Florida Constitutional Carry: Why You Should Still Get a Permit
Constitutional carry, also known as permitless carry, allows individuals to carry concealed firearms without the need for a permit or license. While this may seem like a convenient option, there are still some reasons why obtaining a Florida concealed weapons permit (CWP) could be beneficial, even if your state has constitutional carry, which with Florida’s recent passing of House Bill (HB) 543 makes this information relevant to both Floridians as well as snowbirds and tourists alike.
Traveling to other states: If you plan to travel to other states, a concealed weapons license can be useful. While some states recognize constitutional carry, others do not. By obtaining a Florida CWP, you can ensure that you are legally allowed to carry a concealed weapon in other states that accept the Florida CWP as an equivalent under what’s known as reciprocity. Florida's Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWP) reciprocity refers to an agreement between Florida and other states regarding the recognition of each other's concealed carry permits/licenses. In other words, if you have a valid CWP from Florida, you can carry a concealed weapon or firearm in the states that have reciprocity agreements with Florida without having to obtain a separate permit from those states.
As of September 2021, Florida has reciprocity agreements with 36 other states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
It's important to note that even though a state may have a reciprocity agreement with Florida, there may be certain restrictions or limitations on where and how you can carry your concealed weapon or firearm in that state. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the specific laws and regulations of each state before carrying a concealed weapon or firearm.
Training and education: Obtaining a CWP often requires individuals to complete a firearms safety course, however as of July 2023 will no longer be a requirement for the Florida CWP. This training can provide valuable knowledge and skills to safely and effectively carry a firearm, which can be beneficial in a self-defense situation. Taking a CWP class also will familiarize new shooters with using a firearm as well as giving individuals the opportunity to learn to use a firearm with a professional instructor present.
Legal protection: While constitutional carry allows individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit, there may still be situations where you could face legal consequences. For example, if you use your firearm in self-defense, you may need to prove that you were acting within the law. Having a CWP can potentially provide legal protection in such situations, and at the very least will cover common questions in regards to Florida law.
In summary, even if your state has constitutional carry, obtaining a concealed weapons license can still be beneficial for traveling to other states, receiving training and education, and providing legal protection.
