Do I need a concealed carry?
The need for a concealed carry license is a question we receive almost daily in our store. It is a new question in Florida due to Governor DeSantis passing the Permit-less Carry Law on July 1, 2023.
Since then, most people have incorrect information on what this really means. This article will explain what the new law means and your rights. Additionally, I’ll cover some of the new law’s pitfalls and why it is still a good idea to maintain or apply for your Florida Concealed Carry Weapon license (CCW).
The new law is relatively simple on the surface. All legal residents of Florida who possess a valid Florida ID can legally own a firearm and carry that firearm concealed without a permit.
But here’s where it gets tricky:
- Carrying concealed weapons differs from transporting firearms under this new law. That means if you carry concealed while going about your day, you’re legal until you get into a vehicle. Now, the weapon must be taken off your person and placed into legal “Transportation” of the firearm. Under Florida Statute 790.00 (17), a concealed firearm in a vehicle must be securely encased in the glove box, center console, or other closed container you would have to open in order to retrieve the firearm.
- Without a CCW, you cannot have a firearm within 1000 yards of a school. You can’t even drive past a school without being in violation.
- Without a license, you cannot carry outside Florida; your rights stop at the state line.
- Without a CCW, you will incur a three-to-five-day hold for all firearm purchases, depending on which county you purchase in. Check your local county laws for your county’s “cool-off period.”
- With all the restrictions on carrying without a CCW, taking the Concealed Carry Class is still a good idea before applying for your license. The training is an in-depth look at the “do’s and don’ts” of carrying concealed in Florida. Just the knowledge alone will benefit all those wishing to carry concealed, even if you never apply for the license.
If you decide that the license is good for you, some benefits include:
- You no longer must remove the firearm from your person when entering a vehicle. With it, you can run your errands and get in and out of the vehicle without potentially having someone see you with a weapon and claiming that you were “brandishing a firearm in public.” Trust me, it will happen and will likely result in a lengthy discussion with Florida’s finest and possibly involve your lawyer.
- Purchasing a firearm with a CCW license provides a waiver for the “cool-off period.” The waiver means you purchase your firearm, pass the background check, and take your firearm home the same day (this one is my favorite).
- You can drop off little Johnny or Jenny at school without violating any laws. Obviously, you cannot go into the school, but you won’t be breaking any laws driving through a school zone.
- You will enjoy license reciprocity in 37 other states. Always check the specific rules in the state you’re traveling through or to, however, to see if your license is valid there.
The new law does not eliminate the need for a background check—we get this question almost daily!
Just because you no longer are required to have a government-issued permit to carry does not mean you can purchase a firearm without a background check. Obviously, you must be legally able to own a firearm to carry it. So, if you have a lengthy rap sheet and you know your rights to own/purchase a firearm have been restricted, you probably don’t want to be caught carrying one.
If you have any other questions, please stop by the 2nd Amendment Armory in Brandon, Florida, and chat with us. We’d love to help!
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Chris “Ranger” Gay is the owner of 2nd Amendment Armory in Brandon, Florida.