Florida's Constitutional Carry Law goes into effect July 1st
Firing range screenshots from CCSO video.
Citrus County, Florida - House Bill 543, more commonly known as the Constitutional Carry Law, goes into effect on July 1, 2023, making Florida the 26th state to enact this legislation.
This new law removes the licensing requirements for a concealed weapons license (CWL) for people who meet the qualifications to legally purchase a firearm, so it will no longer be necessary to apply for a concealed weapons license (CWL), as long as your meet the criteria to legally purchase a firearm. The new law does not remove the requirements already in place to legally purchase a firearm. The new law also revises criminal penalty provisions for those unlawfully possessing firearms, ammunition, or other weapons.
Constitutional Carry is NOT "open carry," which is still illegal in Florida under most circumstances. "Open carry" means carrying a firearm that is wholly or partially visable to a casual observer, while "concealed carry" mean carrying a weapon that is concealed from the view of a casual observer.
Laws pertaining to where you are allowed to carry a firearm, who can own a firearm, and the waiting period for purchasing a firearm all remain in effect. The Constitutional Carry Law adds the requirement that you must always carry identification with your firearm and display it to law enforcement upon request.
Some of the requirements to be eligible to own a firearm in Florida:
You must be a minimum of 21 years of age unless you are a member of the armed services.
You must be a resident and citizen of the United States.
You are not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm by any provision of Florida or Federal law.
You are disqualified of being eligible to own a firearm in Florida:
If you've been convicted of a felony.
If you are an illegal user of, or are addicted to a controlled substance, or you've been committed to a care facility under Chapter 397 (pertaining to substance abuse) or Chapter 394 (pertaining to mental health)
If you've been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
If you're a fugitive from justice.
"Please remember to continue safe practices while carrying and using your firearm," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Owning a firearm comes with great responsibility - always exercise safe practices, lock up your firearm, and never leave it behind in your vehicle."
View a YouTube video of CCSO Lieutenant Aidan Marshall and Captain Bobby Lambert discussing the new Constitutional Carry Law here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTvQoLrHPbM.
Visit www.FLSenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/543/ByVersion to view a .pdf file of the 106-page House Bill 543 document.