Florida Gun Laws

Constitutional carry. Open carry legal (since Sept. 2025). No magazine limit. Castle doctrine and stand your ground. Red flag law.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Florida allows constitutional carry for adults 21+, and since a June 2026 appeals court ruling (Eubanks v. Florida) the state issues concealed weapon licenses to adults 18+. Open carry has been legal since a September 2025 appeals court ruling struck down the state's ban. The state has strong castle doctrine and stand your ground laws. Florida also has a red flag (Risk Protection Order) law. No magazine limits or assault weapon bans exist.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Constitutional carry — no permit required for adults 21+ (FDACS now issues licenses at 18+ after a June 2026 court ruling) (Fla. Stat. § 790.013)
• Open Carry: Permitted for law-abiding adults since Sept. 2025 (court struck down ban); restricted places still apply (Fla. Stat. § 790.053 (held unconstitutional))
• Permit to Purchase: Not required
• Assault Weapon Ban: No ban
• Magazine Limit: No limit
• Waiting Period: 3 days for handguns (county may extend to 5) (Fla. Stat. § 790.0655)
• Universal Background Check: Not required for private sales
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Risk Protection Order (Fla. Stat. § 790.401)
• Castle Doctrine: Yes (Fla. Stat. § 776.013)
• Stand Your Ground: Yes (Fla. Stat. § 776.012)
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Honors concealed weapon licenses from every state (since July 2023) (Fla. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services — CWL Reciprocity)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Florida?

No. Florida is a constitutional carry state. Adults 21 and older may carry concealed without a permit. Since a June 2026 appeals court ruling (Eubanks v. Florida), the state also issues concealed weapon licenses to adults 18 and older. Open carry has also been legal since a September 2025 appeals court ruling struck down the state's ban.

Does Florida have a waiting period?

Yes. Florida has a 3-day waiting period for handgun purchases, which counties may extend to 5 days. Concealed weapon permit holders are exempt.

Does Florida have a red flag law?

Yes. Florida has a Risk Protection Order law enacted after the Parkland shooting, allowing law enforcement to petition for temporary firearm removal.

Does Florida have stand your ground?

Yes. Florida has both castle doctrine and stand your ground laws, with no duty to retreat in public if lawfully present.

Does Florida recognize concealed carry permits from every state?

Yes. As of July 1, 2023, Florida recognizes any concealed firearm license lawfully issued by another state, regardless of that state's specific requirements. Florida's own license is separately one of the most widely recognized in the country through its mutual reciprocity agreements.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.