Though Florida residents can now carry concealed firearms without a license, many continue to apply for permits. However, the sharp drop in safety training raises serious concerns about public preparedness and responsible gun ownership.
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TALLAHASSEE, FL (3-minute read) — Although Floridians no longer need a permit to carry a concealed firearm, many continue to pursue licenses—yet far fewer are enrolling in firearm safety courses. Two years after the state shifted to permitless carry, this gap between licensing and training has sparked growing concern among firearm instructors and public safety advocates.
Permitless Carry Passed, But Licenses Still Popular
In April 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis approved legislation that removed the state’s permit and training requirement for concealed carry. This law allows qualifying individuals to carry a concealed firearm without obtaining a license or completing any formal training. Despite this change, more than 2.4 million Floridians still held active concealed carry licenses as of April 2025, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Residents in counties like Miami-Dade and Broward continue to lead the state in licensing numbers, with over 186,000 and 168,000 license holders respectively. Many of these individuals pursue licenses for the added legal benefits—such as reciprocity with other states—and a clearer legal standing in interactions with law enforcement.
Training Numbers Take a Nosedive
While licensing has remained strong, safety education has not. According to Florida Politics, license applications requiring training dropped by nearly two-thirds in the three months following the law’s passage. This steep decline in formal instruction suggests that many gun owners are skipping critical safety education simply because it’s no longer required by law.
Firearm instructors across the state report decreased attendance in basic concealed carry and defensive shooting courses. This shift troubles professionals in the firearms community, who emphasize that responsible carry goes beyond just owning a firearm—it involves understanding local laws, threat assessment, de-escalation, and proper handling under stress.
Why Voluntary Training Still Matters
Even in a permitless carry state, being educated on the legal and tactical use of a firearm remains essential. Knowing when and how to use a firearm—especially under pressure—requires both mental preparation and hands-on practice. Many new gun owners underestimate how quickly a self-defense situation can escalate, and without training, their response may be ineffective or even unlawful.
Additionally, formal courses often cover topics that permitless carriers may never encounter on their own, such as the legal implications of drawing a firearm, the difference between brandishing and defensive display, and how to safely carry in different types of holsters and clothing.
Florida’s permitless carry law is part of a broader national trend, but its impact on training participation may serve as a cautionary tale. As gun rights expand, so too does the responsibility of individual gun owners to seek out the knowledge and skills necessary to carry responsibly.
Safety Tip: Even if your state doesn’t require it, always enroll in a certified firearms safety and legal training course. Proper education is the foundation of responsible self-defense.
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