HOLT, Fla., June 15, 2023—Florida’s new “Permitless Carry” law goes into effect July 1 authorizing qualified individuals to carry a concealed weapon or firearm without a concealed weapons license.

Constitutional carry House Bill 543 was signed into law April 3, making Florida the 26th state to enact permit-less carry.

Although it allows permit-less carry, firearms will still be prohibited in certain places, according to the law.

Firearms are not allowed in private businesses or on private property where the owners have prohibited them under Florida Statute Section 790.06 (12)(a). This includes, but is not limited to, schools, colleges or universities, bars, courthouses and government meetings.

Additionally, a weapon or firearm must remained concealed from sight unless traveling to or from fishing, hunting camping or test/target shooting, and the bearer must have a valid form of identification.

Minimum age to conceal carry in Florida is 21 years old and the individual must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. resident or a permanent U.S. resident alien.

Convicted felons or delinquents, or persons suffering from a physical condition that prevents safe handling of a weapon, are not authorized to possess a firearm.

Conceal carry licenses will still be available and in effect, issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture. A license will provide the carrier with reciprocity in other states that recognize Florida’s conceal carry.

Most states recognize Florida’s conceal carry license, with restrictions; however, 12 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico do not.

The new “Permitless Carry” law does not change who can purchase, or the waiting period to purchase, a firearm. Licensed retailers must complete the appropriate paperwork and provide the buyer’s information to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement where it is checked in the National Crime Information Center and the Florida Crime Information Center.

There is a mandatory three-day waiting period between purchase and delivery of a firearm, unless the purchaser has a conceal carry permit.

Staff and Crestview Police Department release