Carrying a gun in Florida as a non-resident is not as simple as it may sound. Florida has laws that allow some visitors to carry firearms, but there are limits. The state honors concealed weapon licenses from many other states. If you hold a valid concealed carry permit from a state that Florida recognizes, you can legally carry a concealed gun here. But if your home state is not on Florida’s reciprocity list, your license does not count in Florida. That means you cannot carry a concealed gun legally just because you have a permit from back home.

Reciprocity and Florida Gun Laws

To understand this better, think about it like a driver’s license. Most states allow you to drive with an out-of-state license. But if your state does not meet Florida’s requirements, then the privilege does not apply. Florida checks which states have similar standards for background checks and training. Only then does Florida allow non-residents with those licenses to carry a gun within its borders.

If you do not have a concealed weapon license at all, Florida law does not allow you to carry concealed. However, there are exceptions. Florida is a permitless carry state for concealed weapons as of July 2023. That means both residents and non-residents can carry concealed without a permit if they meet certain qualifications. You must be at least 21 years old. You must not have a felony conviction. You must not be otherwise barred from owning a firearm under federal or state law. So even if you are from another state, you can carry concealed in Florida without a permit if you qualify. But you must still follow Florida’s specific rules.

Florida law makes it clear that open carry is not allowed in most situations. Carrying a handgun openly on your hip or shoulder is against the law, whether you are a resident or not. The only exceptions are when you are hunting, fishing, camping, or going to and from those activities. So if you are visiting the beach or a shopping mall, you cannot walk around with your gun visible.

The history of firearm laws in America shows how states balance freedom with responsibility. In the Old West, towns often required visitors to check their guns at the sheriff’s office before entering. The rule was simple. You could own a gun, but the town had a say in how you carried it. Florida’s rules today are no different in spirit. You may have the right to own a gun, but the state sets boundaries on how you carry it, especially if you are not from here.

It is also important to remember that carrying a gun without knowing the law can have serious consequences. If you carry a concealed weapon without meeting the legal requirements, you could be arrested. The charge may lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. For non-residents, this can mean even more trouble because the case can affect both Florida and your home state.

Traveling with a firearm also brings up federal laws. If you are flying into Florida, the Transportation Security Administration has strict rules about how you must pack and declare your gun. Guns must be unloaded, stored in a locked case, and declared at check-in. If you fail to do this, you could face federal charges.

Non-residents who own guns should also be aware of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. This law allows someone to use deadly force if they reasonably believe they are facing death or great bodily harm. The law applies to residents and non-residents alike. But misunderstanding this law can be dangerous. Courts look at every detail. Using a gun in the wrong situation can still bring criminal charges.

What Non-Residents Need to Know

If you are not a Florida resident, you can carry a gun here if you qualify under permitless carry rules or if you have a valid concealed carry license from a state that Florida honors. You cannot carry openly except in limited outdoor activities. You must follow TSA rules when traveling by air. You must also respect local laws about where guns are not allowed, such as schools, courthouses, and certain government buildings.

Why It Matters

Carrying a gun in another state can feel confusing. Each state has different rules, and ignorance is not a defense in court. What feels normal at home may be a crime in Florida. Like a traveler in a foreign land, you must know the rules of the place you enter.

Call To Action

If you or someone you know is facing charges for carrying a firearm in Florida, do not wait. Call The Law Offices of T. Martin Knopes today or call 850-683-0700.