You do not need a licence to carry in Florida. Permitless concealed carry has been law since 1 July 2023 for adults 21 and over who may lawfully possess a firearm, and open carry became lawful in September 2025.
The licence is still worth holding. A Florida CWL carries reciprocity in roughly 38 other states — the widest of any state permit. Permitless carry stops at the Florida state line; the licence does not.
What changed and when
- 1 July 2023 — HB 543 took effect and Florida became the 26th constitutional carry state. Adults 21+ who can lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed without a licence.
- 10 September 2025 — the First District Court of Appeal struck down the open carry ban, and open carry became lawful statewide. See our open carry guide.
Florida did not stop issuing the concealed weapon licence. It just stopped being mandatory to carry inside the state.
Why people still get one
Reciprocity — the big one
Florida's CWL is recognised by roughly 38 other states. That is the widest reciprocity of any state permit in the country, and it is the single reason most people still apply.
Permitless carry is a Florida rule. Drive to Georgia, fly to Texas, take the family up the coast — the moment you leave, permitless carry does nothing for you. The licence is what makes carrying lawful in the states that recognise it.
Firearm purchases
Holding a CWL smooths the purchase process at a dealer.
Legal posture
A licence means you passed a background check and completed a training requirement. That is a materially better position during a police encounter, and a materially better position afterwards if you ever have to explain a defensive incident.
One area to watch: ages 18 to 20
On 17 June 2026, Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled that the statutory provision barring law-abiding adults aged 18 to 20 from obtaining a concealed carry licence is facially unconstitutional, and the Attorney General's office indicated it would not seek further review.
This is recent and consequential. If you are between 18 and 20 and want a Florida licence, call us for the current position rather than relying on any article, including this one — the practical administration of a ruling can lag the ruling itself.
Getting yours
The licence is issued by FDACS, and one of the qualifying routes is a firearms training course from a certified instructor. Alpha One's Florida Complete Carry course covers the current law, where you still cannot carry, use-of-force doctrine, and live-fire fundamentals — in English or Spanish.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Florida concealed weapon licence still worth getting?
Yes, primarily for reciprocity. The Florida CWL is recognised by roughly 38 other states — the widest of any state permit. Permitless carry only covers you inside Florida.
How many states honour a Florida CWL?
Roughly 38. FDACS publishes the current reciprocity list, and it changes as other states amend their laws — check it before you travel rather than relying on a number in an article.
Do I need training to carry in Florida?
Not legally, for permitless carry. Training is required to obtain the concealed weapon licence. We would argue training matters more than the paperwork either way — carrying means accepting that you may have to justify a two-second decision to people with months to examine it.
Can 18 to 20 year olds get a Florida licence?
A June 2026 Fourth District Court of Appeal decision held the 18-to-20 restriction facially unconstitutional and the Attorney General's office indicated it would not seek further review. Because implementation of a ruling can lag the ruling, call 305.458.8429 for the current practical position.
Does any of this affect armed security officers?
No. Armed security work is licensed separately under Chapter 493 and requires a Class G statewide firearm licence with current annual requalification. A CWL is not a substitute for it.