Florida carry status overview
Florida is a permitless carry state. Under HB 543, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on March 24, 2023, and effective July 1, 2023, residents and non-residents who are 21 years of age or older and legally eligible to possess a firearm may carry a concealed weapon or firearm without first obtaining a Florida Concealed Weapon License (CWL).
Florida joined 28 other states in allowing permitless carry. The underlying Florida Concealed Weapon License program was not eliminated — the CWL remains available and is strongly recommended for anyone who travels, as it is honored by 37+ other states for reciprocity purposes.
| Permitless (constitutional) carry | Yes — effective July 1, 2023 |
| Governing law | Chapter 790, Florida Statutes |
| Minimum age (permitless) | 21 years oldActive military and veterans may qualify at 18 — verify with FDACS |
| Open carry | Lawful statewide§ 790.053 held unconstitutional in McDaniels v. State (Fla. 1st DCA, Sept 10, 2025); Attorney General directed statewide non-enforcement. Location restrictions in § 790.06(12) still apply. |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed — must be "securely encased"§ 790.25(5) — glove box, zippered bag, closed container, or snapped holster |
| Permit available | Yes — Florida CWL, issued by FDACS |
| Non-resident carry | Yes — same 21+ eligibility requirements apply |
Florida Concealed Weapon License (CWL)
Although no permit is required to carry in Florida, the Florida Concealed Weapon License (CWL) remains available and is issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The CWL is strongly recommended for Florida residents who travel to other states, as it provides legal carry privileges in reciprocity states that would otherwise require a permit.
| Issuing agency | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) |
| Application website | fdacs.gov — Concealed Weapon License |
| Minimum age | 21 (18 for active military with orders) |
| Initial fee | $97 |
| Renewal fee | $45 (every 7 years) |
| Processing time | Typically 50–90 days |
| Training required | Yes — proof of firearm safety or training course |
| Background check | Yes — FDLE and FBI |
| Validity | 7 years |
Training documentation acceptable to FDACS includes a hunter education course, NRA safety course, military service, law enforcement service, or completion of a licensed firearms instructor course. Check FDACS for the current approved list.
Vehicle carry in Florida
Florida law (§ 790.25) allows a firearm to be carried in a vehicle by any person 21 or older who is legally eligible to possess it. The firearm must be "securely encased" — a term defined by Florida law to mean enclosed in a glove compartment (whether locked or unlocked), a snapped holster, a gun case, a zippered bag, or a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access.
A firearm does not need to be unloaded when stored in a vehicle — only securely encased. This standard applies equally to driver and passengers.
Traveling through Florida: Non-residents traveling through Florida with a firearm should be aware that Florida law applies to everyone within the state. If you do not have a Florida CWL or a permit from a state Florida honors, the securely-encased standard still applies to in-vehicle carry.
Open carry in Florida — changed in September 2025
Florida’s long-standing open-carry ban (§ 790.053, enacted 1987) was held unconstitutional under the Second Amendment in McDaniels v. State (Florida First District Court of Appeal, September 10, 2025). The Attorney General declined to appeal, issued guidance on September 15, 2025 directing prosecutors and law enforcement statewide not to enforce the ban, and the appeal deadline lapsed on September 25, 2025. Open carry by eligible adults is now lawful in practice throughout Florida.
Important nuances that remain true after McDaniels:
- The statute itself remains on the books pending legislative cleanup — the change came by court ruling and executive non-enforcement guidance, not repeal.
- All prohibited-location restrictions in § 790.06(12) still apply to open and concealed carry alike (schools, courthouses, polling places, bar areas of establishments serving alcohol, and more).
- Displaying a firearm in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner remains a crime (§ 790.10).
- Private property owners and businesses may still prohibit firearms on their premises; refusing to leave can be charged as armed trespass.
- The ruling conflicts with the Florida Supreme Court’s 2017 Norman v. State decision, so further litigation or codifying legislation is possible — check current status before relying on this.
Sources: Florida Attorney General — opinion discussing McDaniels ↗ · McDaniels v. State opinion ↗
Prohibited locations in Florida
Florida law (§ 790.06 and related statutes) prohibits concealed carry in the following locations, regardless of whether you have a CWL:
- Police, sheriff, or highway patrol stations
- Detention facilities, prisons, and jails
- Courthouses and courtrooms
- Polling places (during elections)
- Meetings of the Legislature or its committees
- School administration buildings
- K–12 school grounds (federal GFSZA applies)
- Career centers and vocational schools
- Collegiate sporting events
- Professional athletic events
- Establishments where alcohol is the primary business (e.g., bars)
- Airport secure areas (beyond security screening)
- Any place prohibited by federal law
- Any place posting a lawful prohibition notice
Important: Private property owners may prohibit carry on their property by posting notice or giving verbal notice. Concealed carry in such a location after notice is a misdemeanor.
College and university campuses: Florida law generally prohibits carry on the "grounds or facilities" of colleges and universities. There are specific exceptions; verify with your institution and with § 790.06.
Frequently asked questions — Florida
Does Florida require a permit to carry a concealed weapon?
No. As of July 1, 2023, Florida is a permitless carry state under HB 543. Any person 21 years of age or older who is legally eligible to possess a firearm may carry a concealed weapon without obtaining a Florida CWL. Note that you must still be legally permitted to possess the firearm — the permitless carry law does not override federal or state disqualifications (prior felony convictions, domestic violence restraining orders, etc.).
Is a Florida CWL still available and worth getting?
Yes, and for most Florida gun owners it is worth obtaining. Even though no permit is required to carry in Florida, the CWL is honored by 37+ other states for reciprocity. Without a Florida CWL, you may be unable to legally carry in those states even if you are eligible under their own laws. The CWL costs $97 and is valid for 7 years. Apply through FDACS online.
Can I carry in my car in Florida without a permit?
Yes. Under Florida § 790.25, any person 21+ who is legally eligible to possess a firearm may keep it in a vehicle as long as it is securely encased. This means stored in a glove compartment, zippered bag, closed box, snapped holster, or gun case. The firearm does not need to be unloaded. A permit is not required for this.
Can I open carry in Florida?
Generally no. Florida § 790.053 prohibits open carry of weapons in most public places. Limited exceptions exist for hunting, fishing, camping, shooting ranges, and similar activities. The 2023 permitless carry law expanded concealed carry — it did not change the open carry prohibition.
Can I carry in a bar or restaurant in Florida?
It depends on the establishment. Florida law prohibits carry in a place that is "primarily devoted to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages" (i.e., a bar where alcohol is the primary business). You may carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol, provided alcohol is not the primary business. However, private establishments can prohibit carry on their property. When in doubt, leave your firearm in the vehicle.
Does Florida honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Florida recognizes valid concealed carry licenses from states that meet the requirements of § 790.015 — specifically, states that require a background check for the license. Florida honors permits from numerous states. Check FDACS reciprocity list for the current complete list, as it changes periodically.
How long does a Florida CWL take to process?
FDACS is required by law to process applications within 90 days. In practice, processing times vary; many applicants receive approval in 50–70 days. You can apply online or in person at a Tax Collector office. FDACS provides an application tracker on their website.
Official sources
Related states
Other Southeast states with similar carry laws: