Omar Bennett
Florida has passed a Constitutional Carry bill, allowing residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license. The bill was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 3, 2023, and took effect on July 1, 2023. This means that eligible Florida residents no longer need a permit to carry a concealed weapon, though certain restrictions and rules still apply. This makes Florida the 26th state to pass such legislation, joining over 50% of US states that have embraced Constitutional Carry or permitless carry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of passing | April 3, 2023 |
| Date of enforcement | July 1, 2023 |
| Governor who passed the bill | Ron DeSantis |
| Eligibility | 21 years or older, not prohibited by law to carry a firearm, not convicted of a felony, not ruled delinquent for committing a felony while under 24 years old, not suffering from a physical infirmity that prevents the safe use of a weapon, not a Florida resident found guilty of drug crimes or an illegal drug user (including those with a medical marijuana card) |
| Permitted weapons | Handgun, electronic weapons, tear gas guns, billie clubs, knives |
| Requirements | Proof of competency with a firearm, valid form of identification, citizenship and residency requirements |
| Law enforcement officers | Can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions |
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What You'll Learn
- Florida's Constitutional Carry law came into effect on July 1, 2023
- The law allows residents to carry a concealed firearm without a license
- Residents must be 21 or older and not prevented by law to possess a firearm
- The law doesn't apply to those under 21, unless they are in the Armed Forces
- Florida is now the 26th constitutional carry state in the US
Florida's Constitutional Carry law came into effect on July 1, 2023
Florida's Constitutional Carry law, also known as "permitless carry", came into effect on July 1, 2023. This law allows authorized Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license. While this new law removes the requirement for a license, there are still rules and restrictions in place.
Firstly, individuals must be 21 years old or older to carry a concealed weapon, with an exception for servicemembers or veterans. Secondly, those carrying a weapon cannot have a physical infirmity that prevents the safe use of the weapon. Additionally, anyone convicted of a felony or ruled delinquent for committing a felony while under 24 years old is barred from carrying a concealed firearm.
The new law also specifies places where open and concealed weapons are restricted. These include any place of nuisance as defined in s. 823.05, which includes places that endanger the health of the community, are "manifestly injurious to the morals or manners" of the community, or "annoy the community", such as prostitution dens, illegal gambling halls, and specified massage parlors. Other restricted areas include any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special district.
It is important to note that the Constitutional Carry law only applies to Florida residents and does not extend to non-residents. Additionally, Florida will only honor resident CCW licenses from states with which it has a reciprocity agreement. While this law provides new freedoms for Florida residents, it is crucial that they remain responsible and follow all applicable laws and restrictions when carrying or using firearms.
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The law allows residents to carry a concealed firearm without a license
On April 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 543 into law, making Florida the 26th constitutional carry state in the U.S. The law came into effect on July 1, 2023, and allows Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license. This is a significant change from the previous requirements, where Floridians needed to obtain a concealed weapon permit to carry a concealed weapon, with some exceptions.
The new law has some restrictions and requirements that must be followed. For example, individuals must be 21 years old or older to carry a concealed weapon, and it does not apply to those who are prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. Additionally, the law does not permit carrying a concealed firearm for those convicted of a felony or ruled delinquent for committing a felony while under the age of 24. It is important to note that the law also specifies numerous places where open and concealed weapons are restricted, such as any place of nuisance as defined in s. 823.05 and any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special district.
While the new law allows for permitless carry, it is important to remember that there are still rules and regulations in place to ensure the safe and responsible use of firearms. The Marion County Sheriff's Office emphasized that Florida residents should be responsible with their firearms and follow the law. It is recommended that individuals learn how to use their firearms proficiently and store them safely, away from children and in a secure location.
It is worth noting that Florida is not the only state to have adopted constitutional carry or permitless carry laws. As of 2025, over 50% of U.S. states, a total of 29 states, have passed similar laws, with the majority of these laws being enacted in the last decade. This trend indicates a shift towards allowing individuals who can legally possess a firearm to carry handguns without the need for permits or licenses. However, it is important to check the specific requirements and limitations of each state, as they may vary.
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Residents must be 21 or older and not prevented by law to possess a firearm
On April 3, 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 543 into law, making Florida the 26th constitutional carry state in the U.S. The new law came into effect on July 1, 2023.
The new law allows authorized Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license (CWL) — something they would have needed a concealed carry license for prior to the new law going into effect. This means that residents 21 or older who are not prevented by law from possessing a firearm can carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a CWL.
In terms of who is eligible to carry a firearm, Florida's new law does not apply to anyone who doesn't already qualify for a concealed carry permit. Those groups include: those under the age of 21, unless they are a member of the Armed Forces; and Florida residents found guilty of drug crimes or who are illegal drug users (including those with a medical marijuana card).
Additionally, a person authorized to carry a weapon or firearm without a CWL may not carry the firearm or weapon in any location where a person with a CWL is not authorized to carry it. A violation is punishable as a second-degree misdemeanor.
Florida law requires individuals to submit proof of competency with a firearm completed within one year of their application. A copy of a Certificate of Completion or similar document from any of the following courses or classes is acceptable: a hunter safety course approved by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission or by a similar organization in another state; or any firearms safety course offered by a college, law enforcement agency, private or public institution, with instructors certified by the NRA, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or Criminal Justice Training Commission.
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The law doesn't apply to those under 21, unless they are in the Armed Forces
On April 3, 2023, Florida became the 26th US state to pass a constitutional carry law, allowing eligible residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license. This law came into effect on July 1, 2023.
However, the law does not apply to everyone. One of the requirements to be eligible for a concealed firearms license is being at least 21 years old. There is an exception to this rule for active members of the Armed Forces or honorably discharged veterans. Thus, those under 21 who are not in the Armed Forces or veterans do not qualify for a permitless carry and are subject to the previous laws and requirements.
To be eligible for a concealed carry permit, applicants must have completed a firearms training course or be a current member of the military or an honorably discharged veteran. The law also does not apply to Florida residents found guilty of drug crimes or being illegal drug users, including those with a medical marijuana card.
Additionally, the law only extends to Florida residents. If a Florida resident wants to carry a concealed weapon in another state, that state must have a reciprocity agreement with Florida.
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Florida is now the 26th constitutional carry state in the US
Florida has become the 26th constitutional carry state in the US, with a law that came into effect on July 1, 2023. The legislation, known as HB 543, was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 3, 2023. This new law allows Florida residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapons without a concealed weapons license, which was previously required.
The constitutional carry law in Florida permits individuals to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, licensing, or training. However, there are still some important rules and restrictions in place. For example, individuals must be 21 years old or older to carry a concealed weapon and must not be prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. The age requirement is waived for active-duty service members or veterans. Additionally, individuals cannot suffer from any physical infirmity that prevents the safe use of a weapon, and anyone convicted of a felony is barred from carrying a concealed firearm.
Florida's constitutional carry law also outlines a list of places where open and concealed weapons are restricted. These include any place of nuisance as defined in Florida Statutes, such as prostitution dens, illegal gambling halls, and specified massage parlors, as well as any meeting of a governing body, such as a county or municipality. The law also prohibits carrying a firearm in any location where it is prohibited by federal law, such as the inside of an airport terminal.
While Florida has joined the growing list of states embracing constitutional carry, it is important to note that each state determines its own requirements and limitations on the carry of firearms. Florida's constitutional carry law specifically applies only to Florida residents and does not extend to non-residents wishing to conceal carry in the state. Additionally, individuals who qualify for a concealed carry permit and are authorized to carry a weapon must still follow the restrictions on where they can carry their firearm.
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Frequently asked questions
An individual must be 21 years or older to carry a concealed weapon in Florida. The age requirement, however, does not apply to service members or veterans.
An individual must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a concealed carry permit in Florida:
- They must be 21 years old or a current member of the military.
- They must have completed a firearms training course or be an honorably discharged veteran.
- They must be a resident of the United States.
- They must not have any physical or mental infirmities that prevent the safe use of a weapon.
- They must not have been convicted of a felony or ruled delinquent for committing a felony.
Constitutional carry refers to when a state does not prohibit individuals who can legally possess a firearm from carrying handguns. Permitless carry refers to when a state allows constitutional carry but individuals must meet certain qualifications to legally carry.
