Fla. Stat. § 790.01

Carrying a
Concealed Firearm

Since July 2023, Florida allows eligible adults to carry concealed without a permit — but "permitless" doesn’t mean "anything goes." Eligibility and location limits still create criminal exposure.

Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Jeff T. Gorman, Criminal Defense Attorney & Former 19th Circuit Prosecutor (Fla. Bar #538183). Last reviewed: June 2026

A Fast-Changing Area

Florida firearm-carry law has shifted significantly and continues to evolve. This overview reflects the current framework, but you should confirm the latest status before relying on it.

⚠ This Area of Law Is Actively Changing
Florida firearm-carry law is being reshaped by recent court decisions and legislation. Permitless concealed carry took effect July 1, 2023; a 2025 appellate decision struck down the open-carry ban (though it remains printed in the statutes pending further proceedings); and a 2026 appellate ruling addressed carry by 18–20-year-olds. Because this is in flux, always verify the current status with the statute or an attorney before relying on any summary.

Permitless Carry & Its Limits

Since July 1, 2023 (HB 543), a person may carry a concealed firearm without a license under § 790.01 if they meet the same eligibility criteria that a concealed-weapons license requires — generally 21 or older, no felony convictions, and no other disqualifiers.

The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 790.01 — Carrying Concealed Weapons or Firearms
"A person is authorized to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm … if he or she … is not licensed under s. 790.06, but otherwise satisfies the criteria for receiving and maintaining such a license."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →

Crucially, "permitless" is not "unrestricted." A person who does not meet the eligibility criteria and carries concealed still commits a crime — a third-degree felony for a firearm. And carrying in prohibited locations (schools, courthouses, bars, airports) remains illegal for everyone.

Where Criminal Exposure Remains

Concealed Carry — Where Charges Still Arise
Ineligible person carrying concealed firearm: Third-degree felony (up to 5 years).

Carrying in a prohibited location: Criminal offense regardless of eligibility.

Note: The State must prove ineligibility as an element — being eligible is not merely a defense.

What a Defense Attorney Looks For

  • Eligibility. The State must prove the person was not eligible to carry — a real burden.
  • The search that discovered the firearm.
  • Whether the location truly qualifies as a prohibited place.
  • The current state of the law, which is evolving and may affect the charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to carry concealed in Florida?
Not since July 1, 2023. Under HB 543 and § 790.01, eligible adults (generally 21+, no felony convictions, no disqualifiers) may carry a concealed firearm without a license. Florida still issues permits for reciprocity in other states. This area of law is evolving, so verify current status.
Can you still be charged for concealed carry in Florida?
Yes. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, carrying a concealed firearm is a third-degree felony. Carrying in prohibited locations — schools, courthouses, bars, airports — also remains illegal for everyone.

Charged Under This Statute?

A statute on a page is not the same as your case. Talk to an attorney who has handled these charges — free, confidential.

This page summarizes Fla. Stat. § 790.01 for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.