Constitutional Carry vs CCW Permit

 

Constitutional Carry in Florida refers to House Bill (HB) 543, effective July 1, 2023, which allows Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a government-issued permit. Making it easier to carry a firearm legally but it does not have the additional benefits that come with a CCW permit. 

 

A Concealed Carry Weapon Permit, or CCW Permit, allows Floridians to carry concealed weapons with additional benefits. These benefits are as follows:

Reciprocity with 37 States

This means your Florida CCW Permit allows you to carry concealed weapons in multiple states. Ideal and required if you want to carry when traveling to these states. The specific states are listed here: Concealed Weapon License Reciprocity

No Waiting Period to Purchase a Firearm

This means your Florida CCW Permit allows you to complete the purchase and receive your firearm the same day you go to purchase it (after you pass your background check and all other legal requirements). Under Florida State Statue 790.0655 a waiting period of 3 business days is imposed between the purchase and delivery of a firearm unless the firearm is being purchased by a holder of a concealed weapons permit.

Increased Credibility and Trust

When providing your Florida CCW Permit to Law Enforcement you will be recognized as a trained individual as it relates to basic firearm use, storage, and safety. Law Enforcement also recognizes that you have passed a background check. These objective aspects will help officers build a positive perception of you and improve the overall interaction.

In a legal situation, having a CCW Permit can show a higher level of competence that may be used to help your case. Grand Jury or Jurors may view those with a CCW Permit as more responsible given the requirements to attain a CCW Permit and may lean in your favor. In comparison, a person without a CCW Permit can be viewed as untrained and uneducated in regard to firearms, someone who may be irresponsible when handling a firearm.

Cost of Legal Defense Service Plans

Costs associated to Legal Defense Service Plans will typically cost three times more for those who do not posses a CCW Permit compared to those who do. 

These plans take on the burden of the expenses of associated with defending a Self-Defense Use of Force critical incident if you are charged either Legally or in Civil Court.