There are many specific details about concealed carry permits that differ from state to state. States decide how permits are issued to residents versus non-residents. States decide if the license covers only handguns or includes other types of weapons. Other details such as age limits, training requirements, processing procedures, and military service factor into the process and vary from state to state as well. One issue that is of particular importance to many of our training clients is state reciprocity.
Each state that issues concealed firearm licenses decides which other states’ permits it will recognize. When states recognize and honor each others permits, it is referred to as reciprocity. Reciprocity is especially important for those people who are traveling with firearms and/or maintain multiple residences in different states, such as the many seasonal residents and vacationers that we have here in the Sunshine State.
We are lucky to live and work in a state that has relatively easy and straightforward permitting and broad reciprocity. Some states, such as New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts offer few permits and zero reciprocity. So much for the 2nd amendment, eh?
Currently, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services states that Section 790.015, Florida Statutes, allows Florida to recognize concealed weapon licenses issued by another state provided the other state will honor Florida concealed weapon licenses. Florida has reached reciprocity/mutual recognition agreements with 36 states (shown in the map below). A Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License is valid in any of these states and resident concealed weapon license holders of these states can carry concealed weapons in Florida. More explanation and information on exceptions can be found at:
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/7444/118465/ReciprocityList.pdf
Map courtesy of HandgunLaw.US
