Florida Attorneys:
Explaining the Concealed Weapons Laws

Carrying a gun is constitutional right, but must be regulated to protect society from those who would abuse the right and commit criminal acts. In Florida, you may be in violation of the concealed weapons laws unless you have the proper license. Florida attorneys are called in every day to defend against charges of improperly carrying a weapon as defined by Florida statutes.

If you have any questions about the Florida concealed weapons laws, you could consult a Florida criminal attorney, but in general terms the law allows for a license to be issued to carry a gun (other than a defined machine gun) if:

• You are a legal citizen or legally authorized to be in the United States
• More than 21 years old
• Are well enough to handle a firearm
• Not a drug abuser and have not been convicted of a drug related crime in 3 years
• Not an alcoholic
• Desire a legal means of carrying a concealed firearm for lawful self defense
• Have taken an approved safety course
• Have not been found guilty of a felony

Most Florida criminal lawyers are hired to defend against these types of cases are usually very busy; indeed, gun law violations are among the highest in the state of Florida. There are several exceptions to the concealed carry law including what is classified as a weapon and what is not and therefore not subject to the licensing requirement. Under Florida law you are not required to have a concealed carry license to have and carry self defense spray, "a non-lethal stun gun, a dart-firing stun gun or other non-lethal electric weapon that is being used solely for self defense"

Remember, if you do obtain a concealed weapon license, you must have it and valid ID with you whenever you are going to be carrying your weapon or you can be guilty of a non-criminal violation and subject to a small ($25) fine.