In 365 Security Management 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.
How do I apply for a license?
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.
How do I check the status of my application?
- Concealed Weapon or Firearm License
- Private Investigation, Recovery and Security Licenses: Individual or Agency
I submitted my application for a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License via U.S. Mail. How long will processing take?
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.
What is causing the long delay in processing Concealed Weapon or Firearm License applications?
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 YOUR APPLICATION IS INCOMPLETE
If we find that your application is INCOMPLETE for some reason (a missing answer to a question; check made out for the wrong amount; no firearms training documentation; etc.), we will notify you by letter of this problem and request that you provide us with the missing information or documentation.
- IF YOUR FINGERPRINTS ARE ILLEGIBLE
If law enforcement authorities determine that your fingerprints are insufficiently legible to complete a proper background check, we will send you a letter requesting a second fingerprint submission as required by law. If your second fingerprint submission is also deemed illegible, we can then ask the FBI to conduct a name-based background check.
- IF YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK RESULTS INCONCLUSIVE
If the background check results we receive from law enforcement authorities reflect a POTENTIALLY DISQUALIFYING CRIME WITHOUT A FINAL DISPOSITION, we will send you a letter requesting that you provide us with court documents indicating the final disposition.
Thank you for your patience and your understanding.
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.
What is the term of my license?
- 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.
How do I order a Division of Licensing form or publication?
Visit our Form and Publication Request pages to download our forms or request to have them mailed to you.
- Concealed Weapon or Firearms License
- Private Investigation, Recovery and Security Licenses
How do I notify the Division about my change of address?
- Concealed Weapon or Firearms License
- Private Investigation, Recovery and Security Licenses
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 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 Investigation, Private 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
Can I renew my expired license?
- 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.
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.
How do I find out about other persons regulated by the State of Florida?
The Division recommends the following resources:
- A-Z Resource Guide – lists contact information by subject for both governmental and non-governmental agencies.
- MyFlorida.Com Licenses, Permits & Vital Records – the official portal of the State of Florida.
I have a Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License, but I was rejected when I tried to purchase a firearm in Florida. 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 atfirearmpurchasing@fdle.state.fl.us or (850) 410-8140.
I received a notice informing me that the processing of my application for aConcealed Weapon or Firearm License has been suspended. Who should I contact for help?
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.
I received a letter informing me that my application has been denied. Who should I contact for help?
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.
I received a Notice of Suspension pertaining to my license. Who should I contact for help?
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.
I received an Administrative Complaint pertaining to my license. Who should I contact for help?
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.
How can I file a complaint about an individual, agency, school or instructor providing Private Security Services, Private Investigative Services, or Recovery Services?
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.
Where can I send my general comment or suggestion about the programs administered by the Division of Licensing?
We appreciate your taking the time submit your comments and suggestions.
