What Are the Concealed Carry Laws in Florida?

Your Second Amendment rights protect your right to carry a firearm for self-defense. The question is this — are there any limitations to the law?

While the Supreme Court has granted citizens the right to carry firearms, there are limits to this right. Individual states have different laws governing the possession and carrying of weapons. Florida allows individuals to carry firearms and requires a concealed carry permit to have a gun on your person.

How to obtain a carry license in Florida?

You must meet specific criteria to obtain a concealed carry license in Florida. Among these criteria are the following:

• You must be at least 21 years old (unless in the armed forces).
• You must be an American Citizen or a lawful permanent resident alien residing in the U.S. at the time of application.
• To prove competency, you must present a certificate of completion from a licensed firearms training class.
• You must not have a criminal record that would disqualify you.

Certain criminal convictions and charges will bar you from obtaining a concealed carry permit. For example, if you have a misdemeanor on your record, you must wait three years to apply for a license. However, if the misdemeanor conviction is for domestic violence, you are not eligible for a permit due to the nature of the offense.

Lastly, if you have a Florida felony or federal felony conviction, you are ineligible for a permit. You will have to seek to restore your rights by the Governor to obtain a concealed firearms permit. However, if you received a withhold adjudication, you must wait three years before applying for a license.

Consult with your criminal lawyer in Miami, FL, to ensure you are eligible for a permit.

What are the risks of carrying a firearm without a permit in Florida?

Without a concealed carry permit, carrying a weapon on your person is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Carrying a firearm without a concealed carry permit is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

For example, let's say you are driving with the gun in the center console and do not possess concealed carry permit. Due to the ease with which that gun is accessible, you can be arrested. However, if the weapon is in its case and stored in the glove compartment, it is not easily accessible. You are within your rights in such a case.

As long as you have your permit on you, you can carry the firearm into stores, restaurants, and gas stations, among other places. Because the welfare of those around you is always a concern, practicing responsible gun ownership and concealment are always necessary to minimize your risks of running into trouble with the law.

Note: Bear in mind that firearms are prohibited even with a concealed carry permit in some places. These include police stations, detention facilities, courthouses, schools and universities, and airports.

Firearm laws, both federally and statewide, are complex. There are restrictions to getting a concealed carry license permit and allowing gun store owners to sell you a firearm or ammunition. To better understand your Second Amendment rights, understand firearm laws, and obtain a strong defense if ever charged with a firearm offense, go online and type in "who is the best criminal lawyer near me?"

If you are charged with carrying a concealed weapon or firearm, contact our office immediately at 305-521-0484. To gain a better understanding of your Second Amendment rights, firearm laws, and how to build a strong defense if charged with a firearm offense, search online for "who is the best criminal lawyer near me."

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