CURRENTLY THERE ARE 3 OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM TO APPLY FOR YOUR FLORIDA CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT: APPLYING IN PERSON 1. Call the Florida Department of Agriculture and schedule an appointment to apply for your Florida Concealed Weapon Permit. Click here to find the Regional Office nearest you (https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Licensing/Regional-Offices)​ *** Pro tip: Use the live chat on the Florida Department of Agriculture website to set your appointment, click here. (https://www.fdacs.gov/) 2. Heres what you need to bring with you: ​ • A picture ID (a drivers license or passport) • A copy of a training document or other certificate that confirms that you are proficient with a firearm • Your payment. The Department of Agriculture accepts personal checks, cashiers check, money order, or credit or debit card. The total payment is $97. • Citizen/Residency Documentation (if applicable) • Court documentation reflecting final dispositions of any arrests (if applicable) ​ 3. What will happen at the Department of Agriculture: ​ • A staff member will direct you to a computer station where you will complete an online application form. • Staff will review your application for completeness. • Staff will take your photograph and scan your fingerprints ​ 4. How long will it take to receive your license: ​ • You should be able to complete the entire process of applying for a new license in twenty minutes or less. Your application will then be sent to Tallahassee for processing. • The turnaround for processing a new concealed weapon license is approximately 50 to 55 days. Please be aware that BY LAW the department has 90 days from the date they receive a complete application to either issue a license or deny an application. APPLYING ONLINE 1. Click here (https://laso.freshfromflorida.com/)to fill out the online application. 2. Heres what you need to submit with your application you: ​ • A picture ID (a drivers license or passport) • A copy of your Certificate of Completion from Top Shot Firearms Academy • Citizen/Residency Documentation (if applicable) • Court documentation reflecting final dispositions of any arrests (if applicable) • A digital, passport-style photo taken within the past 30 days • Please see instructions on fingerprint submission, click here.(https://laso.freshfromflorida.com/documentTemplates/LASO_FP_Instructions.pdf) • A credit or debit card for payment ​ 3. How long will it take to receive your Concealed Weapon License? ​ • The turnaround for processing a new concealed weapon license is approximately 50 to 55 days. Please be aware that BY LAW the department has 90 days from the date they receive a complete application to either issue a license or deny an application. 4. Something IMPORTANT to keep in mind: ​ ​Write down the tracking number of your application for your records. This is the number you use to obtain information concerning the status of your application as it is being processed.​ APPLYING BY MAIL 1. Download and fill out a Florida Concealed Weapons Permit Application. Click here (https://licensing.freshfromflorida.com/forms/DownloadTrkNumPDF.aspx?APPTYPE=CW&STARTPAGE=1)to download your application 2. Heres what you need to submit with your application you: ​ • A copy of your picture ID (a drivers license or passport) • A copy of your Certificate of Completion from Top Shot Firearms Academy • Citizen/Residency Documentation (if applicable) • Court documentation reflecting final dispositions of any arrests (if applicable) • Passport photo taken within the past 30 days • A complete, legible set of fingerprints or a copy of your receipt for your electronic fingerprint submission. (This can be done at your local sheriffs office) • A check or money order for the appropriate fees ($97) ​ 3. Complete your application fully and mail it to the address below: ​ Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Licensing P.O. Box 6687 Tallahassee, FL 32314-6687 4. How long will it take to receive your license: ​ • You should be able to complete the entire process of applying for a new license in twenty minutes or less. Your application will then be sent to Tallahassee for processing. • The turnaround for processing a new concealed weapon license is approximately 50 to 55 days. Please be aware that BY LAW the department has 90 days from the date they receive a complete application to either issue a license or deny an application. 5. Something IMPORTANT to keep in mind: ​ ​Write down the tracking number of your application for your records. This is the number you use to obtain information concerning the status of your application as it is being processed.​

Legal Compliance The primary reason to obtain a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit is to comply with state and local laws. • Permit-Required States: In states like California and Pennsylvania, carrying a concealed handgun in public without a valid permit is a crime, which could result in misdemeanor or felony charges. • Permitless Carry States: In many other states (currently 27), a permit is not legally required for eligible individuals to carry a concealed firearm. Location-Specific Requirements: Even in permitless carry states, a permit or license may be needed for specific locations, such as sensitive government buildings, schools, or to carry in certain areas where permitless carry is restricted. Interstate Travel: A permit from your home state may be recognized by other states through reciprocity agreements, allowing you to legally carry when traveling across state lines. The rules vary widely by state, so checking local laws before traveling is essential. Practical and Personal Reasons Beyond legal requirements, individuals often seek permits for the following reasons: • Personal Protection and Self-Defense: Many people want the ability to defend themselves, their loved ones, or innocent bystanders in a critical situation, particularly when a timely law enforcement response may be delayed. • Legal Peace of Mind: A permit provides legal clarity and protection from potential charges related to the unlawful carrying or transport of a firearm. • Professional Training: The application process often mandates certified training courses that cover firearm handling, gun safety, legal education, and scenario-based training. This instruction enhances an individual's skills and understanding of their rights and responsibilities. • Easier Firearm Transport: A permit can simplify the legal requirements for transporting a firearm in a vehicle, potentially allowing the weapon to be loaded and more accessible than if it had to be unloaded and locked in a container. • Exemption from Purchase Requirements: In some states, having a CCW permit can exempt the holder from certain other bureaucratic hurdles, such as the need for a separate Firearm Safety Certificate when purchasing a new gun. Ultimately, the decision to obtain a concealed carry permit is a personal one based on an individual's location, lifestyle, and sense of personal responsibility for their own safety. You can research specific state laws and permit requirements through the USCCA Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map or your state's Department of Justice or State Police websites.