Getting your Florida concealed carry permit is one of the most important steps you can take to exercise your Second Amendment rights responsibly. Whether you are a first-time gun owner or someone who has carried openly and now wants the legal flexibility of concealed carry, understanding the full process removes uncertainty and sets you up for success. At USS Academy, we have guided over 29,000 students through this exact journey over the past 27+ years, and this guide will walk you through every stage so you know exactly what to expect.
Florida is a shall-issue state, meaning the state must issue your concealed carry permit as long as you meet all legal requirements. That is great news for law-abiding citizens, but it also means the process has specific steps you cannot skip. Let us break them down.
Before you begin the application process, you need to confirm you meet the eligibility requirements set by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which administers the Concealed Weapon License (CWL) program.
To qualify for a Florida concealed carry permit, you must:
That last requirement is where most people start their journey, and it is the step where working with a qualified training provider makes the biggest difference. If you have a disqualifying factor and are unsure whether it applies, consult a firearms attorney before beginning the process. Our instructors are not lawyers, but we can point you to resources that help.
At USS Academy, we welcome students of all ages into our class. We have had students as young as 10 years old complete this course. Maturity matters more than age. The 21-year requirement applies to the state application — not to training. Younger students who complete the class receive a certificate they can hold and use when they are ready to apply.
Not everyone needs to complete the qualifying course of fire. If you fall into one of the following categories, the class alone may be all you need:
If you fall into one of these brackets, contact us before booking so we can make sure you are registered for the right course.
This is where every student starts, regardless of experience level. Before anyone steps onto the range, we make sure you have the foundation to be a safe, responsible gun owner.
In the classroom, we cover:
Class runs from 9AM to 11AM.
After the classroom portion, every student gets their first live-fire experience — one rotation, typically 3 to 5 rounds. This is not your qualifying course of fire. This is your first time applying what you just learned on the range so your instructor can see how you handle the weapon in a real environment. Think of it as your practice round before the exam.
The qualifying exam runs from 11:30AM to 1:30PM and is available the same day as your class.
This is the paid upgrade at $179 that moves you from student to certified.
Your instructor will run you through their chosen qualifying course of fire. You will shoot approximately three volleys. You must meet the passing score on the instructor's matrix. Once you pass, if time and resources allow, you are welcome to keep shooting.
Pass the course and you receive your Certificate of Completion. This certificate is valid for 90 days — that is your window to submit your state application.
We strongly recommend the Certificate Upgrade.
The standard certificate that comes with your exam expires in 90 days. The upgrade gives you a certificate that never expires, and the benefits go well beyond that:
Most of our students choose the upgrade. We highly recommend it.
Certificate of Completion in hand, you are ready to apply for your Florida Concealed Weapon License through the FDACS.
You will need:
The most efficient method is visiting a regional FDACS office in person — you can get fingerprinted, photographed, and submit everything in one visit. Many of our students go the same day they complete class or within the following week. We give you clear instructions on exactly where to go and what to bring so there are no surprises.
Fingerprinting is required by the state. Prints are submitted to FDLE and the FBI for a background check. The fee is typically around $42. USS Academy can direct you to fingerprinting providers in the Orlando and Central Florida area after class.
The application fee for a new Florida concealed carry permit is $97, which includes the $42 fingerprint processing fee if done at a regional office. Check the FDACS website for current pricing as fees can change.
The Florida Department of Agriculture website states the state has up to 75 days to process your application. However, students who follow our instructions exactly consistently receive their license in as little as 3 to 5 business days to 2 weeks from the day they apply.
Follow the process exactly as we outline it and you will be carrying legally faster than you think. Deviate from the process and expect delays.
Once you receive your Florida concealed carry permit, you are authorized to carry a concealed weapon or firearm on your person or in close proximity. Florida's permit covers handguns as well as other weapons such as electronic weapons, tear gas guns, knives, and billies.
However, there are places where carrying is prohibited even with a valid permit:
Knowing where you can and cannot carry is just as important as knowing how to shoot. This is one reason our CWP class at USS Academy goes beyond the bare minimum. We want you to be legally informed, not just technically qualified.
There are many providers offering concealed carry permit classes in Central Florida. Some of them will get you a certificate in an hour with minimal instruction. That might meet the legal minimum, but it will not prepare you for the real-world responsibility of carrying a concealed firearm.
At USS Academy, our instructors bring a combined background that includes U.S. Marine Corps service, NRA instructor certifications, USCCA instructor certifications, and the Florida K License for security training. We have trained over 29,000 students across more than 27 years. We are not a weekend pop-up class in a parking lot.
Here is what sets us apart:
Your Florida concealed carry permit is more than a card in your wallet. It is a commitment to being a responsible, prepared, and legally informed member of your community. USS Academy is here to help you earn it the right way.
The first step to getting your Florida concealed carry permit is enrolling in a training course you can trust. USS Academy offers CWP classes regularly at convenient times throughout Central Florida.
Call us today at 407-305-8335 to reserve your spot, or visit ussacademy.org to view our upcoming class schedule and register online. With 29,000+ students trained and 27+ years of proven instruction, there is no better place to start your concealed carry journey.
Your safety, your rights, and your confidence start with the right training. We will see you in class.
Call 407-305-8335