Is Florida a Constitutional Carry State?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, Florida became a Constitutional Carry state in July 2023. You can legally carry a concealed firearm without a permit if you meet basic eligibility requirements.
What This Means for You
This change means you no longer need a concealed weapon license to carry concealed in Florida, though getting one still has benefits for reciprocity with other states. The permitless carry only applies to concealed carry, not open carry, which remains restricted. You still need to meet the same basic requirements that would qualify you for a permit.
The Detail
Florida's Constitutional Carry law took effect in July 2023, allowing eligible adults to carry concealed firearms without obtaining a permit first. However, you still must meet the same eligibility standards that would qualify you for a concealed weapon license, including being at least 21 years old, not being prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law, and completing a firearms training course or military service requirement.
The law specifically covers concealed carry only. Open carry remains prohibited in most public places in Florida, with limited exceptions for certain activities like fishing, hunting, or traveling to and from these activities. You cannot openly carry a handgun in public spaces, businesses, or while walking down the street.
Even though you can carry without a permit, obtaining a Florida Concealed Weapon License still provides significant advantages. The license gives you reciprocity agreements with dozens of other states, allows you to skip background checks when purchasing firearms from dealers, and provides legal protections in certain situations. Many Constitutional Carry states still see people applying for permits specifically for these benefits.
Certain locations remain off limits regardless of whether you have a permit or are carrying under Constitutional Carry provisions. These typically include schools, government buildings, courthouses, and other sensitive areas. Private businesses can also prohibit concealed carry on their premises.
Build Impact
Constitutional Carry doesn't change what firearms you can legally own or build, but it does affect how you can carry your completed builds. If you're building a compact pistol specifically for concealed carry, you can now legally carry it without going through the permit process first, assuming you meet eligibility requirements.