New Florida Gun Laws in 2023

Permitless Carry Coming July 1, 2023

On April 3rd Florida became the 26th state in the United States to pass a law allowing for the permitless carry of concealed weapons. The passage of this bill eliminates the requirement for individuals to obtain a Concealed Weapon License allowing eligible citizens aged 21 and up to carry without asking the government for a permit or paying a fee. This legislation will go into effect on July 1st 2023. 

What are the highlights of the new law?

The bill, signed into law by Governor Ron Desantis, addresses the following:

• Authorizes a person to carry concealed weapon or firearm if he or she is licensed to do so or meets specified requirements; 
• Requires the person who is carrying concealed weapon or firearm without license to carry identification & display upon demand by law enforcement; 
• Prohibits the person who is carrying concealed weapon or firearm without license from carrying such weapon or firearm in specified locations; 
• Authorizes a nonresident to carry concealed weapon or firearm in this state if he or she meets same requirements as resident; 
• Requires Office of Safe Schools to develop behavioral threat management operational process.

Requirements to Purchase a Firearm

The passage of the bill doesn’t change the existing requirements of background checks to purchase a gun and a minimum wait period to take the gun home unless a purchaser possesses a Concealed Weapon License. State of Florida and Federal requirements to purchase and own a firearm still apply.

How will this affect the average Floridian?

While the new law will remove requirements for licensure to carry a concealed weapon there are still measures in place during the act of purchasing that require verification of eligibility to possess a firearm and meet the state’s requirements to carry a concealed weapon.

Anybody who meets those requirements will no longer have to attend a mandatory training course, fill out an application and submit for licensure with the state. The restrictions and provisions to carry a concealed weapon still apply as they did previously, as does the requirement to carry a valid form of identification on you whenever you are carrying a concealed weapon in public.

Do I still need to take a Concealed Carry Permit Class?

While it will not be legally mandated to possess a Concealed Weapon License in Florida after July 1, 2023 there are still a number of benefits and advantages to obtaining a Concealed Weapon License from the state.

• Avoid a three to five day waiting period when purchasing your firearm. With a Concealed Weapon License you can purchase a firearm and take it home the same day after your background check clears with the FDLE.
• Have a concealed carry weapons license if you’re traveling to a state that requires one and has reciprocity with Florida.
• Learn with certainty the rules for carrying a concealed weapon to avoid legal trouble and protect your rights.
• Understand your rights on when you can and can’t use your firearm. Concealed Carry Classes cover the definitions, as recognized by the State of Florida, the Use of Force, Self-Defense, Castle Doctrine, and more.
• Develop your skills to responsibly carry a concealed firearm in public and be prepared to defend yourself.

To purchase a firearm from a gun store background checks are still required and there is a three-day waiting period, although individual counties and cities may extend them up to five days, for individuals who do not have a Concealed Weapons License.

Where are some resources to find out more?

USCCA Florida Concealed Carry Laws & Reciprocity

Senate Bill 150 / House Bill 543

Florida Concealed Carry FAQ

Florida Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Concealed Carry and Traveling Guidance

**Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney if you have any questions regarding the passage of SB-150/HB-543. Frog Bones LLC and its representatives are in no way liable for the interpretations contained herein.**