Florida residents can conceal carry a weapon starting July 1, but there are rules

Starting from July 1, Florida residents are legally allowed to carry a firearm without a permit, although there are numerous exceptions and regulations associated with the new legislation.

Florida, the 26th state that does not mandate a concealed firearms permit, enacted it swiftly as Governor DeSantis signed it into law, and the Florida Senate approved HB 543 in March.

Here are the guidelines if you intend to carry a hidden firearm.

Experts emphasize instruction: Firearm instruction is not mandatory under the permitless carry legislation, but experts strongly suggest it.

Key information: Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has approved a new bill allowing permitless carry. Here’s how it will affect you.

Currently, all 50 states, including Florida, allow the concealed carry of legally owned firearms. “Concealed carry” means that you can carry a firearm in public, but it requires a special license and training before it is allowed in Florida and some other states.

“Permitless carry” or “constitutional carry” allows both, without permits, licensing or training.

What were Florida’s gun laws on concealed carry before HB 543?

Prior to the enactment of HB 543, residents of Florida had to acquire a concealed weapon permit to possess a hidden firearm, with specific exemptions in place.

Here are the minimum eligibility requirements for Floridians applying for a concealed carry permit, as stated by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Florida.

Unless you are a servicemember defined in Section 250.01 of the Florida Statutes, you must be at least 21 years of age to be considered an honorable discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces.

You must fulfill the citizenship and residency prerequisites outlined in the legislation.

You must be able to provide a certificate of completion from a firearms training class or other acceptable evidence that documents your competency with a firearm.

You should not possess a disqualifying criminal history or any other circumstance that would render you ineligible for obtaining a license.

Brandon Girod and C.A. Bridges made contributions to this report.

What if I don’t live in Florida and want to conceal carry? Does Florida have reciprocity?

Yes, non-residents who are 21 years old or older and are not prevented by Florida law from possessing concealed weapons or firearms may carry them, regardless of being veterans or servicemembers who do not apply the age requirement.

What is legal age to carry a concealed weapon?

In order to possess a hidden firearm, individuals must be 21 years of age or above, emphasizing this requirement is one of the crucial regulations outlined by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in a Facebook post shared on Wednesday.

The proper utilization of a firearm cannot be hindered by a bodily disability for individuals who bear it. You must also possess lawful residency in the United States and a valid form of identification.

Do I need to take a concealed weapons class?

No longer will the training course and subsequent permit be necessary to carry a concealed firearm.

Nevertheless, the ECSO suggests that individuals should receive education regarding firearm safety.

“According to Robert Vincent, a retired U.S. Navy firearms instructor who offers firearms training, including concealed carry courses, in Pensacola for the organization Florida Gun Class, the key to gun ownership lies in the training. Vincent disclosed this information to the News Journal in April.”

Vincent expressed, “I unfortunately feel that applicants are decreasing because people are not willing to undergo the unnecessary training. I believe that the training should be offered to everyone without any limitations. I’m actually positive about the bill.”

Can I carry a concealed weapon anywhere in Florida?

Not exactly. The bill clearly states a long list of locations where carrying both open and concealed weapons is limited.

Any place that is defined as a nuisance, as per section 823.05, includes establishments such as gambling halls, illegal dens, prostitution parlors, and massage parlors where criminal activities occur, which clearly pose a threat to the health and well-being of the community and have a negative impact on community manners and morals.

Any police, sheriff, or highway patrol facility.

Any holding facility, correctional facility, or detention center.

Any courthouse.

Any court (although judges have the authority to carry hidden firearms or decide if someone else can).

Any voting location.

Any gathering of the governing authority of a county, public school district, city, or special district.

Any gathering of the Legislature or a committee of the Legislature.

Any educational institution, university, or professional sports event unrelated to firearms.

Any primary or high school facility or administration building.

Any employment hub.

Anywhere in a venue primarily dedicated to serving alcoholic beverages for consumption on-site.

Unless the individual is a registered licensee, either as a student, faculty member, or employee, an electric nonlethal weapon or stun gun, which is designed solely as a device or weapon for firing darts or projectiles, is not permitted on any university or college campus facility.

The inside of the passenger terminal and sterile area of any airport, unless it’s encased for shipment to be checked as baggage.

Any location where the possession of firearms is forbidden according to federal regulations.

Who cannot carry a concealed weapon?

Carrying a hidden weapon is prohibited for individuals who have been found guilty of a serious crime. The act of carrying a hidden weapon is not permitted for individuals who were found to have committed a serious crime but were under the age of 24.

Where can I get more information regarding permitless carry?

If you desire further information concerning Florida’s legislation regarding the transportation of firearms without a permit, kindly access the website for concise overviews of bills provided by the Florida Senate at flsenate.Gov/committees/billsummaries/2023.