Carrying a Concealed Weapon

Florida residents are permitted to carry and conceal their firearms if they lawfully hole a concealed carry license (CCW). Those who are found to be carrying a concealed weapon without a license are in violation of the law. This means anyone discovered carrying a concealed weapon illegally will face the statutory penalties which include steep out-of-pocket fines and even time behind bars.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for illegally concealing a firearm, it’s in your best interest to have legal representation ready. Don’t take any chances when it comes to your future and hire experienced legal counsel today. Having an attorney on your side will significantly raise your chances of having your charges reduced or dismissed.

Attorney for Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Pensacola, FL

The harsh penalties associated with carrying a concealed weapon without a license are enough for someone to consider hiring legal counsel. If you or someone you know has been charged with a weapon or firearm crime, contact Terrezza Law for an effective and efficient defense.

John Terrezza is an experienced attorney who has years of practice defending those accused of weapons and firearms crimes. He will examine your case and build a sturdy defense to fight for your future. Don’t wait another moment for legal representation that can make a significant change in your case’s outcome. Call Terrezza Law at (850) 764-5291 to begin setting up your first consultation.

Terrezza Law has offices in Pensacola, but practices throughout the greater Escambia County and Santa Rosa County area such as Gulf Breeze, Navarre and Milton.

Overview of CCW Charges in Florida

Penalties for Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a License in Florida

Florida’s penalties for carrying a concealed weapon are incredibly harsh and depend on the type of weapon the defendant was carrying. If an unlicensed person carries a concealed electric weapon, then they will face a first-degree misdemeanor. The maximum penalties for a first-degree misdemeanor are the following:

A term of imprisonment of up to 12 months; and
A possible fine of up to $1,000

Defendants who were arrested for possessing a concealed firearm without a license will face enhanced penalties. Their charges will be reclassified from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, which is punishable by:

A term of imprisonment of up to 5 years; and
A possible fine of up to $5,000

The state of Florida does allow people to carry the following weapons in a concealed manner solely for the purpose of self-defense.

A self-defense chemical spray; or
A non-lethal stun gun or dart firing gun or other nonlethal electric weapon or device designed solely for defensive purposes

Florida’s Mandatory Evacuation Exception to CCW Laws

In 2019, the state of Florida amended their concealed carry laws to add an exception when a state of mandatory evacuation has occurred. Under Florida Statutes Section 790.01(3)(a), concealed carry laws do not apply to any person who is carrying a concealed weapon while in the act of evacuating during a mandatory evacuation called by the state.

The mandatory evacuation must be declared by the Florida Governor pursuant to the Florida Statutes Chapter 252 or declared by a local authority pursuant to chapter 870. The term “in the act of evacuating” means the immediate and urgent movement away from an evacuation zone within 48 hours after a mandatory evacuation has been ordered. Any person who carries a concealed weapon during the act of evacuating will be not be formally charged.

Requirements to Conceal Carry in Florida

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issues out concealed carry permits to interested applicants throughout the state of Florida. If you’d like to pursue a permit for a firearm you must fulfill the following requirements to do so:

Be a resident, citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.;
Be at least 21 years old or older;
Not suffer from physical infirmity to prevent safe handling;
Are planning to carry for a legal means of lawful self-defense;
Demonstrate competence with a firearm by an authorized agency, association, organization, military service, law enforcement course or other certified firearm safety course available

Not all who apply for a concealed carry license are eligible for one. You cannot lawfully obtain a concealed carry in Florida license if you:

Are physically incapable of handling a firearm safely;
Have a prior felony conviction unless your civil and firearm rights have been restored by a convicting authority;
Have had your adjudication withheld or sentence suspended on a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence unless three years have elapsed since your probation or other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled;
Have a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of violence in the last three years;
Have a conviction for violation of controlled substance laws or having multiple arrests for controlled substance-related crimes;
Have a record of drug or alcohol abuse;
Two or more DUI convictions within the previous three years;
Were committed to a mental institution or adjudged incompetent or mentally defective;
Failed to provide proof of proficiency with a firearm;
Have been issued a domestic violence injunction or an injunction against repeat violence that is currently in force;
Renounced your U.S. citizenship;
Have a dishonorable discharge from the armed forces; or
Are a current fugitive from justice

Renewal of Concealed Firearm License

A concealed firearm licensed issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is valid “throughout the state for a period of 7 years from the date of issuance.” Furthermore, any person who has a license must carry their license and valid identification at all times while they are in possession of a concealed weapon or firearm. If a law enforcement officer requests evidence of identification and license, the licensee must be prepared to show their valid identification and license. Otherwise, the licensee will have to pay a $25 fine (See Fl. Stat. §790.06(1)).

Additional Resources

Florida Concealed Carry Laws – Visit the official website for Florida statutes to learn more about concealed carry laws. Find more information about concealed carry offenses, what the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services requires for a license, forms for and places to obtain a license and other important information.

Florida Gun Laws – Visit the official website for the National Rife Association’s (NRA) Institute for Legislative Action to learn more about gun laws in Florida. Find the citizen’s guide for Florida’s gun laws, federal gun laws, and the different definitions for legal terms.

Weapon Defense Lawyer in Escambia County & Santa Rosa County, Florida

A weapons or firearms crime is seen as an incredibly serious type of offense under Florida law. Because the crime has such serious penalties you cannot take chances when it comes to picking quality legal representation. If you or someone you know has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon illegally, then it’s within your best interest to contact Terrezza Law.

John Terrezza is a skilled criminal defense attorney with years of knowledge defending clients from weapons and firearms crimes. Let him guide you through this process by setting up your first appointment at (850) 764-5291 for free. Terrezza Law has defended people throughout the greater Escambia County and Santa Rosa County area.