Finally Got CFL

[rice paddy daddy]

Well, after years of thinking about it, I finally applied for and got my State of Florida Concealed Weapon Or Firearm License.:)
It's legal to keep loaded firearms in your vehicle here with no permit, so that's what I did for years.
However, big-city crime is speading out, even to the populated side of our once peaceful county. Since the wife and I occasionally have to go over there, she wanted us both to get our licenses.
So, I've been having fun "accessorizing" my "wardrobe" (anyone who knows me would understand why I put those words in quotes).
IWB holsters, pocket holsters, speed strips, speed loaders; moving up from XL shirts to XXL shirts to hide bulges; etc.
I found that with an IWB holster and an untucked shirt, I'm hefty enough to conceal a full size 1911 45 auto or a Colt Police Positive 38 revolver.:cool: That, plus a 357 magnum snubbie in my front pocket is a comforting feeling. :D
Next on the list is a trip back to the fun store for magazine and speed loader pouches.

I just pray I'll never have to use this. I have not been in a gun fight in over 41 years, I'd like to keep it that way.

[golfroot]

Good on ya! It's good peace of mind, isn't it? I've had mine for a little over nine years now and have never drawn or been approached about printing even though I EDC a G21.

Stay safe and keep a cool head.

[rice paddy daddy]

When asked if he carried a gun because he was paranoid, Clint Smith is said to have replied "Paranoid? I have a gun, why should I be paranoid?"

[Blowmax10]

good for you man, your helping to make these united states a safer place

I love AZ because we don't need CCW permits - the criminals and the government alike have no idea who is packing heat

[qrprat77]

RPD, what process did you follow(processing center filed electronically, or paperwork), and how long was your wait to get the license?

[rice paddy daddy]

RPD, what process did you follow(processing center filed electronically, or paperwork), and how long was your wait to get the license?

I see you are in Florida also. The licenses are done through the Fla Dept of Agriculture. I went through one of the 8 offices they have around the state, the one in Jacksonville.
To do this you will need to call and get an appointment. I had to wait one week for this. On the appointed time I showed up at the office, gave them a bank money order for $117, the proof of training (in my case it was a DD214, being a veteran that's all I needed), drivers license, and was directed to a computer terminal where I filled out the application. The people on duty will give you help to fill it out if needed.
The nice lady reviewed my app when I was done, and had me hit submit.
She then took my picture. Another lady scanned my fingerprints, and having worked hard all my life the machine rejected them all at least once. She was very nice, rubbed some kind of lotion on my fingers, massaged them (she was young and good looking, a bonus) and generally kept at it until the machine was satisfied.
I was then given a copy of my app and a phone number to call if I had not heard anything in 10 days to 2 weeks. Total elapsed time about 30 minutes.
12 calendar days later my license arrived in the mail.
I would strongly suggest you go online and download a copy of the application to study. It will make things easier when you go to the office, if you apply by mail you will have to do this anyway.It will come with instructions and a copy of the weapon section of state law as well as the laws on use of deadly force. http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/

[qrprat77]

Execellent info RPD! I've been wanting to get one, and have a hunter's safety certificate to back me up, and was wondering what the current turnaround was for the ticket. I have to drive about an hour to get to the nearest "all in one stop shop" so it's good to know once my appointment is made, it will be quick to get the ticket.

[rice paddy daddy]

Execellent info RPD! I've been wanting to get one, and have a hunter's safety certificate to back me up, and was wondering what the current turnaround was for the ticket. I have to drive about an hour to get to the nearest "all in one stop shop" so it's good to know once my appointment is made, it will be quick to get the ticket.

Good luck. The website will have a questionaire that you can use to see if you are qualified to get a license. These questions are the first part of the application you have to fill out anyway.
It was easy for me, because I've never had any violations worse than a speeding ticket.
DUI's, domsestic violence, restraining orders, and more, may disqualify you.