Florida Gun Laws 2026

Anyone buying a firearm from a Florida dealer must be 21 or older and pass an FDLE background check at the licensed FFL dealer when they pick up the gun. State law sets a waiting period of three business days, weekends and legal holidays excluded, or until the check clears, whichever is later. Florida has no purchase permit. 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.

Buying a gun

The minimum age is 21, and the FDLE background check runs at the dealer when the buyer takes possession. Handgun buyers must be Florida residents under federal law. The three-day 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, such as Miami-Dade and Alachua, set a waiting period of up to five days, so a buyer should ask the receiving dealer what applies locally.

Buying online and shipping to a Florida dealer

A firearm ordered online ships to a licensed FFL dealer the buyer chooses. At that dealer the buyer completes ATF Form 4473, the dealer runs the FDLE check, and the buyer takes the firearm home once the check and any waiting period are finished. Ammunition, optics and most parts can ship directly to a Florida home address, provided the buyer is of legal age and gives a valid address. Firearms always go to an FFL.

Carrying a gun and permits

Carrying a concealed handgun without a license is allowed for anyone who meets the eligibility rules for a Concealed Weapon License, provided valid ID is carried and shown to an officer on request. This has applied since July 1, 2023. A September 2025 appeals ruling ended enforcement of the open carry ban. Courthouses, schools, polling places and other listed places remain off limits.

The Concealed Weapon License is still issued by the FDACS Division of Licensing, and many county tax collector offices accept applications. The license adds reciprocity in other states and lets the holder skip the three-day waiting period.

Hunting rules

Florida divides deer hunting into Zones A, B, C and D, and the season dates differ by zone. The FWC lists these general gun seasons for 2026-27:

Zone A: Sept. 19 to Oct. 18, and Nov. 21 to Jan. 3
Zone B: Dec. 5 to Feb. 21
Zone C: Nov. 7 to Jan. 24
Zone D: Nov. 26-29, and Dec. 12 to Feb. 21

Centerfire rifles, shotguns, handguns and muzzleloaders are used for deer. Rimfire cartridges are not legal for deer. Antler rules follow the deer management unit where you hunt.

Requirements at a glance

Requirement	Buying a firearm	Carrying a concealed handgun
Minimum age	21 or older	Meets Concealed Weapon License eligibility rules
Permit	No purchase permit	No license needed for eligible carriers; license optional
Waiting period	Three business days or until the check clears, whichever is later	Not applicable
Check or ID	FDLE background check at the FFL dealer	Valid ID, shown to an officer on request
Issuing agency	FDLE check through the FFL dealer	FDACS Division of Licensing (optional license)

Frequently asked questions

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

No. Florida has no purchase permit. A buyer must 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 an online order reach me?

The firearm ships to a licensed FFL dealer you choose near you. You complete 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 in Florida without a license?

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 Concealed Weapon License still worth getting?

Many owners keep one because it carries reciprocity in a number of other states and exempts the holder from the three-day waiting period. Per FDACS, the license costs $97 for a new resident license and $45 to renew.

Laws change; confirm current rules with the state agencies named on this page.