Florida Gun Laws

The “Shall Issue” State

In the State of Florida, no permit is required to purchase rifles, shotguns, and handguns.  Also, there is no licensing of owners and no registration of firearms is required for these three classes of firearms.
Florida is referred to as a “shall issue” State which means that it requires and issues gun permits to both residents and non-residents for the carrying of concealed weapons. A person must have a permit to carry a handgun but no such permit is necessary for shotguns and rifles.
Additionally, it is unlawful for a convicted felon to possess or control any firearm whether concealed or unconcealed. The only time a convicted felon is allowed to be in the possession or control of a firearm is when that person’s civil rights are restored.
Florida law also states that a person who is in lawful possession of a firearm is allowed to “meet force with force” as there are no “duty to retreat” gun laws in the State. Also, in order to receive a permit to carry a concealed weapon in Florida, you must be twenty-one years old. Permits are issued to individuals younger than twenty-one years old only if they are members or veterans of the military.
There is no “duty to inform” gun laws in Florida.  Therefore, gun owners are not required to disclose their possession of a firearm not even to Law Enforcement personnel. Also, among other places; a carry license is not valid in areas such as courthouses, schools, police stations, and detention facilities.