The new 2023 Florida concealed carry law

About the new Florida concealed carry law:
By Jon H. Gutmacher, Esq.

Well, the final version of the bill is now out, and goes into effect July 1, 2023.   Until that date, current law continues.  But, when the new law takes over I’m guessing you’re wondering what the important parts are.  First,  if you already have the CWL — nothing much has changed, other than you don’t have to carry your actual CWL anymore as long as you have a government issued photo identification with you.  I know that sounds a bit crazy – but that’s part of the new law.  However, for the folks who want to carry concealed without the license  here are the things you should know now:

This was not a “Constitutional Carry” bill.  Constitutional carry means “open carry”.  Concealed carry has been regulated since Colonial times.  In the new law that takes effect July 1, 2023, the Legislature extended concealed carry to everyone who could qualify for the Florida CWL – if they bothered to apply — whether they do or not, subject to almost the same requirements as a CWL holder.  However, and probably not for the best, the Legislature eliminated any training requirements for non-CWL holders. That makes no sense to me, but that’s what they did.

If you’re wondering if it’s still worth having a CWL — the answer is a definite “yes”.  You will still want it for reciprocity, and to avoid waiting periods on firearm purchases.  You will also need it to avoid the federal prohibition on possession within 1000 feet of a school zone, and also to take advantage of the Florida law that allows CWL carry at religious institutions even if they have a school at their location.  Also, having an actual CWL should settle any possible legal issues  about having a firearm in a vehicle on hospital grounds or hospital parking as legally authorized. Likewise,  I still think having an actual CWL in any encounter with law enforcement will go a long way in your favor.  

Anyway,  that’s the short stick on the new law.  If you want the total answer — the new Florida Firearms book begins shipping May 15, 2023, and I’m already take single copy orders on this website.  It covers everything!   And as I said — for folks who already have the CWL — not much has really changed for you,  but it’s still really important, so make sure you keep it!  

Just to make sure you understand who can’t carry concealed — anyone with a felony record or other federal prohibition.  Why?  Because you couldn’t get a Florida CWL if you applied for it.  Same for under 21 years of age, or aliens who are not permanent residents.  Also, a  hunting license doesn’t fix it since you still couldn’t get a Florida CWL.  Hope that clears that up.

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6 responses to “The new 2023 Florida concealed carry law

Thank you for that update. Elimination of any training requirements is the real tragedy here. Even with the CWL ‘training’ some one day CWL courses only require the firing on one bullet to pass the practical portion of the course.

Anyway, appreciate all you do!

I agree – even the meager training given in Florida – it was better than nothing, and seemed to work. Plus, many instructors took training seriously, and it was a lot more intense than some of the “gun show” varieties.

I am a Florida resident with a CWL. But, I am surprised to learn the license is reciprocal in a majority of states, but is not recipricol in the school zones of those states. For example, I I were to travel to Utah where my license is honored, I could not drive through a school zone unless my firearm were unloaded and locked in the trunk. Only by having an Utah issued CWL could I get around this. That is, only a CWL issued by the state in which the school is located is honored in the school zone. Needless to say, no one can know every school zone and avoid them, therefore the gun is in trunk.

My only problem with this, is that I must show my gun to load and carry it. Hmmph.

Yup — pretty stupid federal law, huh? You can in your home state, but in a reciprocal state – you can’t, even if the reciprocal state says it’s OK. Typical federal overreaching.

Can gun owners without a CCW license now carry concealed while driving their car or other private conveyance?

Thanks! I have the 6th edition (old!). Looking forward to the new edition, which I will definitely buy!

A “qualified person” will be able to carry the same as a CWL holder within a vehicle — other than school zones. So, if a “qualified person” the answer is “yes”.

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