Concealed Weapon License FAQ

Learn how to apply for a license.

You can use our online status check to check the status of your application.

The turnaround time for processing a concealed weapon license application is approximately 50 to 55 days. Our standard policy is to process pending applications in the order in which they arrive in our mail room.

Please be aware that by law the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has 90 days from the date on which we receive a complete application to either issue a license or deny the application. In most cases, we issue licenses well before the 90-day deadline, but an increase in the volume of applications being submitted may cause longer turnaround times.

The time required to process your application will significantly increase if we encounter any of the following three issues during review of your application:

1. Your application is incomplete.
   If we find that your application is incomplete for some reason (a missing answer to a question; a personal check made out for the wrong amount, no firearms training documentation, a photograph that does not meet specifications, etc.), we will notify you by letter and request that you provide us with the missing information or documentation.
2. Your fingerprints are illegible.
   If law enforcement authorities determine that your fingerprints are insufficiently legible to complete a proper background check, we will send you a letter requesting a second fingerprint submission as required by law. If your second fingerprint submission is also deemed illegible, we can then ask the FBI to conduct a name-based background check.
3. Your background check results are inconclusive.
   In some cases, the background check results we receive from law enforcement authorities indicate that an applicant was arrested for a potentially disqualifying crime, but those background check results do not reflect a final disposition regarding that arrest. In these cases, we will contact law enforcement authorities for assistance in obtaining this disposition information.

Yes, there are. First of all, you should be aware that, as noted above, you are limited in many states as to the type of weapon that you can conceal. Many states allow concealed carry of handguns or pistols only.

In addition, most states' gun laws prohibit carrying concealed weapons into such places as schools, bars, courthouses and so on. Generally speaking, the other states' lists are all quite similar to Florida's. Florida's list of designated "No Carry" places is found in Section 790.06(12), Florida Statutes.

A licensee planning to travel to another state should consult that state's laws or call a law enforcement agency in that state to find out precisely what carry restrictions apply.

The concealed weapon or firearm license has a term of seven years.

Visit our Form and Publication Request page.

You can change your address online or submit your notification in writing to the following address:

Division of Licensing
P.O.Box 6387
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387

Submit a written request and a copy of the legal document with proof of your name change to:

Division of Licensing
P.O.Box 6387
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387

You can have a revised license printed for a fee of $15, payable by check or money order to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

If you prefer, you may keep your current license until it is time to renew. At time of renewal, remember to send your written request and a copy of the legal document evidencing your name change with your renewal application and we will issue your renewal license with your legal name.

Approximately 95 days prior to the expiration date of your license, FDACS will send your renewal application form with complete instructions on how to renew your license.

You can renew your license in one of four ways:

• Online. You must have your renewal application available and have the ability to submit a color photograph.
• At a regional office. Appointments are required for renewal services; call (850) 245-5300 to schedule. We will take your photograph during your appointment. Most renewal applicants (those who do not require fingerprints or review of recertification documents) will be able to leave with their new license in hand.
• At an authorized tax collector's office. An appointment may be required and a service fee may apply.
• By mail. Return your renewal application to: Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Renewals, Division of Licensing, P.O. Box 6387, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387.

A concealed weapon license can be renewed if it has not been expired for more than 180 days. A late fee of $15 is required in addition to the renewal license fee [ 238 kB ] .

If the license has been expired for more than 180 days, you must reapply for a new license. If you need another renewal notice sent to you, please contact FDACS at DOLWeb@FDACS.gov or (850) 245-5691. If your license has been expired longer than the allowable time, you must apply for a new license.

Contact the Firearm Purchase Program, administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, at firearmpurchasing@fdle.state.fl.us or (850) 410-8139.

The notice provides an explanation regarding why the processing of your application was suspended and includes contact information for assistance and an Election of Rights form so that you may exercise your right to a hearing on the matter.

The denial letter provides an explanation regarding why your application was denied and includes contact information for assistance and an Election of Rights form so that you may exercise your right to a hearing on the matter.

Learn how to obtain a replacement license.

Submit a public records request to FDACS.