Florida Guide

Last Updated: 02/26/2026

Note: This guide summarizes statewide requirements. Some specific locations (such as federal property, schools, airports, or tribal lands) may have additional restrictions. Always verify the latest laws with state agencies or legal counsel before purchasing or carrying. This information is provided for general guidance and is not legal advice.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Buying a Gun:

  • Minimum age: 21. Some exceptions for long guns exist.
  • Dealer sales background check: Required.
  • Waiting period: 3 days (excludes weekends/legal holidays).
  • Private sales: No background check required

Concealed Carry:

  • Permit required? No, Florida has permitless carry for those 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm. A Concealed Weapons and Firearms License (CWFL) is available and provides certain benefits.
  • Training required? Not required for permitless carry. However, training is required for obtaining a Concealed Weapons and Firearms License (CWFL).
  • Out-of-state permit recognition: Florida recognizes certain out-of-state concealed-weapon licenses; see FDACS reciprocity list.

Special Notes:

  • Florida has statewide preemption of firearm laws
  • No assault weapon or magazine capacity restrictions.
  • No firearm registration requirements.
  • Several legislative proposals have sought to change age/other rules; check statutes and agency pages for the latest.

How to Buy a Gun in Florida

Prerequisites

  • Age: 21. Exceptions apply for military and law enforcement personnel.
  • Residency: Federal law requires all handgun purchases to occur in your state of residency. Buyers must be U.S. citizens or legal residents. State residency is not required for long gun purchases from FFL dealers in Florida.
  • ID requirements: Valid and current government-issued ID. Further proof of residency may be required.
  • Prohibited-person highlights: Felons, domestic violence misdemeanors or restraining orders, unlawful drug users, fugitives, those adjudicated mentally defective or committed, and other federally prohibited categories.

Dealer Purchase Steps

  1. Visit a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer.
  2. Present valid ID, proof of residency, and complete the ATF Form 4473.
  3. Dealer conducts a background check through the Florida Firearm Purchase Program (FDLE/NICS).
  4. Observe the mandatory 3 day waiting period (excludes weekends/legal holidays). Exceptions exist for CWFL holders, handgun trades, military and law enforcement personnel and long gun purchases to individuals with certain state-certified training.
  5. If approved, after waiting period, complete the purchase.

Private Sales / Gun Shows

  • No background check is required for private, in-state sales between non-licensed individuals.
  • At gun shows, only sales by non-licensed attendees are treated as private sales; licensed dealers must run a background check and enforce the mandatory 3 day waiting period.
  • Federal prohibited-person rules still apply at gun shows and for private sales.

Special Categories / Exceptions

  • Long guns vs handguns vs NFA items: No special restrictions for long guns or handguns. NFA items (e.g., suppressors) are legal with the appropriate federal paperwork.
  • Non-resident purchases allowed only for long gun purchases and the purchaser must comply with federal law and the laws of their home state.

Waiting Period & Timing

  • Waiting period (days): 3 day waiting period (excludes weekends/legal holidays).
  • Notes / exceptions: Exceptions exist for CWFL holders, handgun trades, military and law enforcement personnel and long gun purchases to individuals with certain state-certified training.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

  • Ensure all information on the ATF Form 4473 is accurate to avoid delays.
  • Exceptions to waiting periods listed may not be complete, confirm with official sources.
  • Confirm dealer requirements for proof of residency.
  • If NICS is delayed, dealers may be required to hold the firearm per federal rules.
  • Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.
  • Marijuana users of any kind are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms. The ATF and many courts treat a medical marijuana card as presumptive evidence of unlawful use. Marijuana use while possessing a firearm is a felony, though recent court rulings are challenging this, and the Supreme Court has taken up a relevant case with a ruling likely in June or July of 2026.

How to Carry Concealed in Florida

System Type

  • Permitless carry. Legal for individuals 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm.
  • A Concealed Weapons and Firearms License is an available option and provides certain benefits like state reciprocity.

Prerequisites

  • Age: 21 years or older.
  • Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Residency of Florida not required.
  • Training: Not required for permitless carry. However, completion of a Concealed Weapons Permit Class (CWPC) is required for obtaining a Concealed Weapons and Firearms License (CWFL).
  • Disqualifying factors: Felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions, adjudicated mental incompetence, and any condition that makes the applicant prohibited under federal law (e.g., involuntary commitment or unlawful controlled substance use). This list is not exhaustive, consult an official resource.

Application Steps

  1. Fill out application online, via the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) website, in person at an FDACS office or at an authorized Florida tax collector’s office, or by mail through the FDACS.
  2. Provide fingerprints and passport-style photo (fingerprint processing fee applies).
  3. Submit proof of completion of an approved firearms training class (or qualifying exemption such as military service).
  4. Pay required fees.
  5. FDACS runs background checks; if approved, license is issued and mailed. License is valid for 7 years.

Training Requirements

  • Hours: No statutory hourly minimum stated as a universal floor for all providers in the application instructions — applicants must show competency (certificate from approved course, firearms safety course, hunter safety, military or law enforcement training accepted). Check FDACS guidance for a detailed list of accepted courses and minimum content.
  • Proficiencies required: Proof of competency (written or course certificate); live-fire may be an element of some approved courses but live fire is not universally mandated by the statute for all qualifying evidence.
  • Instructor certification: Course providers should be recognized/acceptable under FDACS rules (see FDACS application instructions).

Processing Time

  • Typically a few weeks. No more than 90 days,

License validity period

  • CWFLs are valid for 7 years.

Restrictions / Prohibited Places

  • Schools (K–12) and school grounds (including school-sponsored events).
  • Polling places on Election Day.
  • Courts, jails, and correctional facilities.
  • While posted “no guns” signs on private property carry no legal force, you may still be asked to leave.
  • Secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities, and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law.
  • Do not carry while intoxicated; carrying while intoxicated is illegal and punishable by law.
  • This is not exhaustive, consult your official resources.

Reciprocity

  • Out-of-state permits recognized: Yes, from states with which Florida has reciprocity agreements.
  • State permits recognized elsewhere? Yes, a Florida CWFL is recognized in many states.
  • Exceptions / caveats: Check FDACS reciprocity resources and each other state’s rules.

Denial & Appeal Process

  • Applicants denied receive notice; administrative appeal or reapplication options exist per FDACS rules and statute.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

  • Permitless carry is allowed for eligible adults 21 and older, but having a CWFL is still useful for reciprocity and purchase/exemption benefits.
  • Carrying in prohibited places can result in serious penalties.
  • Carrying while intoxicated can result in serious penalties.
  • Ensure your CWFL is renewed before expiration to avoid legal issues.
  • Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.

Associated Fees

  • Concealed Carry Permit (initial): State fees total $97 (breakdown: $55 application fee + $42 fingerprint processing) — plus local tax-collector convenience/service fees (commonly up to $22), making the typical total initial cost around $119 depending on county. License valid for 7 years.
  • Concealed Carry Permit Renewal: Resident renewal fee $45 (plus local convenience fee, commonly $12). Out-of-state renewal fee is typically higher depending on county.
  • Other Fees / Notes: Fingerprint processing (the $42 component) is separate; tax collector convenience fees vary by county. Training course costs vary greatly by provider due to the varied nature of qualifying courses.

Trans-Specific Considerations

Constitutional Carry as Trans: Avoiding Advanced Licenses

After careful consideration of the options available to trans people in potentially hostile constitutional carry states, Arm the Dolls strongly recommends relying on constitutional carry and avoiding optional permit applications.

In constitutional carry states, obtaining a concealed carry permit is optional for residents who wish to carry within the state. However, some states have documented practices of tracking trans people who interact with government identification and permitting systems, and this surveillance creates unacceptable privacy and safety risks both now and in the future.

In August 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety was directed by Attorney General Ken Paxton to track anyone who requests gender marker changes on state identification. DPS employees were instructed to forward names, driver’s license/ID numbers, and scanned court orders to an internal email address. This tracking includes people who simply asked questions about the process, not just those who submitted formal requests. As of August 2025, over 110 names have been collected on this list. The Attorney General’s office has refused to explain the purpose of this database or how the information will be used.

When you apply for an optional permit in a constitutional carry state, you voluntarily submit:

  • Personal identifying information (name, address, date of birth).
  • Documentation that may reveal your trans status (name change court orders, mismatched gender markers, etc.).

This information enters state databases controlled by agencies that may be led by officials hostile to trans people. In some states, these agencies have demonstrated a willingness to track and collect information about trans individuals for undisclosed purposes.

Constitutional carry allows trans people to exercise Second Amendment rights while avoiding unnecessary risk. By declining optional permits, you prevent creating records that connect your firearm ownership to your trans status, even if state agencies already have other documentation about you. There’s no reason to voluntarily add another data point to files that could be weaponized against you.

While advanced licenses provide benefits, you should be clear about whether those are benefits you require and will utilize. Interstate reciprocity and other benefits may be important, but they must be weighed against the potential weaponization of your data by a hostile administration. If your personal use case does not require the advantages of an advanced license and you can otherwise carry lawfully, we strongly recommend you rely on constitutional carry.

Name Changes in Progress

  • Firearm Purchases: Your ID must be current and valid at the time of purchase. If your name change is finalized but your ID has not yet been updated, you may face delays or denial. If possible, complete your ID update before attempting to purchase.
  • CWFL Applications: If you submit an application and your legal name changes during processing, notify your issuing authority immediately. Failure to update your information could result in application denial or a permit issued under an incorrect name, which may create legal complications when carrying.
  • Form 4473 Accuracy: The ATF Form 4473 must reflect your current legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID. The form also asks for sex information; at present, using the gender marker on your current government-issued ID is the standard practice. Using identifying information that does not match your ID could constitute providing false information and may result in denial or legal consequences.
  • Practical Implications:  It is important if at all possible to complete all legal name and gender marker changes and obtain updated government ID before beginning the firearms purchase or permit application process. This avoids potential complications with background checks and application processing.

Updating an Existing CWFL Permit After Name Change

  • Where to update: CWFL’s are updated through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Licensing
  • Required documentation: Be prepared to provide proof of your name change (court order, or other official documentation).
  • Update process: FDACS provides a website with specific guidance on updating your name on your CWFL (found here). The process involves submitting a written request and copy of the legal document granting your name change.
  • Processing fee: $15
  • Processing time: Up to 30 days, but not limited by statute (see note below).
  • Important notes on carrying: 
    • FDACS does not provide an online pathway to updating the name on your CFWL.
    • AtD Researchers reached out to the FDA to confirm processing times on name changes on 12/8/2025 because no information regarding processing time was otherwise available and were informed of the 30 day limit.
    • Your CCW permit should reflect your current legal name before you carry concealed. A mismatch between your ID and permit could create complications during a law enforcement encounter.

Notes:

  • As Florida does not allow for gender marker changes on government-issued IDs or birth certificates, there is no process for changing your gender marker on your CWFL.
  • There are ongoing regulatory developments regarding sex designation requirements on Form 4473. We are monitoring this situation and will update this guide as more information becomes available.

Florida-Specific Considerations

  • Local ordinance preemption: Yes, local governments cannot impose firearm regulations stricter than state law.
  • Assault weapons / magazine limits: No statewide assault-weapon ban or magazine cap beyond any established federal restrictions.
  • ERPO / Red flag laws: Florida has civil-commitment and risk-related statutes, including Risk Protection Orders (RPPOs) that allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a threat; not a broad “red-flag” law—consult current statutes for specific procedures.
  • Registration requirements: None.
  • Safe storage laws: Florida law requires firearm owners to securely store firearms when minors or prohibited persons are likely to gain access, with penalties for non-compliance.
  • Transportation rules: Florida law permits individuals 18 or older to transport a firearm in a private vehicle. Non-CWFL holders must keep the firearm securely encased or not readily accessible, while CWFL holders may carry a loaded handgun. Statute is nuanced; consult an official resource.
  • Other unique issues: Florida’s move to permitless concealed carry (HB 543, effective 7/1/2023) means carrying without a license is lawful for eligible persons; however, statutory restrictions on where you may carry and other eligibility bars remain. As a firearm owner it is your responsibility to monitor ongoing legislative activity that may affect your ability to carry legally.

Official Links & Documents

State Statutes / Codes

State Police / Firearms Division

Permit Applications / Forms

Attorney General Opinions / Court Decisions

Other Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can non-residents buy a gun in this state?
Non-residents may purchase long guns in the state if they comply with federal law and their home state laws. Handgun purchases are generally restricted to state residents, with limited exceptions for law enforcement or military personnel.

Are private sales required to do background checks?
No, private sales do not require background checks in Florida.

How long is the waiting period?
Three days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) between purchase and delivery of a firearm, unless an exemption applies (e.g., valid CWFL).

What is the minimum age to buy a handgun?
21 to buy from an FFL dealer; applicants younger than 21 face federal restrictions on dealer handgun sales. Legislative efforts to change age limits have been active — check statute for updates.

Do I need a permit to carry concealed?
No. Florida allows permitless carry for adults 21+. Permits are optional.

Where am I prohibited from carrying even with a permit?
You are prohibited from carrying, even with a CWFL, at schools (K–12), on school grounds, and school‑sanctioned events; polling places on Election Day; courts, jails, and correctional facilities; posted private property (“no guns” signs carry legal force); bars, restaurants, or establishments that derive a substantial portion of revenue from alcohol sales (unless not consuming alcohol while carrying); secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities, and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law. This list is not exhaustive, consult an official resource.

Are ghost guns or unserialized guns legal?
Florida does not have its own ghost-gun ban, but federal rules (and recent judicial rulings) now regulate kits/parts — check ATF/FDLE guidance.

Are out-of-state permits recognized here?
Florida has reciprocity provisions; a Florida CWFL remains the mechanism most states rely on for reciprocal recognition. Check current FDACS reciprocity lists.

How long does the permit process typically take?
FDACS issues CWFLs; processing times vary, usually a few weeks and up to 90 days — licenses are valid for 7 years once issued. Check FDACS for current processing timelines.

What happens if my concealed carry permit is denied?
Denials are provided in writing and appeal/reapplication options exist under FDACS administrative rules. Provide updated documentation and reapply when eligible.