Florida leads nation in concealed weapons permits

By Anthony Gaenzle and Drew Hamilton
Correspondent writers

Look to your left then look to your right.  If you notice a bulge under your neighbor’s shirt, it may not be just an extra layer of clothing. 

Florida is one of 40 states that allow citizens to carry weapons on their person.  The state’s “right to carry” law permits eligible Floridians to conceal weapons under their clothing or on another part of their body, provided that they meet certain criteria.

The Supreme Court decided, in 2008, that the Second Amendment protects “the individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation.”  Americans' opinions on the matter vary.

“I keep my handgun locked up at home,” said gun owner Justin Trees, 33, on vacation in Florida from Pennsylvania. “I don’t want to be out at a restaurant or bar with some guy who has had too much to drink and has a gun on him.”

According to the Jack Hagler Self-defense Act, the definition of concealed weapons or firearms extends to include; handguns, Tasers or other devices, tear gas guns, knives and billy clubs.

Between 1987 and 2010 Florida has issued 1,871,589 concealed weapons permits, more than any other state.  Out of those permits issued, 5,150 have been revoked due to the commission of a crime by the permit holder after the license was issued. 

Of those, 5,150 crimes committed that factored into the decision to revoke a license, only 168 actually involved the use of a handgun.  That number is relatively low compared to the total number of licenses that have been issued. 

The criminal history of an individual is a crucial point in deciding whether or not to approve or deny an application.  However, there is no way to determine whether a person has the potential to commit crimes in the future.

This raises questions regarding the process by which licenses are issued and applicants are approved.
Since 1987, only 12,996 of the applications for a concealed weapons permit were denied. 

“They need stricter standards,” said Trees. “You can’t just let everyone walk around with a gun.”

In order to be considered for a permit in Florida, an applicant must prove that they are at least 21 years old, currently residing in the United States (unless they are serving overseas in the military) and have demonstrated competency with a firearm. 

An applicant must apply for a permit through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 

The applicant must then complete several steps.  One of those steps is to show proof of completion of a two to five-hour weapons training course.  Courses can be taken at various gun shops in the state of Florida, gun shows, and sporting goods stores. 

Once issued, a permit is valid for seven years.  However, if a license was issued prior to the 2008 Supreme Court ruling, it is only valid for a total of five years. 

"I got my permit about 10 months ago,” said Kyle Zimmerman, 43, an air conditioning repairman from New Port Richey.  “I do a lot of jobs around the state, and I travel with a lot of expensive tools and air conditioning unit parts. I can't afford to have my stuff stolen when I'm out on location at a job."

In 2010 there were 38,037 new licenses issued to applicants in Florida.  There were a total of 25,026 applications approved for renewal of existing permits. 

The growing number of permits being issued in the state of Florida is alarming to some, but comforting to others. 

"I had some issues with theft a year and a half ago, that's what made me consider getting my permit," said Zimmerman. "Haven't had any problems since, thank God.  Hopefully, I'll never have to use it."

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