Malcolm Rivera
Florida's Constitutional Carry bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, took effect on July 1, 2023. The law allows authorized Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license. To qualify for constitutional carry, residents must carry a valid form of ID and obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations. While this law provides greater gun rights for Florida residents, it does not apply to everyone, and there are concerns about the potential impact on public safety and legal issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional carry law in Florida | Allows authorized Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license |
| Who does it apply to? | Authorized Florida residents who qualify for a concealed carry permit |
| Who does it not apply to? | Those under the age of 21, Florida residents found guilty of drug crimes or illegal drug users (including those with a medical marijuana card) |
| Requirements | Residents must carry a valid form of ID while in actual possession of a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if asked; Residents must obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations |
| Background checks | Not required |
| Reciprocity agreements | Florida has reciprocity agreements with other states that allow for conceal carry |
| Duty to inform law enforcement | No duty to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed firearm unless asked by an officer |
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What You'll Learn
Florida's new Constitutional Carry bill
Florida's new "Constitutional Carry" bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, took effect on July 1, 2023. The law allows authorized Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license.
Key Provisions of the Law:
- Authorized residents can carry a concealed firearm without a license: Florida residents who meet the eligibility criteria can now carry a concealed firearm without obtaining a license or permit. This applies to both public spaces and private conveyances, such as vehicles.
- Valid identification and compliance with location restrictions are required: Individuals carrying a concealed weapon must carry a valid form of ID and present it to law enforcement upon request. They must also obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations, such as airports, schools, and government buildings.
- No fingerprints or background checks: The law does not require residents to submit fingerprints or undergo background checks to qualify for constitutional carry.
- Age and residency requirements: To qualify for constitutional carry, individuals must be 21 years or older and legal residents of the U.S. or 18 years or older if the weapon is within the interior of a private conveyance.
- Exclusions: Individuals under the age of 21, those found guilty of drug crimes, and illegal drug users (including medical marijuana cardholders) are excluded from the law. Anyone convicted of a felony or ruled delinquent for committing a felony while under 24 years old is also barred from carrying a concealed firearm.
Important Considerations:
- Safety and Responsibility: While the new law provides greater gun rights to Florida residents, it is crucial to prioritize safety and responsible gun ownership. Gun owners should ensure they know how to use and store their firearms securely, keeping them away from children and preventing unauthorized access.
- Training Recommendations: Despite the removal of mandatory training requirements, firearms instructors and experts emphasize the importance of voluntary training to ensure safe and responsible gun handling.
- Reciprocity Agreements: For individuals wishing to conceal carry in other states, it is important to note that reciprocity agreements with Florida may vary. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific laws and regulations of each state before traveling with a concealed firearm.
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Requirements to qualify for constitutional carry
Florida's "Constitutional Carry" bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, allows authorized Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license. The law came into effect on July 1, 2023, making Florida the 26th constitutional carry state in the US.
To qualify for constitutional carry in Florida, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Age requirement: An individual must be at least 21 years old to qualify for constitutional carry. However, there is an exception for members of the Armed Forces, who can be under 21 and still qualify.
- Valid identification: Residents must carry a valid form of ID while possessing a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if asked.
- Prohibited locations: Individuals must obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations, such as schools, government buildings, and other restricted areas.
- No drug-related crimes: Florida residents found guilty of drug crimes or illegal drug use, including those with a medical marijuana card, are not eligible for constitutional carry.
- No violent crimes: Individuals with a history of violent crimes, such as crimes of violence constituting a misdemeanor, are ineligible for a concealed carry permit.
- Mental health: Applicants who have been adjudicated as incapacitated or committed to a mental institution may be ineligible unless they can provide a certificate from a licensed psychiatrist stating they have not had a disability for at least five years prior.
- Firearms training: While Florida previously required safety training and a background check, it is unclear if this is still a requirement under the new law. Some sources suggest that firearms training is no longer necessary, while others state that applicants must demonstrate competence with a firearm.
It is important to note that the requirements for constitutional carry in Florida may evolve as the law is implemented and interpreted. Additionally, individuals should refer to official sources and local authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the requirements and eligibility for constitutional carry in Florida.
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Concealed carry in another state
Florida's new "Constitutional Carry" bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, took effect on July 1, 2023. This law allows authorized Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license. To qualify for constitutional carry, residents must carry a valid form of ID while possessing a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if asked. They must also obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations. It is important to note that this law does not apply to individuals under 21, unless they are members of the Armed Forces, and Florida residents found guilty of drug crimes or illegal drug use.
When it comes to concealed carry in another state, it is important to understand reciprocity agreements. Each state has its own gun laws, and carrying a concealed weapon across state lines requires adhering to the laws of the state you are visiting. For example, California, a "may issue" state, grants concealed carry licenses to residents, individuals who work in the state, and active-duty military members permanently stationed in California. California does not honor any other states' concealed carry permits, and each county within the state can determine how a citizen can justify "good cause" in applying for a permit. On the other hand, a Florida concealed carry permit is honored in 27 states.
It is essential to recognize that gun rights can differ even within the same state. For instance, in California, the sheriff of any county with a population under 200,000 people, or the chief of police of a city within that county, may issue licenses to carry a loaded, exposed handgun, but these licenses are only valid within that county. Similarly, Florida's new Constitutional Carry law does not apply to specific areas, such as schools, courthouses, and other designated locations.
When considering concealed carry in another state, it is crucial to research and understand the specific gun laws and regulations of that state. This includes knowing the requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit, the locations where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited, and any reciprocity agreements that may be in place with your home state. Responsible gun ownership entails being well-informed about the laws and regulations surrounding firearms in the state you are visiting to ensure compliance and safety.
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Locations where concealed carry is prohibited
Florida's "Constitutional Carry" bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, took effect on July 1, 2023. The law allows authorized Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license. However, there are several locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even with a permit. These restrictions are imposed to maintain the safety and security of certain public spaces and sensitive areas.
Firstly, federal laws prohibit carrying firearms in certain locations, and these laws are uniform across all 50 states. Firearms are generally prohibited in any facility owned or leased by the federal government for conducting government business. This includes military bases, federal prisons, and other correctional facilities. Airports, specifically secure areas, are also off-limits for carrying firearms. While transporting a firearm in checked baggage is allowed, there are strict rules and regulations governing this.
Secondly, schools, colleges, and universities are designated as gun-free zones under the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. This prohibits unauthorized individuals from possessing firearms in or near school zones, including during school events. National parks and wildlife refuges have similar restrictions, with certain buildings within these parks prohibiting firearms.
Additionally, police departments and detention centres are considered protected areas where carrying concealed weapons is not permitted. Public libraries in Florida are also included in the list of restricted areas. It is worth noting that open carry is prohibited in Florida, and individuals must comply with the concealed carry law to avoid legal consequences.
The impact of the law on firearms instructors
On July 1, 2023, Florida's new "constitutional carry" law came into effect. This law allows authorized Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license. While this new act provides greater gun rights for many Florida residents, it does not apply to everyone. For instance, it does not apply to those under the age of 21, unless they are a member of the Armed Forces, and Florida residents found guilty of drug crimes or illegal drug use.
The impact of this law on firearms instructors in Florida is likely to be similar to the impact felt in other states that have implemented similar laws, such as Ohio. The removal of mandatory firearms training requirements means that businesses that offer gun training and instruction may see a decrease in demand for their services. This could have a financial impact on firearms instructors and businesses that rely on this stream of income.
However, it is important to note that some individuals may still choose to seek out firearms training, even if it is not legally required. Some gun owners may recognize the importance of being proficient and responsible with their firearms and understand that proper training can help ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. As such, firearms instructors may still have opportunities to provide training and education to individuals who voluntarily seek it out.
Additionally, while the new law removes the requirement for a concealed carry license, residents must still carry a valid form of ID while in actual possession of a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if asked. This means that firearms instructors may still be able to offer courses or programs that help individuals understand the legal aspects of gun ownership, including the rules and regulations surrounding concealed carry, use of deadly force, and gun safety.
Overall, while the new constitutional carry law in Florida may reduce the demand for firearms training, there are still opportunities for firearms instructors to provide valuable education and training to responsible gun owners who recognize the importance of being proficient and safe with their firearms.
Frequently asked questions
The “Constitutional Carry” bill, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, allows authorized Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license. The law went into effect on July 1, 2023.
To qualify for constitutional carry in Florida, residents must meet two main requirements. Firstly, they must carry a valid form of ID while possessing a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if asked. Secondly, they must obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations.
No, there is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer about carrying a concealed firearm in Florida unless the officer asks. However, residents must carry a valid form of ID and present it to law enforcement upon request.
