Florida is a shall-issue, permitless carry state with concealed weapons licenses issued at the state level by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
There is no license, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. Buyers must be at least 21 years old to purchase any firearm and although several counties have enacted ordinances establishing waiting periods for some purchases from non-licensed sellers (often at gun shows), Florida Concealed Weapons License (CWL) holders are exempt.
Open carry is not legal in Florida, except for a few limited exceptions such as when engaged in fishing, camping, lawful hunting or target practice at an indoor range.
In September, the First District Court of Appeals found that the ban violated the Second Amendment, declaring that the right to bear arms in public includes the right to do so openly.
Concealed Carry is legal for residents with a Florida CWL and for non-residents with a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors. Permitless concealed carry is legal for anyone 21 years old or older and not prohibited by law to carry a firearm (SEE DISCLAIMER BELOW). The Florida CWL allows holders of the license to carry not only a handgun but also other weapons such as electronic weapons, tear gas guns, billie clubs and knives. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have completed a firearms training course, or be a current member of the military or an honorably discharged veteran.
***Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled on June 17, 2026, that Florida's ban on concealed carry by law-abiding adults aged 18–20 is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.
Where can I carry with my Florida permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Florida law.However, if any person having or carrying any dirk, sword, sword cane, firearm, electric weapon or device, or other weapon shall, in the presence of one or more persons, exhibit the same in a rude, careless, angry or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense, the person so offending shall be guilty of improper exhibition of a firearm.
preemption?
Yes. The state has full preemption over all gun laws for handguns and long guns. In addition, a local official who knowingly and willfully violates the statute shall be fined up to $5,000; may not be indemnified for the costs of defending himself or herself; and may be removed from office by the governor. Per the passage of SB 1884, as of July 1, 2021, a person can maintain a legal action against a preempted local regulation applies even if the local regulation is unwritten.
driver's license linked to weapons license?
No. Your Florida driver’s license is not linked to your Florida concealed weapons license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Florida, unless the officer asks.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
No. Florida does not enforce "No Weapons Allowed" signs.
red flag law?
Yes. Florida has a red flag law. A petition for a risk protection order may be filed by a law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency prohibiting the respondent from having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving, a firearm or any ammunition for up to 12 months.
non-resident permitting?
Yes. Florida issues licenses to non-residents.
carry while using alcohol or chemical substances?
A person may not discharge a firearm or have a loaded firearm in the person’s hand while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance set forth in § 877.111, or any substance controlled under § 893, when affected to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired. However, this statute does not apply to persons exercising lawful self-defense or defense of one’s property.
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No, however the information is available for law enforcement.
Carry Basics
weapons other than handguns allowed?
Yes. Electronic weapons or devices, tear gas guns, knives and billies.
magazine limits for handguns?
No. Florida does not restrict the capacity of magazines for firearms.
ammunition restrictions?
Yes. Armor-piercing bullets, exploding bullets, “dragon’s breath” shotgun shells, bolo shells and flechette shells are prohibited.
gun permit licensure?
Shall issue. Florida utilizes a shall-issue policy when assigning concealed carry licenses.
non-lethal weapons
STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license. They can be openly carried for defensive purposes. However, they are not allowed at school-sponsored events or on the property of any school, school bus, or school bus stop without authorization.
A nonlethal stun gun or dart-firing stun gun or other nonlethal electric weapon or device that is designed solely for defensive purposes can be carried in a concealed manner without a license.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Florida law allows individuals to carry pepper spray without a permit as long as the container does not exceed 2 ounces. Misuse can result in misdemeanor charges.
TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense purposes but subject to similar restricitions as pepper spray. Larger containers may require permits.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes against wildlife. There are nos state-specific restricitions, but misuse against humans could lead to criminal charges.
BLUGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry in Florida. Unlike some states, Florida does not classify batons as "dangerous weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.
Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal to own and carry without restricitions.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal to own in Florida; but, carrying brass knuckles concealed without a permit is illegal. Concealed carry of brass knuckles requires a valid weapons permit under Florida law. Misuse can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances.
constitutional carry?
Yes, anyone 21 years old or older who can legally possess a firearm, may concealed carry a firearm without a permit.
***Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled on June 17, 2026, that Florida's ban on concealed carry by law-abiding adults aged 18–20 is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.
open carry permitted?
Generally no. Persons licensed to carry a concealed firearm in Florida who possess a firearm in a concealed manner may “briefly and openly display” the firearm to the ordinary sight of another person, unless the gun is intentionally displayed in an angry or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense. In addition, there are a few exceptions including the following:
Fla. §§ 790.053 and 790.25(1)]
byrna's?
Yes, these are legal for purchase and possession by civilians. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Florida law, meaning they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit. Misuse or use during criminal acts may result in charges.
minimum age for concealed carry?
The minimum age for concealed carry in Florida is 21 years old, or a member of the military or an honorably discharged veteran.
***Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled on June 17, 2026, that Florida's ban on concealed carry by law-abiding adults aged 18–20 is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
florida license exempts from background check?
No.
possess a handgun on my private property without a license?
Yes. Anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm may open or conceal carry in his or her home or place of business without a license.
minimum age to possess and transport?
You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Florida, except in the following situations.
A minor under 18 years of age may not possess a firearm, other than an unloaded firearm at his or her home, unless:
[Fla. Stat. §§790.17 and 790.22]
background checks for private gun sales?
No. Florida has no law requiring a background check on the purchaser of a firearm when the seller is not a licensed dealer. However, the Florida Constitution states the following:
"Each county shall have the authority to require a criminal history records check and a three to five day waiting period (excluding weekends and legal holidays) in connection with the sale of any firearm occurring within such county. For purposes of this subsection, the term 'sale' means the transfer of money or other valuable consideration for any firearm when any part of the transaction is conducted on property to which the public has the right of access. Holders of a concealed weapons license as prescribed by general law shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection when purchasing a firearm."
purchase permits?
No. A permit is not required when purchasing a handgun in Florida. The minimum age to purchase a firearm is 21.
waiting period?
Yes, it is either 3 business days or the time it takes to complete the required criminal background check — whichever occurs later. However, the waiting period does not apply to holders of concealed weapons licenses.
handgun registration?
No. Florida does not require handgun registration.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Florida Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
carry while gun hunting?
Yes. with a Florida Concealed Weapons License or a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors. A person engaged in fishing, camping, or lawful hunting or going to or returning from a fishing, camping, or lawful hunting expedition may own, possess, and lawfully use firearms and other weapons, ammunition, and supplies for lawful purposes.
what are the knife laws in florida?
Open carry of knives is legal. All types of knives are legal with the exception of ballistic knives. Ordinary pocket knives with blades less than 4 inches in length can be carried in a concealed manner without a license. Anything 4 inches or longer requires a license in order to carry concealed.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. A person may not intentionally, within a publicly or privately owned wildlife management or fish management area or on any state-owned water body interfere with or attempt to prevent the lawful taking of fish, game, or non-game animals by another.
possess firearms at walt disney resorts?
No. Firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons of any kind are prohibited at all Walt Disney World Resorts. This includes parking areas.
wear a covid mask & carry?
The following statutes were identified that apply when masks are worn with the intent to deprive any person or class of persons of their civil rights. Both the Fort Myers Police Department and Hillsborough County officials have clarified that there is no law against carrying a gun while wearing a mask.
carry while bow hunting?
Yes. with a Florida Concealed Weapons License or a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors.
Processing Time:
90 days
Fees:
$97, however the Tax Collector may add a $12 - $22 convenience fee.
License renewals are $45 for residents and $87 (includes $42 fingerprint processing fee) for non-residents.
Lost/Stolen Licenses:
In the event that your license is lost or destroyed, your license automatically becomes invalid, and you must request a duplicate within 30 days. Duplicate licenses will be provided upon furnishing a notarized statement stating that your license has been lost or destroyed and a payment of $15 to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Mail your request to:
Division of Licensing P.O. Box 6387Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387
Residency Changes:
Moving to Florida and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?Florida issues licenses to residents and non-residents. You can apply for your Florida resident license once you have registered to vote, made a statement of domicile or filed for a homestead tax exemption on property in Florida. If you have a valid concealed carry license issued in your former home state, that license remains in effect for 90 days following the date on which you establish legal state residence in Florida.
Moving from Florida and have a Florida resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Florida license remains valid?If a person with a Florida concealed weapons license establishes residency in another state, the license is valid until it expires provided you notify the Division of Licensing of your change of address as required.
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:
Florida issues licenses to non-residents.The process is the same as for residents.
Valid For:
7 years
Name/Address Changes:
Notify the Division of Licensing in writing within 30 days after a change of address. You may change your address online or submit your notification to us in writing at the following address:
Division of LicensingP.O.Box 6387Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387
The law does not require you to obtain a revised license after a change of address so you may continue to carry your current license until it expires. If, however, you would like a revised license, please send a written request with a check or money order in the amount of $15 made payable to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You do not need to send a passport-type color photograph until it is time to renew your license.
For name changes, provide a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court documentation.
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Florida.
Step 1:
Complete a firearm training course within one year of your application, if required. You may apply by mail, in person or online.
Step 2:
Make an appointment to complete the online application at either a FDACS Regional Office or a Tax Collector’s Office.There is no need to complete an application in advance.
If you are applying by mail, you will need to schedule an appointment at your local sheriff's office or police department to submit fingerprints. Further information regarding applying by mail can be found here.
Step 3:
For in-person applications, you will need to go to your appointment. You will complete your application at a computer station. You will need the following documents:
Staff will take your fingerprints and your photo. Out-of-state residents can submit electronic fingerprints or paper fingerprint cards completed at your local law enforcement agency. You will also need to submit a passport-style photo.Pay the fee.
Step 4:
Some counties may require you to take a psychological test to assess your moral character and judgment.
Step 5:
FDACS has 90 days after receipt of a complete application to either issue a license or deny the application.
Learn about the issues that may result in processing delays or check the status of your application.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
Yes. No public or private employer may prohibit a customer, employee or invitee from possessing a legally owned firearm or ammunition locked inside or locked to a private motor vehicle in a parking lot. In addition, no employer may inquire regarding the presence of a firearm or ammunition inside or locked to a private motor vehicle in a parking lot or search a private motor vehicle in a parking lot to ascertain the presence of a firearm within the vehicle. Further, no employer may take any action against a customer, employee or invitee based upon verbal or written statements of any party concerning possession of a firearm or ammunition stored inside a private motor vehicle in a parking lot for lawful purposes.
Employers may not condition employment on whether the applicant possesses a license to carry a concealed firearm or on the existence of an agreement by the applicant not to possess a firearm or ammunition in a locked vehicle in a parking lot.
There are exceptions for correctional institutions, nuclear-powered electricity generation facilities, national defense businesses, aerospace businesses, homeland security businesses, and businesses that involve the manufacture, use, storage, or transportation of combustible or explosive materials. Please note that School districts may adopt written and published policies that prohibit the possession of concealed firearms within the interior of a private vehicle for the purposes of student and campus parking privileges.
tribal land
(1) The State of Florida hereby assumes jurisdiction over criminal offenses committed by or against Indians or other persons within Indian reservations and over civil causes of actions between Indians or other persons or to which Indians or other persons are parties rising within Indian reservations
(2) The civil and criminal laws of Florida shall obtain on all Indian reservations in this state and shall be enforced in the same manner as elsewhere throughout the state. § 4-1-126
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Yes, with a Florida Concealed Weapons License or a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors except as forbidden by federal law. See the National Parks webpage for links to each National Park in Florida. Furthermore, Florida state law allows open carry while engaged in fishing, camping or lawful hunting.
carry/possess at a hotel?
Florida statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
carry in vehicle?
Yes.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes. with a Florida Concealed Weapons License or a CCW permit from a state that Florida honors.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol with a Florida concealed carry license or a permit/license from a state that Florida honors, unless posted. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
Use of Force
A person is justified in using or threatening to use force, except deadly force, when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other’s imminent use of unlawful force. A person who uses or threatens to use force in accordance with this subsection does not have a duty to retreat before using or threatening to use such force.
Self-Defense
Florida is a Castle Doctrine state. Under Florida law, there is no duty to retreat if you are attacked in any place you have a lawful right to be. Instead, you may stand your ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to yourself or others.
Use of Deadly Force
A person is justified in using deadly force if he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony or to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another. A person who uses or threatens to use deadly force in accordance with this subsection does not have a duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground provided that the person is not engaged in a criminal activity and is in a place where he or she has a right to be.
The use of deadly force is further justified when a person is resisting any attempt to murder such person or to commit any felony upon him or her or upon or in any dwelling house in which the person is located. If the defendant is in his or her home or vehicle, the law will presume that the defendant had a reasonable fear of imminent death or bodily harm if the alleged perpetrator unlawfully entered or remained or attempted to remove another person against their will. A person who unlawfully and by force enters or attempts to enter another’s home or vehicle is furthermore presumed to be doing so with the intent to commit an unlawful act involving force or violence.
Florida Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-03
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2024-11-22
Added Tribal Land section under carry location section
2023-07-01
Added Constitutional Carry information
2023-04-03
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 543 into law
2023-04-03
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 543 into law
2021-07-01
Updated info on church carry based on the passage of HB-259 in Location Restrictions
2021-05-17
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance tabl
2021-05-10
Updated preemption info based on the Signing of SB 1884, to At A Glance table
2021-03-26
Updated the reciprocity map to show that FL honors WI permits
2021-03-03
Added info about firearms at Disney Resorts in the FAQ section
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