subject to the laws of whatever state they are travelling in.

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Florida: Where Is CCW Allowed?

Places Allowed

State parks
State and national forests
Road side rest areas
Vehicle
All areas of the state, except those listed as Off-Limits

Places Not Allowed

Any police, sheriff, or highway patrol station
Any detention facility, prison, or jail
Any courthouse or courtroom
Any polling place
Any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special district
Any meeting of the Legislature or a committee thereof
Any school, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms
Any elementary or secondary school facility or administration building
Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises
Any area of a vocational-technical center
Any place of nuisance as defined in s. 823.05
Any college or university facility
Inside the passenger terminal and sterile area of any airport
Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Florida: Conceal Carry Laws

Open Carry

Open Carry is illegal in Florida even if you have a permit/license. Under section 790.25(3)(h)(j)(k) of the Florida statutes there are some limited situations were it is legal to open carry such as traveling to and being engaged in lawful target shooting, fishing, hunting, and camping. The Law 790.053 790.25

Carry In Vehicle

YES

It is lawful for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purposes within the interior of a private vehicle, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. “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. The Law 790.25 790.001 790.17 Minimum age to transport Firearm 18

Carry In State Parks

Yes

It is legal to carry in the following areas; State Parks: YES State/National Forests: YES State Game Management Units: YES Road Side Rest Areas: YES The Law State Park Rules

Carry In Restaurants

Yes

In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol You are not permitted under Florida law to carry in a bar area that serves alcohol. The law states that “any portion of an establishment that dispenses alcohol…. which is primarily devoted to such purpose”. So it is widely interpreted in Florida to mean that you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol, as its primary purpose is to dispense food and not alcohol. However, if the restaurant has a bar area you cannot enter that area while carrying a firearm. And you certainly cannot enter a fully licensed bar. That is classed as a misdemeanor with a possible 60 days jail or $500 fine. Note If the restaurant has posted a no firearms sign and you enter then you could be charged with armed trespass which is a felony. The Law 790.06 (12)

Constitutional Carry

No Weapon Signs Enforced

Any “No Firearms” signage in Florida generally does not have the law behind it. Unless, the sign is posted in an area that falls within the Off-Limits law. The area must be specifically stated in the section of law as being off limits. Even if the law does not backup a “No Firearms” sign you can still be arrested for trespass if you enter the property. So its best to not enter any property with such a sign posted.

Must Notify Officer

There is nothing in Florida gun laws that states you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. You are required by law to carry your permit, together with photo ID, at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun. The Law 790.06