Malcolm Rivera
On April 3, 2023, Florida became the 26th US state to pass a constitutional carry law, allowing residents to carry a concealed firearm without a license. The law, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, has a long list of exceptions and rules, including age and criminal record restrictions. While gun training is no longer required, it is still recommended by experts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional carry in Florida | Yes, since July 1, 2023 |
| Minimum age to carry a concealed weapon | 21 |
| Requirements | Must have a valid form of identification and be a legal resident of the U.S. |
| Exceptions | Anyone convicted of a felony or ruled delinquent for committing a felony under the age of 24 is barred from carrying a concealed firearm |
| Training | Not required but recommended |
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What You'll Learn
- Florida's Constitutional Carry law came into effect on July 1, 2023
- Residents can carry a concealed firearm without a CWL, but with certain exceptions
- Florida offers resident and non-resident licenses
- The minimum age to carry a concealed weapon in Florida is 21
- The Constitutional Carry law does not apply to those under 21 or with felony convictions
Florida's Constitutional Carry law came into effect on July 1, 2023
On July 1, 2023, Florida became the 26th US state to allow constitutional carry, meaning residents can carry a concealed firearm without a permit. The new law, HB 543, was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in April 2023.
While Florida residents no longer need a permit to carry a concealed weapon, there are still rules and restrictions in place. For example, anyone under 21 years old is prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm, unless they are a member of the Armed Forces. Additionally, anyone convicted of a felony or found guilty of drug crimes is barred from carrying a concealed weapon. The new law also does not apply to non-residents of Florida—those individuals will still need a permit to carry a concealed weapon in the state.
Other restrictions include not being able to carry a concealed weapon in any airport or college/university facility, unless the carrier is a student, employee, or faculty member, and the weapon is a non-lethal electric weapon. Firearms are also prohibited in any place where carrying them is banned by federal law.
While training is not required under the new law, it is recommended by experts. Robert Vincent, a retired US Navy firearms instructor, said, "I'm actually good about the bill. I don't think it's all about the permit as much as it is the training that people should get."
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Residents can carry a concealed firearm without a CWL, but with certain exceptions
As of July 1, 2023, Florida became a constitutional carry state, allowing residents to carry a concealed firearm without a CWL. However, this new law comes with several exceptions and rules that residents must adhere to.
Firstly, it's important to note that the law only applies to individuals over the age of 21. Anyone under the age of 21, except members of the Armed Forces, is not permitted to carry a concealed weapon. Additionally, individuals who have been convicted of a felony or found guilty of drug crimes are barred from carrying a concealed firearm. This restriction also applies to anyone ruled delinquent for committing a felony while under the age of 24.
The law also outlines specific locations where carrying a concealed firearm is prohibited. These include any college or university facility unless the individual is a registered student, employee, or faculty member carrying a stun gun or non-lethal electric weapon. Airports are also off-limits, specifically the inside of passenger terminals and sterile areas, unless the firearm is encased for shipment as checked baggage. Any place where federal law prohibits firearms is also exempt from the new law.
It is worth mentioning that while Florida has eliminated the requirement for a CWL, experts and law enforcement agencies still recommend that individuals undergo proper gun training to ensure safe and responsible firearm handling.
While this new law grants Florida residents the right to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, it is crucial to stay informed about the specific exceptions and rules outlined by the state to ensure compliance and responsible gun ownership.
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Florida offers resident and non-resident licenses
As of July 1, 2023, Florida is a constitutional carry state. Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 543 into law on April 3, 2023, making Florida the 26th constitutional carry state in the US.
Florida is a Castle Doctrine state, meaning there is no duty to retreat if someone is attacked in any place they have a lawful right to be. Instead, they may stand their ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if reasonably believing it necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others.
Florida will only honor resident CCW licenses from states with which it has a reciprocity agreement. Concealed carry is legal with a CCW permit. Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state visited. It is important to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with firearms.
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The minimum age to carry a concealed weapon in Florida is 21
On July 1, 2023, Florida became a constitutional carry state, allowing residents to carry a concealed firearm or other weapon without a concealed weapons license. While this new law removes the requirement for a permit, there are still rules and restrictions in place for carrying a concealed weapon in the state. One of the key requirements is that individuals must be at least 21 years old to carry a concealed weapon in Florida. This minimum age requirement ensures that only adults who are legally considered mature enough to make informed decisions and take responsibility for their actions are allowed to carry hidden firearms in public spaces.
The minimum age of 21 years for carrying a concealed weapon is consistent with other age-related restrictions in Florida, such as the legal drinking age and the minimum age for renting a car. By setting the bar at 21, the state recognizes that individuals below this age may not have the same level of maturity, impulse control, and decision-making abilities as their older counterparts. This age restriction aims to strike a balance between an individual's right to bear arms and the need to protect public safety, especially among younger individuals who may be more prone to impulsive behavior.
While Florida's constitutional carry law removes the need for a permit, it's important to note that certain individuals are still prohibited from carrying concealed firearms. For example, anyone convicted of a felony or found guilty of drug crimes is barred from carrying a concealed weapon. Additionally, individuals who have been ruled delinquent for committing a felony while under 24 years old are also restricted from doing so. These exceptions help ensure that only responsible and law-abiding adults over the age of 21 can carry concealed weapons in Florida.
The minimum age requirement of 21 years for carrying a concealed weapon in Florida aligns with similar requirements in other states that have implemented constitutional carry laws. This consistency across states underscores the importance of setting a minimum age threshold to ensure that individuals carrying concealed weapons have the maturity and responsibility necessary to handle firearms safely and within the confines of the law. While the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms, establishing a minimum age helps maintain a level of control and oversight to promote public safety and reduce the risk of firearm-related incidents involving younger individuals.
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The Constitutional Carry law does not apply to those under 21 or with felony convictions
On April 3, 2023, Florida became the 26th constitutional carry state in the US. This means that, in theory, Florida state law does not prohibit residents from possessing a firearm and carrying it openly. However, the constitutional carry law does not apply to everyone.
Firstly, the law does not apply to those under 21. Florida law states that the minimum age to carry in the state is 21 years old. Residents under 21 must have a Florida Concealed Weapons License (CWL) to carry a firearm in the state.
Secondly, the law does not apply to those with felony convictions. Those convicted of a felony in Florida cannot carry or possess a firearm. This is in line with Florida's "Weapons and Firearms" statute, which states that anyone violating the provisions of subsection (b) is guilty of a felony.
It is worth noting that, while a permit is not required to carry a firearm in Florida, there are still some restrictions on who can carry a firearm and where it can be carried. For example, a person authorized to carry a firearm without a CWL may not carry it in any location where a person with a CWL is not authorized to carry it. A violation of this restriction is punishable as a second-degree misdemeanor. Additionally, Florida requires residents to submit proof of competency with a firearm completed within one year of their application.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Florida is a constitutional carry state. As of July 1, 2023, Florida residents can carry a concealed firearm or other weapon without a concealed weapons license.
You must be 21 years or older, have a valid form of identification and be a legal resident of the U.S. Those who carry cannot suffer from a physical infirmity that prevents the safe use of a weapon. Additionally, anyone convicted of a felony or ruled delinquent for committing a felony while under 24 is barred from carrying a concealed firearm.
Yes, there are several locations where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited, including any college or university facility (unless it is a stun gun or non-lethal electric weapon), the inside of any airport, and any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.
