Myth

Fact

• Open Carry is now Legal in Florida: FALSE

• Open carry is still ILLEGAL in Florida in almost all circumstances.
• Open carry is permitted only if you are engaged in or traveling to or from: fishing, camping, hunting or test/target shooting.

• You can carry a gun anywhere: FALSE

• The places you can legally carry a firearm have NOT changed.
• You cannot legally carry a firearm in any location where a private business or property owner has prohibited them; or in any location legally prohibited including schools, colleges, universities, bars, courthouses and in government meetings.

• Anyone can get a gun without a background check: FALSE

• The new law doesn’t change who can purchase a firearm or the waiting period to purchase one.
• Licensed retailers must complete the appropriate paperwork for the buyer and provide the buyer’s info to FDLE.
• It will then be checked in the Florida Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center databases.
• There is a mandatory 3-day period between the purchase and delivery of a firearm.

• Legal gun carry is no longer restricted: FALSE

• Concealed firearm carry in Florida still requires criteria to be met, including owning a concealed weapons license.
• You must be a U.S. citizen, 21 years old or more, with 0 felony convictions or other disqualifying conditions.

• Concealed Weapon licenses will be going away: FALSE

• Permits will continue to be maintained and issued by the Florida Dept. of Agriculture.
• Concealed Weapons Licenses (CWLs) will still have benefits, including reciprocity in other states that recognize Florida’s CWL. It will also continue to respect the ability to purchase and take delivery of firearms same-day instead of the 3-day waiting period.