Trying to find out how to apply for your Florida concealed weapons license? Or did you get a letter in the mail saying your permit was about to expire? In this article I will go over the ways to apply for your Florida CCW permit for the first time, or renew if yours is about to expire.
How Much Does a Florida CCW Permit Cost?
The right to defend your life isn’t free. Here is a breakdown of the cost:
| Type | Fingerprint | Initial Fee | Total | Renewal Fee |
| Florida Resident | $42 | $55 | $97 | $45 |
| Out of State Resident | $42 | $55 | $97 | $45 Renewal Fee + $42 Fingerprint Fee |
Essentially the cost is the same for first time CCW applicants. You only need to get fingerprinted a single time if you are a Florida resident, but out of state residents must get new fingerprints every time they renew their concealed weapons permit which adds an additional $42 to the $45 renewal fee for a total $87 for each renewal.
What you will need:
- A driver license or other form of state issued photo ID
- A copy of the certificate of training you completed and confirming firearm proficiency.
- Money. Bring a way to pay the fees detailed above but remember that the FDACS Regional Offices do not accept cash, so make sure to bring an alternative form of payment.
- Any documentation with the details of name changes (marriage, divorce, etc).
- Certified copies of the court documentation reflecting the final disposition of the charge(s) filed against you if you have ever been arrested.
- If born outside the U.S. bring the appropriate documentation showing your citizenship status. If unsure whether or not you are eligible to receive your Florida CCW permit, check the eligibility info located here.
- Active duty law enforcement, correctional or probation officers with a Florida law enforcement agency will need to provide evidence of employment. If you are one of these and retired, have a copy of an official document that includes your date of retirement and the agency from which you retired. But note that this does not apply to Federal, or out of state law enforcement retirees.
Renewal
Florida concealed weapons permits are good for 7 years. Around 95 days prior to the expiration of your permit, FDACS will send you a notification form complete with a renewal application and instructions for filling it out.
If you fill out the application and return it before you license expires there are no fees beyond the $45 renewal fee. However, if you wait until after your license expires, you must pay an additional $15 late fee.
Don’t wait too long though. If you want to renew your Florida CCW permit after it’s been expired for 6 months or more, you must complete the entire process like it was your first time. This means you will need to get fingerprinted again and pay the $42 fee associated with that.
Online
Submitting your application online is generally the most popular way to get a CCW permit. All required fees already discussed apply to this method of application so have all that on hand when you are ready to begin.
To submit online, you will first need to gather the following:
- Your CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION from a firearms training class or other document that evidences your competency with a firearm. Your training must include live fire using a firearm and ammunition.
- A digital, passport-style photo taken within the last 30 days.
- Your photo and all documents should be uploaded to your computer prior to starting this online application.
- A credit card, debit card, or electronic check for payment. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
When you are ready, click the green button located here to begin your application.
By Mail
If you would prefer to submit your application by mail you may do so by first downloading and following the Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Application Instructions and filling out the application. Your application will be given a unique tracking number at this point.
After you have finished this part you will then need to make an appointment for fingerprinting at your local Sheriff’s office or police department.
Then mail your completed application with all the required documentation to:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Licensing
P.O. Box 6687
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6687
All the fees are the same as well as the processing time it takes to approve your application.
In Person
To submit your application in person, you need to make an appointment at one of the 9 regional offices of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can find the closest one to your area by following this link.
After clicking on the correct regional office, click the tab for Concealed Weapon License then pick the date and time when you want your appointment scheduled.
You are also able to take your application to an authorized Florida Tax Collectors office near you, but you may pay an additional $22 for a “convenience fee.”
Make sure you take with you all required forms and documents needed to complete the appointment.
When you arrive at the Regional office, ask to use a computer station where you will complete the online application form. When you are finished, a staff member will review your application then take you for fingerprinting and a picture for your permit.
Then you will be asked to, “swear and affirm that you have been furnished with a copy of Chapter 790, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and that you are knowledgeable of its provisions.” Chapter 709 is about the laws surrounding the legal carrying of a concealed weapon and it’s recommended that you read these prior to your appointment so you know exactly what it is you are swearing to.
It should take around an hour from start to finish to finish your application and then FDACS is required to send you your confirmation or denial within 90 days, providing there are no other delays and the application has been satisfactorily completed.
You can check on the status of your permit by going here. You will need your tracking number which begins with the letter T and is followed by 9 numbers.
Now for the disclaimer: I am not currently, nor do I intend to become a lawyer. Seek out your own expert opinion in the law. If you have information that can clarify or reform the article, please feel free to leave a comment below so it can be addressed.
VisitConcealedccarry.comfor everything you need relating to CCW.
