Free guide · Last reviewed October 2026
Florida concealed carry guide
Permitless carry, the Florida Concealed Weapon License, costs, training and where to apply in Tampa. General information, not legal advice. Check the linked official sources before you act.
Do I need a license to carry in Florida?
Not for concealed carry. Since July 1, 2023, a person who meets the eligibility requirements for a Florida Concealed Weapon License may carry a concealed handgun without the license. You must carry valid ID and show it to law enforcement on request (s. 790.01, F.S.).
The same places that are off-limits to license holders are off-limits to permitless carriers (see below).
Why get the license anyway?
- Carry in other states that honor Florida's license. FDACS keeps the current reciprocity list on its license page.
- Skip the handgun waiting period: license holders are exempt from Florida's 3-day wait (s. 790.0655, F.S.).
- Proof of eligibility in hand if questions ever come up.
Who is eligible?
The full list is on the FDACS eligibility page. The main requirements:
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Proof of firearms training (see below)
- No disqualifying criminal history, injunctions or commitments under s. 790.06, F.S.
- Age: traditionally 21+. After a June 17, 2026 appeals court ruling (Eubanks v. State), FDACS is accepting applications from adults 18 and older. Check FDACS for when licenses for ages 18–20 are being issued.
What training counts?
Florida accepts several kinds of proof under s. 790.06, including:
- A Florida hunter safety course (FWC)
- A firearms safety or training course taught by an NRA-certified or state-certified instructor
- Military service or law enforcement firearms training, with documentation
- Documented participation in organized shooting competition
We don't teach license classes. Our lane is for practice before and after your course.
Cost and timeline
- New license: $97 state fees ($55 license + $42 fingerprinting). Tax collector offices add a service fee.
- Renewal: $45 for Florida residents.
- Valid for: 7 years.
- Processing: FDACS must issue or deny within 90 days of a complete application.
- Military and veterans: FDACS expedites applications.
Where to apply in Tampa
Hillsborough County Tax Collector handles new applications, renewals, photos and fingerprints by appointment. The concealed weapon license office is at 3011 University Center Dr., Ste. 150, Tampa, FL 33612.
You can also apply directly with FDACS.
Where you can't carry
Even with a license, Florida prohibits carry in places including (partial list, read s. 790.06(12)):
- Police, sheriff and highway patrol stations; jails and prisons
- Courthouses and courtrooms
- Polling places
- Meetings of a county, city, school board or special district governing body, and of the Legislature
- Schools, school administration buildings and career centers
- College and university facilities (limited exceptions)
- The part of a bar or restaurant primarily devoted to serving alcohol
- School, college and professional athletic events not related to firearms
- Airport passenger terminals and sterile areas
- Anywhere prohibited by federal law
Private property owners, including businesses, can also ban carry on their property.
What about open carry?
In September 2025, Florida's First District Court of Appeal ruled the state's open carry ban unconstitutional (McDaniels v. State), and many sheriffs stopped enforcing it. Private property owners can still prohibit it, and the restricted places above still apply. This area of law is still developing, so check current law before you open carry.
Quick answers
Is Florida a permitless carry state?
Yes. Since July 1, 2023, adults who are eligible for a Florida Concealed Weapon License may carry concealed without one, as long as they carry valid ID.
How much is a Florida concealed carry license?
$97 in state fees for a new license ($55 license plus $42 fingerprinting), plus any tax collector service fee. Renewal is $45 for residents. The license lasts 7 years.
Where do I apply for a concealed carry license in Tampa?
At the Hillsborough County Tax Collector by appointment, or directly with FDACS.
How long does it take to get a Florida concealed weapon license?
FDACS must issue or deny within 90 days of receiving a complete application.
What is the minimum age for a Florida concealed carry license?
Traditionally 21. After the June 2026 Eubanks ruling, FDACS accepts applications from adults 18 and older. Check FDACS for current issuance status.
Does a hunter safety course count as training?
Yes. A Florida hunter safety course is one of the accepted forms of training proof.
Practice before and after your class
Carrying is a skill. Build draw, grip and trigger control on our dry-fire lane with Glock 17, 19 and 45 trainers. $40 per hour, Friday and Saturday 2–8 PM.
General information only, not legal advice. Laws and court rulings change. Confirm with FDACS, the Florida Statutes or a Florida attorney.