Florida gun permit laws have requirements for anybody that wants to apply for the license.

Therefore, to successfully get a Florida gun permit, you must understand and meet these requirements.

Florida Gun Permit Summary

Florida is a shall-issue state with the application process for permits overseen by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer service.

There are no purchase permits in the state, but a criminal record check is compulsory for all buyers of firearms.

• Recommended Reading: Florida Gun Laws

How To Get A Gun Permit In Florida?

Florida issues gun permits to residents and non-residents that are at least twenty-one years old, without any state or federal prohibition to make use of firearms.

Florida Gun Permit Laws

In Florida, open carry is illegal except for a few occasions like hunting, fishing, and trapping.

Florida also prohibits the possession of firearms such as machine guns and semi-automatic weapons, except for law enforcement officers or those who are federally licensed to make use of such firearms.

Also, in terms of ammunition, Florida prohibits bullets that can pierce armor and those that explode upon discharge. Others include shells for shotguns, flechette, and bolo.

Florida Pistol Permit Requirements

Florida issues the pistol permit to only those who meet the requirements provided by the state laws. These requirements include the following:

• You must meet the age requirement of twenty-one years old.
• You must be a legal citizen of the United States of America.
• You must undergo the necessary training class licensed by Florida gun permit laws.
• You must not have any physical deformity such that it affects the handling of firearms.
• You must not be a felony.
• You must not be an alcohol addict or frequent user of substances that can affect rational thinking faculties.
• You must not have more than one conviction for driving under the influence in the past three years preceding the permit application.
• You must not be a convict for any violent crime that is either a misdemeanor or a felony in the last three years before the application.
• You must not be an incapacitated person, except it has been more than five years that you gained capacitation.
• You must not be a patient of any metal institution, except five years after you have been cleared.
• You must not have any restraining or protection order for cases related to domestic violence.
• You must not have any prohibition for the purchase or possession of firearms in Florida or any part of the United States of America.
• You must be able to demonstrate firearm competency.
• You must meet all federal laws for the possession of firearms in the USA.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In Florida

A summary of firearms permits issued in Florida includes the following:

• State permit to purchase long guns: Florida does not issue a state permit to buy long guns.
• State permits to purchase handguns: Florida does not issue a state permit to buy guns.
• State permit to open carry: Florida is a permissive state, so no license required to open carry.
• State permits to conceal carry long guns: Florida does not issue a state permit to conceal long guns.
• State permits to conceal carry handguns: Florida issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In Florida?

The price for a Florida pistol permit is ninety-seven dollars, but this may carry a tax levy ranging from twelve to twenty-two dollars.

For renewal permits, residents fee is fifty-seven dollars while that of non-residents is ninety-nine dollars.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In Florida?

The process you have to go through to obtain a Florida gun permit includes the following.

Complete Firearm Training

First, make sure you complete a licensed firearm training course.

Make An Appointment

The appointment is to complete the application at either the Federal Development of Agriculture and Consumer Service office or at a local tax collector office.

Complete Application

At the appointment, you will complete the application. But you must take the following documents along with you:

• Any form of identification. This could be either a driver’s license of a Florida issued identification card.
• Your firearm training certificate and photograph.
• The required fee.

The Florida permit renewal process can begin as soon as it is one hundred and fifty days before the pistol permit expires.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will mail a permit renewal application to you. This will contain all the procedures and instructions you need to know about renewing your permit.

There is a grace of six months after the expiry date for you to renew the permit. But this comes with an extra fee of fifteen dollars.

After these six months, if you do not renew the permit, it becomes invalid, and you have to start the renewal process all over again.

The various options for Florida permit renewal are:

• In person.
• At the federal department of Agriculture and consumer service office,
• At the closest tax collector office to your home of residence.
• Via mail.

Documents for renewal application consists of the following:

• An unsigned renewal application.
• A picture for identification and this could be a driver’s license, or any Florida issued identification card.
• Payment and this could be cash, with a check, or a transactional card. Note that any payment via a third party will attract about a two percent extra charge. Also, FDACS offices will only accept payments via check.
• A renewal at the tax office may attract a convenience fee of about twelve dollars. You can reach out to your local tax office to enquire about the exact price and the acceptable mode of payment.
• In case you have any charge against you since the last time you got a Florida pistol permit, you have to come along with the final court verdict of the prosecution.
• In case you change your name since the initial permit or previous renewal, then you have to bring along any legal document that carries the new name.

Upon submission of all these documents, an official of the tax office will take your photograph and apply the renewal to the FDACS.

The officer will also take fingerprints, but this is usually for non-residents permits application or renewal.

Processing Period For Mode Of Renewal Application

If you are submitting at the FDACS office, the application process will not take more than an hour. You will have to wait just a few minutes to get your Florida gun permit.

Just like at the FDACS department, you will also receive your permit within minutes if you apply at the tax office. But this is only for residents of Florida. Non-residents will receive the license via mail.

If you apply via mail, then you will receive your permit in not less than two weeks after application.

Gun Permit Reciprocity With Florida

In terms of reciprocity, Florida will only accept a permit from any state that reciprocates its permit.

Aspects of Florida reciprocity includes the following:

States That Florida Will Accept Their Gun Permit

If you are a resident of these states, you can conceal carry with your permit in Florida. The states are:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

States That Recognize Florida Pistol Permit

With a Florida pistol permit, you can make use of firearms in these states. They are:

• Delaware
• Iowa
• Montana
• North Dakota
• Utah

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With Florida

These states will accept Florida pistol permits, but they still have requirements that a holder must meet before possession of a firearm within their territories. They include the following:

• Alabama
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming
• Puerto Rico

States That Allow Permitless Carry

These are constitutional carry states that allow people to possess firearms in their jurisdiction without requiring a permit. They are:

• Arizona
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In Florida

Florida gun permit laws and other frequently asked questions about the application of pistol permits that you must know include the following.

Do I Need A Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In Florida?

Yes. Conceal carry in Florida is only legal for people that have the pistol permit

When Is Florida Pistol Permit Going To Expire?

The permit is valid for seven years, after which you have to apply for a renewal.

Can Non-Residents Apply For Florida Pistol Permit?

Yes. The permit application is available to both residents and non-residents. The process for application is also the same thing.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My Florida Pistol Permit?

You have to write a letter notifying the licensing division within at least thirty days from the time that you effect either the change of name or address.

You can submit the address via mail or physically.

What Can I Do If I Lost My Florida Pistol Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For stolen, misplaced, or destroyed Florida gun permit, you must write a statement in the presence of a notary officer, explaining details on how the permit was stolen, lost, or destroyed.

For a replacement permit, you will pay fifteen dollars.

How Soon Can I Apply For Florida Pistol Permit After Moving To The State?

Upon moving to Florida, you can apply for a gun permit as soon as you register to vote, or file for taxation.

In case you have a firearm permit from your former state of residence, it will remain valid until ninety days after you establish residency in Florida.

Can I Make Use Of Florida Weapon Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

Yes. The permit will be valid until its expiry date. However, you have to inform the licensing department about a change of address.

Do I Need A Permit To Open Carry In Florida?

No. Open carry is illegal in Florida, with or without a pistol permit.

The only time the state permits open carry is during hunting and fishing activities.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For Florida Pistol Permit?

You must be at least twenty-one years old before you apply for a pistol permit in Florida.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In Florida?

No. Florida does not have a permit purchase for firearms.

Does My Florida Pistol Permit Exempt Me From Undergoing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms?

No, the criminal record background check is compulsory for all, with or without a permit.

Do I Need A Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property In Florida?

No, as long as you are in your home of residence, or any property that you own or occupy either by leasing or renting, you do not need a permit to possess firearms.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For Florida Pistol Permit?

Yes. The state has a list of licensed firearm training that you can enroll for before applying for a firearm permit.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In Florida?

The processing period for a firearm permit is ninety days.

Is Florida A Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes. The state has preemption laws and reserves all rights to regulate the use and possession of firearms in all jurisdictions.

What Is The Minimum Age To Possess Firearms In Florida?

Eighteen years old.

Relevant Gun Permit Laws And Legislature In Florida

Some gun laws in Florida that relate to firearm permits in the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles

You can carry a firearm in a private car if you have a Florida pistol permit or that of any other state that Florida honors.

If you do not have a permit, then make sure that the firearm is securely concealed in a compartment or make sure that it is safe and not accessible for prompt use.

Places, where you can keep the firearm without a permit, include:

• Glove compartments
• Holsters
• Gun case
• A box with cover

[Fla. Stat. § 790.251]

[Fla. Stat. § 790.25(5)]

Possession Of Firearms In Road Side Areas

If you have a Florida gun permit or anyone from a state it honors, then you can legally possess firearms in roadside areas of the state.

Possession Of Firearms In Forests, Parks, And Wildlife Management Areas

With a Florida gun permit or that of any state that it honors, you can make use of firearms in forests, parks, and wildlife areas.

However, it is essential that you first enquire about this from the park’s management.

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurants And Bars That Serve Alcohol

According to [Fla. Stat. § 790.06(12)(a)(12)], you can only conceal carry in the eatery part os such venture if you have a Florida Gun Permit or that of any other state it honors, with exception to places that have signage prohibiting the possession of firearms in the premises.

However, Florida gun law prohibits the possession of firearms in bar areas.

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

The possession of firearms in hotels or similar establishments in the state is dependent on policies of the hotel management.

Regardless of if you are a permit holder or not, you must respect hotel policies for the possession of firearms.

Additional Resources

Florida Gun Laws
Florida Concealed Carry Laws
Florida Open Carry Laws