If you own guns in Florida or plan to buy weapons in the near future, it is a good idea to be well-informed about the various laws involved so that you can avoid criminal charges and other legal issues. This is especially true if you plan to carry your firearm in public.

The laws regarding concealed weapons were changed on July 1, 2023, with Florida residents now allowed to carry concealed weapons without a permit. Permits are still available from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services if a gun owner desires one.

It is important to know that not all people in Florida can legally carry concealed weapons. There are various requirements that must be followed:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
• At least 21 years old
• No felony convictions

Note that there is concealed carry of a firearm (when the firearm being carried is not visible to others) and open carry of a firearm (where the firearm is visible). Open carry is a misdemeanor except when hunting and fishing. Firearms can also be visible for display or self-defense.

However, concealed carry is not always available in the state. In Florida, private property owners can legally prohibit others from bringing firearms onto their property. They can do so by designating the property as a so-called “gun-free zone.” This usually involves posting signs to that effect, but there are some exceptions to this general rule: