Florida FFL Transfer and Concealed Carry

Buying a firearm online in Florida works through a licensed dealer. Firearms are never shipped to a home address. This guide explains how an order reaches a Florida FFL dealer, what the buying rules are, and how concealed carry works in Florida.

How an online order ships to a Florida FFL dealer

We ship the firearm to a licensed FFL dealer you choose. You fill out ATF Form 4473 at the dealer, the dealer runs the FDLE background check, and you take the firearm home once the check and any waiting period are done. Ammunition, optics and most parts can ship directly to a Florida home address. You must be of legal age and give a valid address, but firearms always go to an FFL.

Buying requirements in Florida

To buy any firearm from a Florida dealer you must be 21 or older and pass an FDLE background check at the FFL when you pick up. Handgun buyers must be Florida residents under federal law.

Florida sets a waiting period of three business days, with weekends and legal holidays excluded, or until the check clears, whichever is later. The waiting period applies to all firearms. Concealed Weapon License holders, trade-ins and rifle or shotgun buyers with a hunter safety card are exempt. Some counties set up to five days, so ask the receiving dealer what applies where you live.

Concealed carry license basics

Since July 1, 2023, anyone who meets the eligibility rules for a Florida Concealed Weapon License may carry a concealed handgun without one, as long as they carry valid ID and show it to an officer on request. A September 2025 appeals ruling ended enforcement of the open carry ban.

The Florida Concealed Weapon License is issued by the FDACS Division of Licensing. Many county Tax Collector offices take applications. A license is honored in a number of other states and exempts you from the three-day waiting period. Courthouses, schools, polling places and other listed places stay off limits whether or not you hold a license.

Buying and carrying requirements at a glance

Requirement	Buying a firearm	Carrying concealed
Minimum age	21 or older	Meet the Concealed Weapon License eligibility rules
Background check	FDLE check at the FFL, with Form 4473	Eligibility rules for the license apply
Waiting period	Three business days or until the check clears, whichever is later; exemptions apply	A Concealed Weapon License skips the three-day wait
Residency	Handgun buyers must be Florida residents under federal law	Not applicable
Identification	Valid ID at pickup	Carry valid ID and show it to an officer on request
Issuing agency	Dealer and FDLE	FDACS Division of Licensing
Prohibited places	Not applicable	Courthouses, schools, polling places and other listed places

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Florida?

No. Florida has no purchase permit. You need to be 21, pass the FDLE background check at the dealer, and wait three business days unless a Concealed Weapon License or another exemption applies. Some counties may add their own waiting period, so ask the receiving dealer.

How does a gun I order online get to me?

We ship the firearm to a licensed FFL dealer you choose. You fill out ATF Form 4473 there, the dealer runs the FDLE check, and you take the gun home once the check and any waiting period are done.

Can I carry concealed without a license in Florida?

Yes, if you meet the same eligibility rules as a Concealed Weapon License applicant and carry valid ID. Prohibited places such as courthouses, schools and polling places still apply.

Is a Florida Concealed Weapon License still worth getting?

Many owners keep one because it is honored in a number of other states and exempts you from the three-day waiting period. Check the FDACS Division of Licensing for current application details.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the FDACS Division of Licensing and your receiving FFL before you buy or carry.