The following information on approved training courses for concealed weapons licenses is provided as a courtesy and is current as of August 24, 2020. For full details, visit the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ website here.
To qualify for a concealed weapon license, Florida law requires you to submit proof of competency with a firearm. A copy of a Certificate of Completion or similar document from any of the following courses or classes is acceptable:
- DD-214 – see all military options below;
- Any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a similar agency in another state;
- Any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course;
- Any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, junior college, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school, using instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
- Any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
- Any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified instructor or by an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association.
Training Certificate Requirements
The copy of the training certificate/document must be clear and legible and must include:
- Your name and your instructor’s name;
- Your instructor’s qualifications/credentials (National Rifle Association instructor, law enforcement firearms instructor, Class “K” Firearm Instructor licensed by the state of Florida, etc.); and
- Your instructor’s license/certification number.
NOTE: Training certificates do not expire for Florida CWL licensing purposes.
Active Military and Veterans
- Active-duty military personnel may submit copies of any of the following documents that confirm experience with a firearm gained during service:
- Military orders including call to active-duty letter; or
- A statement of military service that identifies you and provides your date of entry on your current active-duty period (it must be signed by, or at the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters).
- Former military personnel can submit a DD Form 214 reflecting honorable discharge from military service.