Note that, in Florida, the concealed weapon license also certifies you to carry certain other weapons besides guns, including knives, billy clubs, tear gas guns, and other weapons. [1] X Research source

You must be 21 years old. You must be able to demonstrate competency with your firearm. Except in certain cases (such as if you are a member of the armed forces), you must be able to prove that you reside in the United States. You must not have certain crimes or demerits on your official record, including but not limited to: felony convictions, two DUIs in the last three years, a violent misdemeanor conviction in the last three years, evidence of substance abuse, dishonorable discharge from the armed forces, evidence of domestic violence.

Completing a state hunter education course Completing a National Rifle Association training course Completing a firearms safety course by any certified law enforcement agency or educational organization Completing a firearms safety course as part of job training (e. g. , for police and security work)

In addition to your completed application, you must also include a color photograph and a legible record of your fingerprints (submitted electronically via your local law enforcement agency). [4] X Research source

Note that several exceptions to this fee structure exist: for instance, if you have already submitted your fingerprints electronically, you don’t need to pay the $42 fee, and if you are a consular security official, you will be subjected to additional fees — consult the official application fee instructions for more information. [5] X Research source

Courtrooms School campuses Police stations Polling places Most government buildings Airports Any place where federal law prohibits guns

You must be at least 21 years of age. You must not be a convicted felon. You must not have a history of mental illness. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Conference of State Legislatures Bipartisan, nongovernment organization serving the members of state legislatures and their constituents Go to source You must not have a record of domestic violence. [9] X Research source You must not abuse drugs or alcohol. Note, however, that it is legal to possess and use a gun from age 16 onward (and at younger ages with adult supervision) for certain legal activities (hunting, target shooting, etc. ).

Refer to a Florida city phone book or, alternatively, perform an internet search to locate a firearms dealer in your area. Don’t forget to bring current, valid identification (such as your Florida driver’s license) with you to the firearms dealer to prove your age and identity. The name and address on your identification must be current.

The background check form will ask you to provide basic personal information including your name, date of birth, contact information, and more. Note that possession of a concealed weapons permit from Florida or any other state does not exempt you from the background check.

Note that some firearms dealers may require you to pay an eight dollar fee for the background check.

Technically, a Handgun is a firearm designed to be held and fired with one or both hands (not against the shoulder like a rifle). This includes most semiautomatic pistols and revolvers.

Additionally, hand guns require the same background check as with long guns. This is true regardless of whether the purchaser has a concealed license permit from Florida or any other state.

Note that weekends and legal holidays do not count as part of the 72-hour waiting period — only business days. Note also that there are two major exceptions to this rule: you are not required to wait 72 hours for your gun if you have a permit that allows you to carry concealed weapons or if you are trading in a handgun. [13] X Research source