Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs permitless concealed carry law: What does it do?

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law a gun bill that allows carrying guns without a permit.

Here’s what to know about what the law covers.

What does the permitless carry law do?

Changes: The new law, signed by the governor on Monday, April 3, allows a person to carry a gun without a permit or training in Florida.

Concealed only: The law allows only concealed guns, and does not allow a person to openly carry a gun in public.

Qualifications: The law applies to people who are qualified to carry a gun in Florida. In the 2021-22 fiscal year, more than 8,000 people who applied for concealed-carry licenses were denied as being ineligible. Data from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not say why.

Other states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming have similar permitless carry laws on the books.

Will this lead to an open carry law?

Opposition: Gun advocates say it is a first step and the governor says he is in favor of open carry, also called constitutional carry. But legislative leaders and Florida sheriffs are against that change.

Other states: Alabama and Georgia are among neighboring states that allow open carry.

Can people still get a permit even with the new permitless law?

No change: Gun owners can still obtain a permit for concealed guns in Florida if they want one. Having a permit will allow them to carry concealed weapons in other states as well as purchase guns without a waiting period.

Change: Currently, to carry a concealed weapon, gun owners must pass a background check, give fingerprints, submit a picture and proof of completing a training course.

Will the new law affect gun purchases?

Required and not required: Florida doesn’t require a permit to purchase a firearm. Also, there isn’t a permit that exempts people from background check requirements.

When does the new gun law take effect in Florida?

Date: The permitless carry law takes effect on July 1.