Being a responsible gun owner is crucial both to upholding your second amendment rights and to protecting your other legal rights as a citizen. Part of responsible gun ownership in Florida is maintaining proper permits for any guns you may own that require permitting, specifically handguns.
Concealed-carry permits are essential for any Florida resident who owns handguns and wishes to carry them in public, or for anyone visiting Florida with a handgun. While Florida may recognize the concealed-carry permits of a number of other states, it is important to make sure before crossing the Florida state line.
In order to qualify for a Florida concealed-carry permit, an applicant must be at least 21 years of age and meet a number of other requirements, including
- citizenship in the United States
- no felony convictions
- no convictions for domestic violence charges
- no existing restraining orders brought about by violence
- no convictions of public drunkenness
- no convictions for violent crimes in the prior three years
- no convictions for drug-related crimes in the prior three years
If you do not maintain proper permitting for a handgun that you carry in public, then you may face serious criminal charges. Taking these permitting requirements lightly not only places you in unnecessary danger, it may also indicate an irresponsible mindset surrounding gun ownership. For your own sake, and for the sake of your Second Amendment rights, it is very important to understand the scope of this issue fully.
Should you face charges related to carrying your handgun without a permit, or any other weapons charge, be sure to seek out professional legal counsel. You may have many ways to fight these charges and protect your rights and future.
Source: Trip Savvy, “Florida Gun Laws,” Marcus Johnson, accessed Dec. 29, 2017