Monday, October 3, 2011

Concealed Weapons Permit for ANYONE !

I stumbled across something I think most people don't know, ANY legal US resident is eligible to get a Florida Concealed Weapons Permit. This means even if you live in California, NY or any other state that is very restrictive on permits there is no excuse not to have a CCW permit.
What are the benefits of this ? according to what I read there are more states which honor the Florida permit (see map) for this reason many obtain a Florida permit in addition to their own state permit.
Another reason is FL permits are good for 7 years the initial cost is $117 but renewals are $65 which works out to be $9.28 per year. All permit applications can be handled through the mail. You do have to have an approved handgun course but veterans can just provide a copy of DD-214 or copy of service record page showing weapons qualification and that will suffice. Florida is a "shall issue" state which means as long as you are not a felon you cannot be turned down, state resident or not.
States which honor Florida Concealed Weapons Permits.
This would be extremely handy for residents of CA, NV, OR, IL, MN, MA, CT, NY, NJ, DC etc who travel to adjoining states which honor the FL permit. For instance I see where NY hunters who hunt in PA obtain these so they can CC in PA.
Good for traveling on vacation as well not to mention the wow factor when you show it to friends who don't believe you.
Anyway for more information visit the Florida Concealed Weapons Program web site.

10 comments:

  1. Thanks for the intel. I'm copying this (and a link) on my blog! - gfa

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  2. Thanks for the info. My chief of police in the town I work is going to work on helping me get all my certifications.

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  3. Guffaw in AZ and Mudbug, glad to pass it on. I had no idea this was possible. I guess Florida did it due to the high volume of part time residents. Also Florida has had the current CCW system since 1987 and led the way for other states to follow.

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  4. There are a couple of states that allow this, but I think Florida is the most widely recognized. If you lived in California and could somehow negotiate the labyrinth of laws to get out of your state with your gun, you'd be open to a new world of concealed carry. As always, research the laws in the states you plan to visit as a licensee. I've carried in many a state and it is eye-opening how vastly different the laws are from state to state. Awesome post, Duke!

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  5. I am a Florida concealed weapons permit class instructor and your information is correct. A DD214 is all prior military needs for the permit. You can get an application from the state's website.

    In addition to a DD214, you will still need a passport photos (write your name and DOB on the back with a felt tip pen) and you'll need to get your fingerprints taken - a fingerprint card will be included with the application packet they send you.

    If you live out of state your permit will say "Non Resident" on the top but its no big deal.

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  6. 45er, Thanks for the input.
    MyWeaponsPermit, Thanks for the backup, a DD-214 is what I used years ago to get mine.

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  7. One massively cool thing about the Florida CCW is that, at least for the last few years, it is signed by their Dept. of Ag guy - Charles S. Bronson. Yes, thats right...you can have a gun license signed off by Charles Bronson..cool, no?

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  8. Commander_Zero very true, also every time I buy gas his name is on the gas pump as well.

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  9. When I moved to Florida last year, they refused to accept my Iowa CCW and any certifications/classes I have (in my county up there, we had to requalify by shooting each handgun we intended to carry every year). So I have to go through the class all over again down here.

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  10. Gator Girl Tales, I guess every state has it's own rules but at least the Florida permit is good for 7 years and you never have to take the class again. Thanks for stopping by.

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