Frequently Asked Questions

In 365 Capitol Security Group, we are committed to keep you informed with the latest news published by the Department of Agriculture and Licensing Divisions. Is for this reason that periodically we  post information related chapters 493, 790.776, 5N-1 and Compliance Guideline.

Applications and Application Instructions are available online (Concealed Weapon or Firearm License or Private Investigation, Recovery and Security Licenses) or by contacting any of our regional offices.  The Application Instructions provide detailed information about the process, however, if you need additional assistance, please call our Public Inquiry Section at (850) 245-5691 or use our web form to ask your question.

  • The demand for concealed weapon licenses remains high, and we are receiving record numbers of applications for new licenses. Because of this, we are working through a very large number of pending applications. At the moment, the turnaround time for processing a concealed weapon license application is approximately 90 days from the date on which we received it.
  • The single most important factor affecting our turnaround time is our workload, and the simple fact is that the ongoing unprecedented demand for concealed weapon licenses is directly affecting our division’s level of service. Our standard policy is to process pending applications in the order in which they arrive in our mail room.

    We are hiring additional staff and working overtime to meet this demand, but even these measures will have only limited effect given the tremendous volume of incoming new concealed weapon license applications.

Please be aware that BY LAW our division has 90 days from the date on which we receive a COMPLETE application to either issue a license or deny the application. If we encounter any of the following situations in processing your application, the 90-day time clock will be suspended and the time required to process your application will SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE.

If you would like to learn more about the ongoing demand for a Florida concealed weapon licenses, we invite you to visit our Statistical Reports webpage. The two reports at the bottom of this page APPLICATIONS RECEIVED and VALID LICENSES include statistical data that will be of interest to concealed weapon licensees and applicants.

  • The Concealed Weapon or Firearm License issued under the authority of Section 790.06, Florida Statutes, has a license term of 7 years.
  • An agency license or branch office license issued under the authority of Chapter 493, Florida Statutes, has a license term of 3 years.
  • The Class “K” Firearms Instructor License issued under the authority of Chapter 493, Florida Statutes, has a license term of 3 years.
  • Licenses issued to individuals (including agency managers) and to schools/training facilities under the authority of Chapter 493, Florida Statutes, have a license term of 2 years.

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

 

 

  • 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 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 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 5767; Tallahassee, FL 32314-5657.

  • The Division will send your renewal application form with complete instructions on how to renew your license approximately 150 days prior to the expiration date of your license.

    Although online renewal is not yet available, if your license has not expired or is not under administrative review, rather than including a check or money order when you return your renewal application by mail, you may pay by credit card using the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ online payment system.  Look for the link, Renew your license in the information box on the right of the webpage pertaining to your license: Concealed Weapon or Firearm License,Private InvestigationPrivate Security, or Recovery and Repossession.

    Alternatively, a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License can be renewed at one of the Division of Licensing’s eight regional offices. You simply have to call for an appointment by contacting the office that is most convenient for you. Bring your unsigned renewal form with you. We will perform the notary service and take your picture at no additional charge. If, for some reason, you are unable to keep your appointment, please call the Regional Office at least 24 hours prior to the time you are scheduled to appear if at all possible so that your appointment time can be assigned to another applicant.

    To return your renewal application by U.S. Mail:

    • Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Renewals:
      Division of Licensing
      P.O. Box 6387
      Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387
    • Private Investigation, Recovery and Security License Renewals:
      Division of Licensing
      P.O. Box 5767
      Tallahassee, FL 32314-5767
  • Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Renewals: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 apply for a new license.
  • Private Investigation, Recovery and Security License Renewals: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.  If your license has been expired longer than the allowable time, you must apply for a new license.

The Division of Licensing is responsible for the licensing and regulation of persons providing private security servicesprivate 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.

The Division recommends the following resources:

The Firearm Purchase Program is administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. For assistance, please contact the Firearms Purchase Program atfirearmpurchasing@fdle.state.fl.us or (850) 410-8140.

The notice provides an explanation regarding why the processing of your application is being suspended and includes contact information as well as an Election of Rights form so that you may exercise your right to a hearing on the matter.

The denial letter provides an explanation regarding why your application is being denied and includes contact information as well as an Election of Rights form so that you may exercise your right to a hearing on the matter.

The Notice of Suspension provides an explanation regarding why your license is being suspended and includes contact information as well as an Election of Rights form so that you may exercise your right to a hearing on the matter.

The Administrative Complaint provides an explanation regarding why action is being initiated by the department against your license and includes contact information as well as an Election of Rights form so that you may exercise your right to a hearing on the matter.

To file a complaint about an individual, agency, school or instructor providing Private Security Services, Private Investigative Services, or Recovery Services, contact the regional office nearest you or you may use our online form to file your complaint.