Florida Concealed Carry Reciprocity
The laws governing the legal use, storage and carrying of firearms are constantly changing. Below are the applicable laws in the State of Florida as of 8/20/25. The below information is designed to be a guide and not the final word. If you have specific questions, please refer to the State of Florida's legislation on the topic. Another great resource is the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services.
What Is Concealed Carry Reciprocity?
Concealed carry reciprocity is an agreement between states that recognizes each other's concealed carry permits. It allows permit holders from one state to legally carry concealed firearms in another state that has a reciprocity agreement with their home state.
Key points:
- Reciprocity agreements are based on mutual recognition and standards, such as background checks and firearm training.
- Not all states recognize permits from every other state, and reciprocity status can change over time.
- Always verify the current reciprocity agreements before traveling.
Reciprocity in Florida
Florida’s concealed-carry reciprocity is a conditional system that determines whether nonresidents may lawfully carry concealed firearms in the state. Under the statute, a nonresident may carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm in Florida only if they meet specific eligibility requirements — most notably being at least 21 years old, a U.S. resident, and possessing a valid concealed-weapons/firearms license issued by their state of residence. The reciprocity provision is not automatic; it explicitly applies only to nonresident licenseholders from states that, in turn, honor Florida’s concealed-carry licenses.
A key feature of Florida’s approach is that nonresidents carrying under reciprocity are subject to the same laws and restrictions as Florida licenseholders. That means knowing and following Florida’s statutory and regulatory rules for concealed carry — including where carry is prohibited, safe storage and transport requirements, and use-of-force standards — is essential. Nonresidents must also carry their out-of-state license “in their immediate possession” while carrying and should be prepared to produce it to law enforcement if requested.
The reciprocity relationship is mutual only to the extent other states recognize Florida licenses. States adopt their own rules about which out-of-state permits they will honor, and those lists change over time based on legislative or administrative action. As a result, a permit-holder should never assume reciprocity remains the same from year to year; both the state issuing the traveler’s permit and Florida may update their recognition policies, and those updates affect whether a nonresident can legally carry in Florida.
There are practical limits and common misconceptions to watch for. Reciprocity governs concealed carry only — it does not convert an out-of-state permit into a Florida license for other purposes, nor does it override location-specific prohibitions (schools, federal buildings, certain private properties, etc.).
States With Which Florida Permit Holders Enjoy Reciprocity
Gun laws differ by state. If you plan to travel with firearms, it is your responsibility to learn and comply with the laws of every state you will enter. For questions about a specific state’s rules, contact that state’s law enforcement or licensing agency for clarification.
Florida maintains reciprocity (mutual recognition) with the states listed below — click any state name to visit its official reciprocity page. Reciprocity rules change frequently, so always verify current recognition, prohibited locations, and transport requirements before you travel (official sources to check include the state’s Attorney General, state police, or concealed-carry licensing agency, and Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services).
] Resource Links
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Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services — Firearm Licensing: For licensing, permit applications, law updates, and reciprocity info.
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Florida Statutes: Official legal code covering all firearm laws.
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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Provides federal laws related to firearms ownership and transport.
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Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Contact your sheriff’s office or police department for specific licensing procedures and local restrictions.