Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner  -  Grea Bevis, Director

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of the commonly asked questions. We hope you find them helpful and informative.

How do I apply for a license?

Applications are available online (Concealed Weapon or Firearms or Private Investigation, Recovery and Security ) or by contacting any of our regional offices. Information regarding eligibility requirements and the application process is provided in the application instructions booklet included with your application.

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How long will my license be valid?

Concealed Weapon or Firearm Licenses issued on or after June 11, 2008, under the authority of Section 790.06, Florida Statutes, are valid for a period of 7 years. Concealed weapon licenses issued prior to this date are still valid for 5 years. For more information about the increase in the valid term of the concealed weapon license, please see the notice regarding this change.

Agency and agency branch office licenses issued under the authority of Chapter 493, Florida Statutes, are valid for a period of 3 years.

Class "K" Firearms Instructor licenses issued on or after July 1, 2011, are valid for a period of 3 years. Class "K" licenses issued prior to this date are still valid for 2 years.

Licenses issued to individuals (including agency managers) and to schools/training facilities under the authority of Chapter 493, Florida Statutes, are valid for a period of 2 years.

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How can I check on the status of my application?

Depending on the location from which your application is mailed, it will take approximately 7-10 business days to reach the Division of Licensing in Tallahassee. Because of the significant increase in the number of applications we are receiving, it will take approximately another 30 business days (six weeks) for your information to be entered into our database. We sincerely regret this delay and ask that you take this into consideration before you check on the status of your application.

Information concerning concealed weapon license applicants and license holders is exempt from the disclosure provisions of the public records law and is not available online. If you are applying for a concealed weapon license, please call our Public Inquiry Section at (850) 245-5691.

If you are applying for a license in one of the professions regulated under Chapter 493, Florida Statutes, you may check the status of your application online.

  • If you are individual or an agency seeking to provide private investigative services, security services, or recovery services, you can perform an online search to check the status of your application.

Individual      Agency

  • If you have applied for a concealed weapon or firearm license, you can check the status of your application by calling our Public Inquiry Section at (850) 245-5691.

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How can I order a Division of Licensing form?

Visit our Form and Publication Request pages to download our forms or request to have them mailed to you.

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How do I notify the Division about my name change?

Individuals -

Simply submit a written request and a copy of the legal document evidencing your name change to the Division of Licensing. You can have a revised license printed for a fee of $15, payable by check or money order to the Division of Licensing. If you prefer, you may keep your current license until it is time to renew. At time of renewal, remember to send your written request and a copy of the legal document evidencing your name change with your renewal application and we will issue your renewal license with your legal name.

Agencies -

Whether you intend to do business under a fictitious name or as a corporation, contact our Public Inquiry Section at (850) 245-5691 for tentative name approval prior to filing with the Department of State, Division of Corporations for your fictitious name and/or registration as a corporation.

Please note tentative name approval does not constitute a reservation of that name. To assure you get the name you want, mail a copy of the documentation provided to you by the Division of Corporations with your written notification, original license, and a $10 fee as soon as possible to Division of Licensing P O Box 6687; Tallahassee, FL 32314-6687.

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My license has expired. Can I renew it?

Individual and Agency Licensees Regulated under FS493

A license issued to an individual or agency regulated by Chapter 493, Florida Statutes, can be renewed if it has not been expired for more than three months. A late fee equal to the amount of the license fee is required in addition to the renewal license fee. If the license has been expired for longer than three months, the former licensee must re-apply for a new license.

Concealed Weapon Licensees

A Concealed Weapon license can be renewed if it has not been expired more than six months. A late fee of $15 is required in addition to the renewal license fee. If the license has been expired for longer than six months, the former licensee must re-apply for a new license.

If you need another renewal notice sent to you, please contact our Public Inquiry Section via e-mail or phone (850) 245-5691.

If your license has been expired longer than the allowable time, you must reapply.

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Can I Renew Online? If not, how do I renew my license?

Unfortunately, online renewal is not yet available. Approximately 150 days prior to the expiration date of your license, the Division will send you the renewal form with complete instructions on how to renew your license. To help assure the Division of Licensing has sufficient time to process your renewal application prior to the expiration date of your current license, complete and return your application immediately to:

FOR CONCEALED WEAPON OR FIREARM LICENSE RENEWALS:
Division of Licensing
Post Office Box 3030
Tallahassee, Florida 32315-3030

FOR ALL OTHER LICENSE RENEWALS:
Division of Licensing
Post Office Box 9100
Tallahassee, Florida 32315-9100

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How do I find out more about the Division of Licensing and its services?

The Division of Licensing is responsible for the licensing and regulation of persons providing private security services, private investigative services and recovery services. The Division is also responsible for the issuance of Concealed Weapon or Firearm licenses to qualified individuals for personal self-protection.

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How do I find out about other licenses regulated by the State of Florida?

The Division recommends the following resources:

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I am a concealed weapon licensee, but I was rejected when I tried to purchase a firearm. Who should I contact for help?

The Firearm Purchase Program is administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. For assistance, please contact the Firearms Purchase Program at 850-410-8140.

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