What You Need to Know About Florida's New Concealed Carry Law
Florida is one of our nation's most firearm-friendly states, but that doesn't mean it's a free-for-all. The United States Constitution allows states to restrict how firearms can be utilized to preserve public safety. Recently, the concealed carry law in Florida changed, and residents and non-residents of the state are no longer required to have a concealed carry permit in order to have a concealed weapon. However, residents and non-residents still must be able to follow the rules of appropriate concealed carrying and be qualified to do so.
Qualifications for Concealed Carry in Florida
While you are no longer required to carry a permit in Florida, it is advisable to obtain a permit if an individual intends to carry their weapon outside the state. Additionally, it is essential to know what qualifies someone to carry a weapon to avoid legal trouble.
To qualify for a permit in Florida, individuals must:
- Be a US resident and citizen or a permanent resident alien of the US
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be physically capable of safely handling a firearm
Certain circumstances automatically disqualify individuals from carrying a weapon. Individuals cannot carry a weapon if they do not meet any of the above qualifications, but also if they:
- Have been involuntarily committed for treatment of mental health defects
- Are under an active protection order (like a restraining order)
- Are an undocumented noncitizen
- Have renounced their United States citizenship
- Have a felony conviction
- Are a fugitive
- Unlawfully use controlled substances
- Were dishonorably discharged from the US armed forces
For a full range of guidelines, please review the resources available on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website.
When You Can Conceal Carry in Florida
The following are some of the circumstances in which you may carry a firearm in Florida:
- Within your own home.
- In your place of business, specifically, if you are a business owner. Note that if you are an employee, you should follow company policy.
- While hunting or in a shooting range, as well as while traveling to or from the location.
- While transporting a gun, so long as you are over the age of eighteen and the weapon is secured and not easily accessible for discharging.
- In circumstances that fall under the umbrella of stand-your-ground laws (for self-defense)
When You Cannot Conceal Carry in Florida
It is important to note that there are designated areas in which, regardless of whether or not the weapon is concealed, carrying a firearm is prohibited. These places include (but are not limited to):
- Police, highway patrol, or sheriff stations
- Any jail, prison, or detention facility
- Any courthouse or courtroom
- Any polling place
- Any meeting of a governing body (including legislatures, counties, public school districts, municipalities or special districts)
- Schools, universities, and colleges, as well as their administrative buildings or offices
- Professional athletic events (unless you are an athlete in an event that involves a firearm)
- Airports
- Theme parks
This is a partial list of places where it is not permitted to carry a weapon. You can find a complete list online from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Questions? Contact Peterford Law Today
Carrying a firearm or other weapon is an important responsibility. You want to do so safely and within the bounds of Palm Beach County law so you don't find yourself in trouble. If you have any questions or if you have found yourself in a position where you are being charged with a firearm-related crime, contact Peterford Law for help. With thousands of firearm law-related cases and years of experience, you will have the best possible team supporting you in building your case. Contact Peterford Law today for a free consultation.
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