Category: FL-Specific Laws · Statute: F.S. 790.06 · Source: Florida Legislature
Understanding Concealed Carry Permit in Florida
In Florida, the official term for a concealed carry permit is a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL), which is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Florida Statute 790.06. This license authorizes individuals to carry concealed weapons—including handguns, electronic weapons, tear gas guns, or billies—on their person for self-defense. While Florida enacted "constitutional carry" legislation in 2023, allowing eligible citizens to carry concealed firearms without a permit, maintaining an active CWFL remains highly relevant. The physical license provides reciprocity in dozens of other states and exempts buyers from Florida's standard three-day waiting period when purchasing a new firearm from a licensed dealer.
To obtain a CWFL, an applicant must meet strict statutory criteria, including demonstrating competence with a firearm through an approved safety course, being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and passing a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Certain disqualifiers will prevent licensure or trigger immediate suspension, such as a felony conviction, a record of drug or alcohol abuse, a domestic violence injunction, or a commitment to a mental institution. Understanding these regulations is critical, as carrying a concealed weapon in prohibited areas—such as schools, courthouses, or polling places—remains a crime even for valid license holders.
How a CWFL Affects Bail and Pretrial Release
If an individual is arrested on weapons charges, such as carrying a concealed firearm in a prohibited location or possessing a firearm while impaired, having a valid CWFL can significantly influence pretrial release. For judges determining bail, a valid license demonstrates that the defendant previously passed rigorous state background checks and lacks a disqualifying criminal history, which can argue for a lower bond or Release on Recognizance (ROR). Conversely, committing a crime with a firearm while holding a CWFL can lead to immediate administrative suspension of the license, and the court will likely impose strict pretrial release conditions prohibiting the possession of any firearms while the criminal case is pending.