• Law-abiding Floridians are able to apply for a license to carry a concealed gun.a gun image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  In Florida, statutes on weapons and firearms allow for every law-abiding citizen to be able to apply for a license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm for self-defense. This permit does not allow for the use of weapons or firearms and there are separate regulations that govern their use. If you have a concealed weapon license, you are able to carry a concealed weapon or firearm in other states that have a reciprocal agreement with Florida.
  
  

Eligibility

• To be eligible for a concealed weapons license, you must be 21 or older and you must be able to demonstrate competency with a firearm. You must currently reside in the U.S. unless you are serving overseas in the military. You also need to be able to show that you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident alien with proof that you have been in Florida for more than 90 days. Documentation to support your residency eligibility is required along with your application.
  
  You are not eligible for a concealed weapon permit if you have a felony conviction, a misdemeanour conviction for a violent offence, a history of drug and alcohol abuse, or if you have renounced your U.S. citizenship or been dishonorably discharged from the military.
  
  

Application

• Application forms are available for download online from the Division of Licensing pages of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or they can be collected from the department's regional offices. Instruction for filling in the forms are included but you must remember to supply proof of address such as utility or credit card bills and proof of your legal resident alien status if necessary. Proof of your competency with a firearm is also required and this includes certification from Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hunting courses, NRA courses, public courses offered by schools, colleges and law enforcement organizations, or a firearm license.
  
  

Restrictions

• While the successful application for a concealed weapons license will allow you to carry a concealed weapon or firearm for self-defense, there are certain places where you are not allowed to carry a weapon. These include but are not limited to police stations, jails, courtrooms, meetings of governing bodies, schools, colleges, airports and anywhere licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption.