Florida's Concealed Weapon License (CWL) is issued under Florida Statute § 790.06. This page is a high-level overview of what the license is, who can apply, and what to expect. The details that actually matter — Florida self-defense law, real carry technique, equipment selection — are what we cover in the class itself.
Do you need a CWL in Florida?
Since July 1, 2023, Florida has been a permitless-carry state. You can legally carry a concealed firearm without a license if you meet the same eligibility requirements. The CWL is still useful for several reasons:
- Reciprocity — Honored in 35+ other states.
- Waiting-period exemption — CWL holders skip Florida's 3-day wait under F.S. 790.0655.
- Documented training — A state-recognized competency certificate.
- Smoother purchases — Background checks tend to be faster.
Bottom line
For most regular carriers, the CWL is worth the modest cost — especially if you travel out of state or buy firearms often.
Eligibility, in plain English
Florida's eligibility requirements are listed in F.S. 790.06(2). At a high level, you must be at least 21, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, not a convicted felon, not under a domestic-violence injunction, and not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. If anything in your history feels uncertain, talk to a Florida firearms attorney before applying.
The training requirement
Florida law requires you to demonstrate competency with a firearm before the state issues your license. The most common pathway is a state-approved CWL course that includes live-fire qualification, signed by a certified instructor.
Our Florida CWL Certification class is $89, runs about four hours, and ends with a signed competency certificate you can submit with your application. Loaner firearm and ammo included.
Ready to get certified?
See the CWL ClassCost and the application process
Expect to budget for the training course, a state application fee, fingerprinting, and a photo. Florida tax collector offices in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties run one-stop CWL programs that bundle most of these steps into a single visit. Processing typically takes 60–90 days.
We walk students through the application checklist at the end of the class so you leave with a clear path from certificate to card.
After the card arrives
Getting the permit is the easy part. Carrying like someone who is actually prepared is a longer journey. That means real, ongoing practice — not just clearing the state minimum — plus serious familiarity with Florida self-defense law and the consistency to carry every day, every outfit.
Our follow-up courses (Defensive Pistol Level 2, Use of Force Fundamentals, private lessons) are designed for exactly that next step.
Reserve your seat in the Florida CWL Certification class.
Book the $89 Class
