The state has a specific set of requirements that must be met in order for you to get a concealed weapon or firearm license in Florida. Once you meet the following requirements, you must apply for
Age: While it is important for kids, teens and young adults to learn firearms safety, you must be 21 or older to apply for a concealed weapon permit in Florida.
Residency: You must currently live in the United States and be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien. There is an exception if you are serving overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces. In that case you will need to submit a copy of your deployment documentation with your application. Individuals who are Resident Aliens must provide a valid Permanent Resident Alien card.
Legal Rights: You must not be ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to s. 790.23 by virtue of having been convicted of a felony. However, if more than 3 years have passed since you've
Competency: You must be able to demonstrate competency with a firearm. The state accepts evidence of Successful Completion of the Concealed Carry Course by a state certified or NRA certified firearms instructor - which is one of the courses provide by Availing Security & Firearms Protection!
Classes generally last 2 - 3 hours, depending on the number of attendees and your prior experience or familiarity with firearms. We take as much time as needed in each session to ensure every individual leaves with the confidence that you know how to safely operate a firearm. We generally hold our classes on-site at the Orlando Gun Club in Ocoee.
The first portion of the class consists of learning practical knowledge around your rights, the law and technical information about how and when it is appropriate to carry and discharge your firearm. This is done in a causal, conversational setting. Don't worry, there is no test at the end.
The second portion of the class is conducted on the range where you will gain hands-on experience with holding and firing a weapon under the instruction of an NRA certified firearms instructor.
Florida Department of C and S (FDACS) lists a felony conviction as a possible reason for ineligibility. However, if you have had your civil and firearm rights restored by the convicting authority, you should be eligible to apply for and obtain your concealed carry permit in the State of Florida.
If you have ever been arrested, you should bring certified copies of the court documentation reflecting the final disposition of the charge(s) filed against you.
Click here for info about disqualifying conditions
Determine if you are eligible for a concealed weapon license by answering a few simple questions.
You can apply for a concealed weapon license in person or by mail.
To apply in person: Make an appointment at a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regional office or an authorized Florida tax collector's office in your area. Many of our students have had a fast and easy experience with walk-in appointments at the Lake County Tax Collector's Office in Clermont.
You do not need to complete an application form prior to your appointment. At the time of your appointment, you will complete the digital application and submit the requested documents for review. They will take your photograph and scan your fingerprints.
What to Bring:
Your photo ID - Driver's license or state-issued identification card is generally acceptable
A copy of your Training Certificate provided by Availing Security & Firearms Protection, which affirms that you are proficient with a firearm.
Payment. See Licensing fees [ pdf 238 KB ]
Depending on your situation, you may also need to bring the following
Proof of name change, such as marriage certificate, divorce decree or court documentation.
If you have ever been arrested, you should bring certified copies of the court documentation reflecting the final disposition of the charge(s) filed against you.
If you were born outside the United States, or if you are a permanent legal resident alien, you will need to bring official documentation with you that confirms your citizenship status.
If you are currently employed as a law enforcement officer, correctional officer or correctional probation officer with a Florida law enforcement agency and you are applying as such, you will need to provide a copy of an official document stating that you are currently employed with that agency as such.
If you are a retired law enforcement officer, correctional officer or correctional probation officer from a Florida law enforcement agency and you are applying as such, you will need to provide a copy of an official document that includes your date of retirement and the agency from which you retired. This does not extend to federal law enforcement or out-of-state law enforcement retirees.
To apply by mail:
Download the Application Instructions [ pdf 590 KB ] .
Download a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Application.
Schedule an appointment at your local sheriff's office or police department to submit fingerprints (cost should be no more than $5)
Complete your application and mail it to the address below:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesDivision of LicensingP.O. Box 6687Tallahassee, FL 32314-6687You can check the status of your application here: https://licensing.freshfromflorida.com/CWStatusCheck/CWStatusChk.aspx
An individual with a license to carry a concealed weapon in the state of Florida may legally do so in any public space, including the legal right to carry or store a firearm in a vehicle for lawful purposes.
You may, for the purposes of safety, security, personal protection, or any other lawful purpose, carry a concealed weapon or firearm on property owned, rented, leased, borrowed, or lawfully used by a church, synagogue, or other religious institution. However, your right to carry does not limit the private property rights of a church, synagogue, or other religious institution to exercise control over their property.
There are some places lawfully licensed individuals are NOT authorized to open carry or carry a concealed weapon or firearm. These include the following:
Police Station - Police, sheriff, or highway patrol station
Prisons - Jail, Prison or Detention Centers
Court - Courthouse or courtroom (unless you're a judge!)
Polling places
Public Meetings - County, public school district, municipality, or local or federal legislature /government meetings
Schools - Elementary or secondary schools, school administrative buildings and facilities
Colleges - Any college or university facility. Exception: if licensee is a registered student, employee, or faculty member of such college or university and the weapon is a stun gun or nonlethal electric weapon or device designed solely for defensive purposes and the weapon does not fire a dart or projectile.
Sporting Events - College or professional athletic event not related to firearms
Career centers
Bars - Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose
Airports - The inside of the passenger terminal and sterile area of any airport. However, you may carrying any legal firearm into the terminal if encased for shipment for purposes of checking such firearm as baggage to be lawfully transported on any aircraft
Any other place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.
Reference: Florida Statutes 790.06 - License to carry concealed weapon or firearm.
All classes are taught by by our NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, Jay Griffin. Upon successful completion of the class you registered for, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement which meets the Florida requirement for the concealed weapons license application.
All our classes include range time, ammo and the use of safety protection for eyes and ears.
First time students will receive a 1 year member to the NRA.
You should come to class with an open mind, prepared to learn. For your safety we ask that you do not wear the following:
Flip-flop sandals or open-toed shoes
Short shorts, skirts
Tank tops and spaghetti straps
V-neck, low-cut shirts
Heavy clothing that weighs you down or overheats you
Clothes that you do not want to get dirty. (CLP and grease can ruin fabric.)
Anything that could potentially interfere with your safety.
We highly recommend wearing or bringing a long-sleeve crew neck shirt, to minimize your arms from exposure to gun powder/lead residue and hot shell casing burns.
You may bring your own firearm and ammo, however all firearms and magazines must be unloaded before entering the facilities.
We do offer the Intro to the Basics of Firearm Safety & Shooting Class for students who would like hands-on training with a variety of firearms. (provided by Availing Security)
You can always contact us in advance to inquire about training on a specific firearm or type of weapon.
For license to use photos, or for quotes or media inquiries, email info@availingsecurity.com