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Florida Concealed Carry Checklist (2026)
October 6, 2026 – Tony Palacios
The short answer: since July 1, 2023, adults in Florida who meet the state's eligibility requirements can carry a concealed firearm without a license. You must carry valid ID and show it to a law enforcement officer on request, and you still can't carry in certain places. Many carriers still get a Florida Concealed Weapon License for out-of-state travel and other benefits. Use this checklist to make sure you're carrying legally, safely and comfortably.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and court decisions can affect them. Always confirm the current law with the official sources linked below or a Florida attorney. Last reviewed October 2026.
1. Make sure you're eligible
Florida's permitless carry law applies to people who meet the same requirements as a Concealed Weapon License holder. In general, that includes being:
- 21 or older, or a member or honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. armed forces. Courts are currently reviewing the age limit for adults 18 to 20, so check the current law if this applies to you.
- A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Free of disqualifying history, such as a felony conviction, certain domestic violence and drug offenses, or a commitment to a mental health facility.
The full list is in Florida Statute 790.06, and the permitless carry law is Florida Statute 790.01.
2. Always carry your ID
If you carry without a license, you must carry valid identification whenever you have a concealed firearm, and show it to a law enforcement officer on request (Florida Statute 790.013). Make it a habit: gun, holster, belt, ID.
3. Know where you can't carry
Permitless carriers and license holders follow the same restricted-places list (Florida Statute 790.06(12)). It includes:
- Police, sheriff and highway patrol stations
- Jails, prisons and detention facilities
- Courthouses and courtrooms
- Polling places
- Meetings of a county, city, school district or special district governing body, and meetings of the Legislature
- School, college and professional athletic events not related to firearms
- Elementary and secondary schools and school administration buildings, and career centers
- The portion of a bar or restaurant primarily devoted to serving alcohol
- College and university facilities (with limited exceptions)
- The secure, passenger-screening areas of airports
- Anywhere carry is prohibited by federal law, such as federal buildings and post offices
Private property owners and businesses can also ask you not to carry on their property. Respect their rules, and leave if asked.
4. Understand open carry in Florida
In September 2025, Florida's First District Court of Appeal ruled the state's open carry ban unconstitutional in McDaniels v. State, and the Florida Attorney General declined to appeal and issued guidance on open carry to law enforcement statewide. Open carry is still subject to the same eligibility rules and restricted places. Because this area of law is still developing, check the current rules before you open carry.
For most everyday carriers, concealed carry remains the best choice: it keeps you from becoming a target and avoids alarming the people around you.
5. Consider a Florida Concealed Weapon License anyway
Even though it's no longer required in Florida, a Concealed Weapon License (CWL) from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services still offers real benefits:
- Carry in other states. Many states honor a Florida license. Permitless carry only applies in Florida.
- Buying a handgun. License holders are exempt from Florida's waiting period on handgun purchases.
- Proof of training. Getting a license requires showing competency with a firearm.
6. Get trained, and keep training
The law sets the minimum. Real readiness takes practice. Take a quality concealed carry class, learn Florida's use-of-force laws from a qualified instructor, and practice your draw regularly with an unloaded firearm. We believe affordable, quality training should be available to everyone, and we're committed to helping more people carry safely.
7. Set up your carry gear
Florida heat and humidity are hard on carry gear, and on you. Your checklist:
- A holster molded for your exact firearm that fully covers the trigger guard. Kydex won't soak up sweat like leather. See Kydex vs. Leather.
- IWB for everyday concealment. Florida means T-shirts most of the year, and IWB keeps your firearm concealed under one. See IWB vs. OWB.
- A real gun belt, or a Monoblock or UltiClip for beltless carry in shorts and athletic wear. See Why Your Gun Belt Matters and How to Choose a Holster Clip.
- Heat awareness. Never leave your Kydex holster on a dashboard in the Florida sun. See How to Care for a Kydex Holster.
- Retention you've tested with an unloaded firearm, and retention screws you check every few weeks.
Your Florida carry checklist
| Check | Done? |
|---|---|
| I meet Florida's eligibility requirements | ☐ |
| I carry valid ID every time I carry | ☐ |
| I know the places I can't carry | ☐ |
| I've considered a CWL for travel and purchases | ☐ |
| I've taken a concealed carry class and practice regularly | ☐ |
| My holster is molded for my firearm and covers the trigger guard | ☐ |
| I carry on a real gun belt or the right clip | ☐ |
| I keep my gear out of the heat and check my screws | ☐ |
Safety first
A holster is not a safety device and doesn't replace training. Always confirm your firearm is unloaded before fitting or practicing with a holster, keep the trigger guard covered, and know the law wherever you carry. Read our full Product Safety & Liability guidance.
Built in Florida, for Florida carriers
Every Armor Of God holster is handcrafted to order in St. Johns, Florida, molded for your exact firearm, pre-cut for red dot optics, and ships within 5 business days (custom designs 7 to 10), with a 30-Day Carry Guarantee and a lifetime warranty on workmanship. Law enforcement, fire, EMS and military save 25%.
Questions? Read our Holster FAQ or ask us.