Florida Is a Permitless Carry State, But You Should Still Get Your CCW

Florida Is a Permitless Carry State, But You Should Still Get Your CCW

As of July 1, 2023, Florida became a permitless carry state, meaning that law-abiding gun owners can carry a concealed firearm without a permit. While this law expands the rights of Floridians to exercise their Second Amendment freedoms, it does not eliminate the advantages of obtaining a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit. If you are serious about self-defense, legal protection, and responsible firearm ownership, obtaining your CCW is still the best choice.

Understanding Florida’s Permitless Carry Law

Florida’s permitless carry law allows individuals 21 years or older who are legally allowed to possess a firearm to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. However, this does not mean that all previous restrictions have been lifted. Here are some important details:

• Open Carry is Still Illegal: You must carry the firearm concealed at all times unless you fall under specific exemptions (such as fishing or hunting activities where open carry is permitted).

• Background Checks Still Apply for Purchasing: Permitless carry does not change the background check requirements when purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer.

• Gun-Free Zones Still Apply: Permitless carry does not allow you to carry in all locations.

Where You Cannot Carry Under Permitless Carry

While permitless carry gives you more freedom to carry a firearm, it does not grant the same privileges as having a CCW. Here are some places you are prohibited from carrying a firearm without a CCW:

• Schools (K-12 and College Campuses)

• Government Buildings (Courthouses, Police Stations, Prisons, etc.)

• Polling Places

• Sporting Events (Professional & School)

• Bars and Portions of Restaurants Serving Alcohol

• Airports (Beyond Security Checkpoints)

• Private Property Where Firearms Are Prohibited

• Hospitals and Mental Health Facilities

• Federal Property (Post Offices, Federal Buildings, Military Bases, etc.)

Where You Can Carry With a CCW in Florida

Having a Florida CCW permit expands your legal ability to carry a firearm in several places where permitless carry is not allowed. With a CCW, you can carry in:

• Non-Government Workplaces (Unless Prohibited by Employer Policy)

• State and National Parks (Except Federal Buildings Within Them)

• Churches and Places of Worship (Unless Posted Otherwise)

• Bars and Restaurants That Serve Alcohol (As Long as You Are in the Dining Area and Not the Bar Section)

• Public Transportation (Buses, Trains, and Rideshare Vehicles)

• Certain Educational Facilities With Written Permission

While these locations provide more flexibility for CCW holders, it is always important to check for posted signs and remain aware of any restrictions that may apply.

Advantages of Getting Your Florida CCW Permit

Even though you can carry without a permit, obtaining a Florida Concealed Carry Permit (CCW) provides significant benefits:

1. Expanded Carry Privileges

With a Florida CCW, you gain additional privileges not available to permitless carriers:

• Reciprocity in Other States: Florida has reciprocity agreements with 37 states. Without a CCW, you cannot legally carry outside of Florida in many states.

• More Locations to Carry: Some areas that prohibit permitless carry allow CCW permit holders to carry legally (e.g., certain public places and businesses).

2. Legal Protection & Knowledge

One of the most overlooked aspects of self-defense is understanding the law. When you take a CCW class, you receive proper legal training on:

• Florida’s Use of Force and Self-Defense Laws

• When you can and cannot legally use deadly force

• The legal aftermath of a self-defense shooting and how to protect yourself legally

3. Faster Gun Purchases (No Waiting Period)

• With a CCW, you can bypass the 3-day waiting period required for handgun purchases in most Florida counties.

• This makes purchasing firearms more convenient and immediate if needed.

4. Better Training and Confidence

Permitless carriers often lack formal training, which can lead to poor decision-making, unsafe handling, and legal risks. A CCW class provides:

• Firearms Safety & Handling

• Defensive Shooting Techniques

• De-escalation and Threat Recognition

• Holster Draw & Retention Skills

The more training you have, the better prepared you will be in a real-world self-defense situation.

5. Protection Against Changing Laws

While Florida currently allows permitless carry, laws can change based on political shifts. Having a CCW permit ensures you stay within legal boundaries even if restrictions tighten in the future.

Who Should Get a CCW Permit?

• Anyone Who Wants to Carry in More Locations

• Those Who Travel Out of State (Reciprocity Benefits)

• Gun Owners Who Want Faster Firearm Purchases

• Individuals Who Take Self-Defense Seriously

• Those Who Want to Protect Themselves Legally

If you fall into any of these categories, you should strongly consider obtaining a Florida Concealed Carry Permit despite the permitless carry law.

Conclusion: Get Trained & Be a Responsible Firearm Owner

At Viking 6 Tactical, we believe in responsible gun ownership. Just because you can carry without a permit doesn’t mean you should skip training. A Florida CCW provides significant legal and practical advantages that will make you a more confident, skilled, and legally protected firearm owner.

If you are ready to take your self-defense training to the next level, we offer CCW training, defensive shooting courses, and legal education to help you carry responsibly.

👉 Sign up for a CCW class today at Viking 6 Tactical and ensure you're fully prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones. In the USCCA website, look for the instructor George Rodriguez to book a class.