Changes to Concealed Carry

On July 1, 2023, House Bill 543, commonly known as “Permitless Carry,” goes into effect. This bill authorizes certain qualifying individuals to carry a concealed weapon or firearm in Florida without a concealed weapons or firearms license.

The following are a few details that Miami-Dade Police Department wants you to know:

• To carry a concealed firearm in Florida, you must meet the same criteria required to qualify for a concealed weapons or firearms license as outlined in Florida Statutes Section 790.06. You must be 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident without a felony conviction, and not have any disqualifying conditions as outlined in Florida Statutes Section 790.23.
• Firearms are still prohibited in certain places. You may not carry a firearm in areas that a private business or property owner has prohibited them, or into any other prohibited area outlined in Florida Statutes Section 790.06, including but not limited to schools, colleges or universities, bars, courthouses, and government meetings.
• Open carry is still illegal in Florida under most circumstances. You may only openly carry a firearm if you are engaged in or traveling to or from fishing, camping, hunting, or test/target shooting.
• The new law does not change who can purchase a firearm or the waiting period to purchase a firearm. Licensed retailers must complete the appropriate paperwork for the buyer 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 the purchase and delivery of the firearm.
• Concealed Weapon or Firearms Licenses will still be available and in effect. The Florida Department of Agriculture will continue to maintain the program and issue new licenses. Concealed Weapon or Firearms Licenses (CWFL) will still have benefits, including reciprocity in other states that recognize Florida’s CWFL, and the ability to purchase and take delivery of firearms on the same day in lieu of the three-day waiting period for unlicensed persons.