What will happen once I arrive at the Tax Collector office?
First, one of the Tax Collector employees will direct you to a computer station where you will complete an electronic application form. You do not need to complete an application form in advance. The Tax Collector employee will then review your application, take your photograph, electronically scan your fingerprints, and take your payment. You should be able to complete the entire process in less than an hour.
How long will it take for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to process my application?
By law, FDACS must either issue a license or deny an application within 90 days of receiving a complete application. However, the actual turnaround time will ultimately depend on the workload facing FDACS employees in Tallahassee and may be substantially less than 90 days.
You should be aware of two issues that may affect your application processing time:
- If your electronic fingerprint scan is insufficiently legible to complete a background check, the division will notify you by letter that you will need to submit another set of fingerprints. You can return to the Tax Collector’s office for a second fingerprint scan.
- After FDACS employees have reviewed your application, you may be notified by letter if they need additional information from you. For example, the division may need clarification from you about your background check results. If you receive such a letter, you will need to respond by mail directly to FDACS.
You may be ineligible under any of the following conditions:
- The physical inability to handle a firearm safely.
- A felony conviction (unless civil and firearm rights have been restored by the convicting authority).
- Having adjudication withheld or sentence suspended on a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence unless three years have elapsed since probation or other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled.
- A conviction for a misdemeanor crime of violence in the last three years.
- A conviction for violation of controlled substance laws or multiple arrests for such offenses.
- A record of drug or alcohol abuse.
- Two or more DUI convictions within the previous three years.
- Being committed to a mental institution or adjudged incompetent or mentally defective.
- Failing to provide proof of proficiency with a firearm.
- Having been issued a domestic violence injunction or an injunction against repeat violence that is currently in force.
- Renouncement of U.S. citizenship.
- A dishonorable discharge from the armed forces.
- Being a fugitive from justice.
Find out if you are eligible for a concealed weapon license.
Residency and Age Requirements
- You must be either a CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES or a LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT ALIEN.
- You must be at least 21 years of age. However, if you are 18 years of age, you can be declared eligible if you can provide documentation that you are currently a member of the Armed Forces or have been honorably discharged from military service.
Training Requirements
Florida law requires you to submit proof of competency with a firearm in order to qualify for a concealed weapon license.
A copy of a CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION or similar document from any of the following courses or classes is acceptable:
- Any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a similar agency in another state;
- Any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course;
- Any firearm safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, junior college, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school, utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
- Any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
- Any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified instructor or by an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association.
- Former military personnel can submit a DD Form 214 (long form) reflecting honorable discharge from military service.
The copy of the training certificate/document must be clear and legible. The certificate/document must include your name, your instructor’s name, your instructor’s qualifications/credentials (National Rifle Association instructor, law enforcement firearms instructor, Class “K” Firearm Instructor licensed by the State of Florida, etc.), and your instructor’s license/certification number.
Other acceptable forms of training documentation include the following:
- Documentary evidence of experience with a firearm obtained through participation in organized shooting competition;
Active-duty military personnel may submit copies of any of the following:
- Documents that confirm your experience with a firearm gained during your service: military orders including call to active-duty letter;
- A statement of military service signed by, or at the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and provides your date of entry on your current active-duty period.