State Laws · FL
Florida Gun Laws
Effective as of July 1, 2023 (SB 150). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
Florida enacted permitless concealed carry under SB 150, effective July 1, 2023. Any person who meets the eligibility requirements for a Concealed Weapon License (CWL) may carry a concealed weapon or firearm without a license. The person must carry valid government-issued identification and display it upon demand by a law enforcement officer. The CWL remains available through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and is recommended for interstate reciprocity.
Key statute: Florida Statutes § 790.01 — as amended by SB 150, authorizes concealed carry without a license for eligible persons.
Open Carry
Open carry remains prohibited in Florida except in limited circumstances: when fishing, camping, hunting, or at an indoor shooting range, or when traveling to and from these activities. In September 2024, the First District Court of Appeals found the open carry ban violated the Second Amendment, though the legal landscape continues to evolve.
Who Cannot Carry
Eligibility mirrors CWL requirements under Florida Statutes § 790.06: must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, at least 21 years old, no felony convictions, not under indictment, no domestic violence misdemeanor convictions, no injunctions for protection against domestic violence or repeat violence, not adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution, no chronic substance abuse, and no DUI convictions within the preceding three years.
Prohibited Locations
Florida Statutes § 790.06(12) prohibits carrying in: police, sheriff, and highway patrol stations; detention facilities and prisons; courthouses; polling places; government meetings; school administration buildings and school-sponsored events; career centers; college and university facilities (unless locked in a vehicle); establishments serving alcohol (bars, not restaurants); hospitals providing mental health services; airport terminals; and the Florida State Capitol complex.
Purchase Requirements
No state permit is required to purchase a firearm. All purchases from FFLs require a NICS background check. Florida imposes a mandatory three-day waiting period (excluding weekends and holidays) for handgun purchases from licensed dealers, though CWL holders and active law enforcement are exempt. There is no state firearms registry.
Citations
Florida Statutes Chapter 790; SB 150 (2023 Legislative Session).
Look up statutes at Florida Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.