How to Apply for a Florida Concealed Weapons License Online

Most Florida residents are eligible to carry a concealed weapon.

Florida residents are allowed to carry concealed weapons if they have a permit issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. According to Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner of the FDACS, "Applying for a license to carry a concealed weapon for self-defense is a right of law-abiding Floridians. However, the use of a concealed weapon is regulated by other provisions of Florida law." Even with a concealed weapons license there are locations where the possession of a concealed weapon is restricted. On June 11, 2008 the state of Florida began issuing concealed weapons licenses that are valid for seven years.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Who is eligible?

1. 

   Applying online requires several steps.

   In order to apply for a concealed weapons license, an application must be submitted to the state. Applications are available online by following the second Resources link below or by contacting any FDACS regional office. Note that while applying for a license to carry a concealed weapon for self-defense is a right of all law-abiding Floridians, there are minimum qualifications that must be met in order for the application to be accepted. Common reasons for rejection include: physical inability to handle a firearm safely; felony conviction unless civil and firearm rights have been restored by the convicting authority; having adjudication withheld or sentence suspended on a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence unless three years have elapsed since probation or other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled; a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of violence in the last three years; a conviction for violation of controlled-substance laws or multiple arrests for such offenses; a record of drug or alcohol abuse; two or more DUI convictions within the previous three years; being committed to a mental institution or adjudged incompetent or mentally defective; failure to provide proof of proficiency with a firearm; having been issued a domestic violence injunction or an injunction against repeat violence that is currently in force; renouncement of U.S. citizenship; a dishonorable discharge from the armed forces and being a fugitive from justice.

   Assuming you are eligible, you will have to provide fingerprints and pay application and other fees, which vary according to your classification.

2. Once an application to obtain a concealed weapons license has been submitted, it is important to track the progress of the application. The Division of Licensing in Tallahassee can take up to thirty days to input application information into their database. Keep in mind that even though you apply online, applicant information is protected. Tracking the status of a concealed weapons license application can be done online or by phone. Call the Public Inquiry Section of the Division of Licensing at 850-245-5691 or go to the first link provided under Resources below.

3. 

   Florida bans concealed weapons in courts, jails, schools and other locations.

   Once an applicant has received her concealed weapons license, the license will be valid for seven years. Keep in mind that even with a concealed weapons license there are places where a concealed weapon is not permitted. These include police stations, jails, courtrooms, schools and airports. The state will send the license holder a renewal form along with instructions about how to renew the license one hundred and fifty days prior to the expiration of the concealed weapons license. It's important for license holders to complete and return the renewal form to the State of Florida immediately. If a license holder fails to renew the license by the expiration date, he will usually have to reapply for a concealed-carry license and will not be allowed to carry a concealed weapon until a new license is granted.

References

• Concealed Weapon or Firearm Program
• Online Concealed Weapons License Class
• Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License

Resources

• FDACS Division of Licensing
• Florida Concealed Weapons License Application