Florida law allows a person who satisfies the statutory eligibility requirements to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm without obtaining a concealed-carry license. Permitless carry does not apply to everyone or everywhere, so eligibility, prohibited locations, and the circumstances of the police encounter still matter.

Handcuffs representing concealed weapon arrest in Florida
Concealed-weapon cases depend heavily on where the weapon was found, how the stop was conducted, and whether the charge actually fits the facts.

What Is the Short Answer?

Florida allows a person to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm without a license only if that person satisfies the statutory criteria for unlicensed carry. “Permitless” does not mean unrestricted. Age, prohibited-person status, identification, manner of carry, and prohibited locations still matter.

What Should You Check Before Carrying?

  • Whether state or federal law prohibits you from possessing a firearm or ammunition
  • Whether you satisfy the eligibility conditions referenced in section 790.01
  • Whether the location is prohibited under section 790.06 or another law
  • Whether travel outside Florida requires a license recognized by the destination state

What Should You Do During a Police Encounter?

  • Keep your hands visible and do not reach toward the weapon.
  • Follow lawful safety instructions and do not physically resist.
  • Carry valid identification and display it when lawfully demanded as section 790.013 requires.
  • Do not volunteer a detailed statement about ownership, location, or intent before obtaining advice if an arrest or investigation begins.

Where Can Carry Still Be Prohibited?

Section 790.06 lists restricted places and circumstances, and additional laws may apply to schools, courthouses, detention facilities, private property, federal property, and other locations. A private owner may also control access to property. The specific place and conduct must be checked rather than relying on a general “constitutional carry” label.

Why Might a License Still Matter?

A Florida license may matter for interstate reciprocity and other practical reasons. Unlicensed carry authority in Florida does not create authority in another state, and firearm rules can change across jurisdictions.

How Can a Lawyer Evaluate a Charge?

Counsel can examine eligibility, prohibited status, the definition of concealment, location restrictions, vehicle provisions, the legality of the stop and search, and whether the State can prove knowing possession. A valid defense depends on the facts; permitless carry does not automatically defeat every weapons charge.

Permitless Carry FAQ

Can anyone over 21 carry concealed?

No. Age is only one issue. Eligibility and state and federal prohibitions must also be considered.

Do I need identification?

Section 790.013 requires valid identification while carrying without a license under the statutory authorization and requires display on demand by law enforcement.

Does Florida permit open carry?

Florida generally restricts open carry, subject to specific statutory exceptions. Permitless concealed carry did not create a general open-carry right.

This article provides general information about Florida law and is not legal advice for a particular case.

Charged with carrying a concealed weapon and not sure how serious it is?

A license is no longer required for every lawful concealed carrier, but prohibited-person and prohibited-place rules can still create serious charges.

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