Simone Lawson
Florida's constitutional carry bill, which was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in April 2023, will take effect on July 1, 2023. The law removes the requirement for a concealed weapons license, allowing some Florida residents to carry hidden weapons or firearms without a permit, background check, or training. However, there are still requirements and restrictions in place for those who wish to carry concealed weapons in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Effect | July 1, 2023 |
| Bill Number | SB150/HB543 |
| Signed by | Gov. Ron DeSantis |
| Requirements | A valid form of ID, obeying prohibitions on carrying concealed weapons in certain locations |
| Exemptions | Non-residents with a concealed weapon license |
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What You'll Learn
- Florida's constitutional carry law removes the requirement for a concealed weapons license
- The law will allow some Florida residents to carry a concealed weapon without a license
- Residents must carry a valid form of ID while carrying a concealed weapon
- Open carry is still illegal in Florida
- Florida is now the 26th state where permitless concealed carry is legal
Florida's constitutional carry law removes the requirement for a concealed weapons license
Florida's new "constitutional carry" bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, took effect on July 1, 2023. The law removes the requirement for a concealed weapons license, allowing some Florida residents to carry a concealed weapon or firearm without a license.
Previously, carrying a concealed weapon without a license was punishable as a third-degree felony. Under the new law, a concealed weapon is defined as "a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or billie" – a short wooden club often carried by law enforcement. While the requirement for a license has been removed, residents must still satisfy two main criteria to qualify for constitutional carry.
First, they must carry a valid form of ID while in actual possession of a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if asked. Failure to do so carries a $25 fine. Second, they must obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations. For example, an individual authorized to carry a weapon without a license may not carry it in any location where a person with a license is not authorized to do so. A violation of this restriction is punishable as a second-degree misdemeanor.
It is important to note that the new law does not impact the background check and three-day waiting period required to purchase a gun in Florida. Additionally, Florida's concealed weapons permitting will continue for residents who may want permits to carry their concealed weapons to other states under reciprocity agreements.
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The law will allow some Florida residents to carry a concealed weapon without a license
Florida's "constitutional carry" bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, took effect on July 1, 2023. The law allows some Florida residents to carry a concealed weapon or firearm without a concealed weapon license, which was previously punishable as a third-degree felony.
Under the new law, a concealed weapon is defined as "a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or billie" – a short wooden club often carried by law enforcement. To qualify for constitutional carry, residents must meet two main requirements. Firstly, they must carry a valid form of ID while in actual possession of a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if asked. Secondly, they must obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations. Although the law requires residents to satisfy these criteria, it does not mandate the submission of fingerprints or the completion of a background check.
The bill, SB150/HB543, removes the requirement for a concealed weapons license, which previously mandated a background check and a firearms training course. However, individuals must still meet other gun ownership requirements, such as not having been convicted of a felony or found guilty of a crime related to controlled substances within a specific timeframe.
While the new law allows for the concealed carry of weapons without a permit, Florida residents who wish to carry concealed weapons to other states under reciprocity agreements may still opt to obtain a permit. Additionally, Florida law requires individuals to submit proof of competency with a firearm within one year of their application.
Supporters of the law, including Florida Senator Jay Collins, argue that it empowers law-abiding citizens. However, critics like Ryan Thomas express concerns about the potential for more Floridians to get injured or encounter legal troubles due to a lack of proper training.
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Residents must carry a valid form of ID while carrying a concealed weapon
Florida's "constitutional carry" bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, took effect on July 1, 2023. The law allows Florida residents to carry a concealed weapon or firearm without a concealed weapon license. To qualify for constitutional carry, residents must carry a valid form of ID while carrying a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if asked.
The new law defines a concealed weapon as "a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or billie", a short wooden club often carried by law enforcement. It is important to note that open carry is still illegal in Florida.
Prior to the new law, carrying a concealed weapon without a license in Florida was punishable as a third-degree felony. The previous law also required individuals to undergo a background check and complete a firearms training course before obtaining a concealed weapon license.
While the new law removes the requirement for a license, background check, and training, residents must still satisfy other gun ownership requirements and obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations. Additionally, individuals who are prohibited by law from owning a firearm are still not permitted to carry a concealed weapon under the new law.
It is important to note that the new law does not impact the background check and three-day waiting period required to purchase a gun in Florida. The law also does not change the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Florida concealed carry permit, and individuals who wish to carry a concealed weapon in states that require permits may still obtain a license through the state's existing system.
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Open carry is still illegal in Florida
Florida's "constitutional carry" bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, took effect on July 1, 2023. The law allows some Florida residents to carry a concealed weapon or firearm without a concealed weapon license. However, it's important to emphasize that open carry is still illegal in Florida.
Under the new law, a concealed weapon is defined as "a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or billie," which is a short wooden club often carried by law enforcement. To qualify for constitutional carry, residents must meet specific requirements. Firstly, they must carry a valid form of identification while in actual possession of a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if requested. Secondly, they must obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations.
It's worth noting that the new law does not eliminate the need for background checks or waiting periods when purchasing a firearm in Florida. Additionally, Florida residents are still required to submit proof of competency with a firearm within one year of their application. While the law removes the requirement for firearms training, it is strongly advised that gun owners seek proper training to ensure safe handling and usage of their weapons.
The "constitutional carry" law has sparked mixed reactions among Floridians. Some supporters argue that it empowers law-abiding citizens and promotes their constitutional right to bear arms without government restrictions. However, critics worry that it will lead to more Floridians getting injured or facing legal trouble due to the lack of proper training and education on gun safety.
In conclusion, while Florida's "constitutional carry" law allows qualified residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit, it's important to remember that open carry remains illegal in the state. Gun owners are advised to stay informed about the applicable laws and regulations to ensure they comply with all necessary requirements and use their firearms safely and responsibly.
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Florida is now the 26th state where permitless concealed carry is legal
Florida has become the 26th US state to allow permitless concealed carry, with a new "constitutional carry" bill signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. The bill, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, allows some Florida residents to carry a concealed weapon or firearm without a license.
Previously, residents were required to undergo firearms training, clear a background check, and pay fees when applying for a concealed-carry license. The new law does not impact the background check and three-day waiting period required to purchase a gun in Florida. However, it eliminates the need for a concealed weapons license, which required a mandatory background check and a firearms training course.
Under the new law, a concealed weapon is defined as "a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or billie" – a short wooden club often carried by law enforcement. To qualify for constitutional carry, residents must carry a valid form of ID while in actual possession of a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if asked. They must also obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations. Although the law requires residents to satisfy these criteria, it does not require them to submit fingerprints or complete a background check.
The bill has sparked concerns that more people will carry guns without proper training. However, supporters argue that it empowers law-abiding citizens, and the majority of those carrying concealed weapons will still undergo proper training. Florida is a "Castle Doctrine" state, meaning there is no duty to retreat if attacked in any place where one has a lawful right to be. Instead, individuals may stand their ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary for self-defense or the defense of others.
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Frequently asked questions
Florida's constitutional carry law went into effect on July 1, 2023.
The law allows some Florida residents to carry a concealed weapon or firearm without a concealed weapon license. Under the new law, a concealed weapon is defined as "a handgun, electronic weapon or device, tear gas gun, knife, or billie".
To qualify for constitutional carry, residents must carry a valid form of ID while in actual possession of a concealed weapon and provide it to law enforcement if asked. They must also obey any prohibitions against carrying concealed weapons in certain locations.
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