Marsha Stroud, from the licensing division, informs me that the main difference between out-of-state and in-state permits is that with the out-of-state permit you have to submit a fingerprint card each time, upon renewal, which is every 5 years.
The best and quickest way to get started toward getting your CCW application package and to get an answer to any question you might have, is to e-mail Marsha Stroud, at MStroud@mail.dos.state.fl.us, or go to the Contacts Page. All you have to do is ask that the package needed for applying for a concealed weapons permit be sent to you and include your mailing address. She'll get one out to you, right away. Also, once you've done that, you probably should go to the page where you can download forms online, and download some extra forms. In this last package I ordered, they forgot to put the Certificate of Firearms Proficiency in the envelope. I guess if they forgot that one, they could forget any of them. The extra forms you might want to order are "Concealed Weapon Or Firearm Application," "Fingerprint Card-Firearm Licenses" and the "Certificate Of Firearms Proficiency." As it turned out, I went through five fingerprint cards, between two law enforcement agencies, before I got a card I could send in and the last one still wasn't all that great. So, ordering a couple of extra fingerprint cards might be a good idea, unless you get a lot luckier than I did. When you order the application package, it includes only one, each, of the forms.
Once you get your application package, be sure to read the instructions for filling out the fingerprint card and the application, in
the instruction booklet, before you start. The instructions are that you shouldn't sign the fingerprint card until after you've been fingerprinted
and it will give you the required abbreviations for things like race and color of hair and eyes. It will also give you the specifics on the
size and type of photograph you'll need to send in with your application.
Florida requires that your fingerprints be taken by a law enforcement agency and as I found out, when we redid my fingerprints on one of the sheriff department's blank fingerprint cards, Florida's state department won't accept that. The fingerprint card must be one that they send you or they won't accept it. Another requirement, on the fingerprint card, is that the officer taking the fingerprints sign his name and then stamp or print, clearly, the name and address of the law enforcement agency in the block labeled "Employer and Address." If this is not done, the card will be rejected. Also, on the fingerprint card, there are five blocks asking for numbers. The only one you're required to fill in is your social security number.
The application requirements are that you fill out the application, have the application notarized (AAA auto club will notarize for free if you're a member), supply them a photo of a specified size, a little smaller than a passport photo, taken within 30 days of application (AAA auto club can make a photo for you, one snapshot that produces two photos, for about $9 if you're a member and $11 if you're a non-member), proof of competence with a firearm, a set of fingerprints, on their card, and a cashier's check made payable to Florida Department of State, in the amount of $117.00. The license you'll be applying for is the "G Statewide Firearm License." The fee for that license is listed on the web site, on the Licensing Information & Fees Page and also in the instruction book that comes with your application package. The renewal fee for this license is $75.00. (Prices confirmed on May 3, 2004)
You'll find, in dealing
with Florida's licensing people, all of them are efficient, helpful and just super nice people.
In my experience there was absolutely no hassle involved in the license application process.
I received my concealed carry permit from Florida on March 13th, 2002. Even though the licensing division tells you it can take up to ninety days to get your license, I received mine in about six and one half weeks.
Florida's Reciprocity Info
Of the 27 states
with which Florida has reciprocity, only Michigan and New
Hampshire have statutory restrictions that prohibit non-resident licensees
from other states from carrying their concealed firearms while visiting.
Interestingly enough, Florida has a similar restriction. You may have
noticed by looking at our Web page that we recently added Pennsylvania to
our reciprocity list. Under Pennsylvania law, our non-resident licensees can
visit the Commonwealth while carrying concealed. We, however, cannot extend
the right to concealed carry to the non-resident licensees of Pennsylvania.
I should point out that Alabama has given only conditional recognition to
our non-resident licensees. The Alabama Attorney General's Office has told
us that it is waiting for a definitive decision from an Alabama court or for
decisive legislation from the Alabama Legislature. In the meantime, however,
non-resident Florida licensees can still carry concealed in Alabama.
I hope I have satisfactorily answered your question. If you need additional
information or require clarification on some point, please do not hesitate
to get back in touch with me.... (This reciprocity information received from Ken Wilkinson on Jan. 18, 2002, via e-mail)....
Ken Wilkinson
E-Mail: KWilkinson@mail.dos.state.fl.us
Operations & Management Consultant
Florida Department of State
Division of Licensing
Mail Station #4,
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250
Telephone: (850) 488-6982
Facsimile: (850) 488-2789
Division of Licensing
Bureau of License Issuance
Post Office Box 6687
Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6687
(850) 488-5381
E-Mail: jcarl@cinci.rr.com