FL Concealed Weapons License (CWP/CCW) & Class FAQs

1. I keep seeing the abbreviations "CWP", "CCP" and "CCW" (and others) when people talk about a Concealed Weapons or Firearms License. What are they?

2. I need to make sure I can qualify for a FL Concealed Weapons License.  How may I check before I submit my application?

3. How much does the Concealed Weapon (Firearm) License cost?

4. How soon after I take the Naples Gun School's class and I apply to Florida's Division of Licensing will I receive my license (CWP/CCW)?

5. How long is a Florida Concealed Weapons License (CWP/CCW) valid for?

6. Once I get my FL CWP/CCW license in hand, may I legally carry a firearm in another state?

7. I already own my own handgun. May I use it for your class?

8. Where are the classes held?

9. I've heard it's ok to use an Airsoft or BB Gun for the FL CWP/CCW License Class.  Is that true?

10. I have more questions, OR, I want to schedule a class! How can I contact Naples Gun School?

1. I keep seeing the abbreviations "CWP" and "CCW" when people talk about a Concealed Weapons or Firearms License. What are they?

Florida calls it's handgun license a "Concealed Weapons or Firearms License", or "CWFL".  However, many states call theirs a "Concealed Weapons Permit" or "CWP", "Concealed Carry Weapon" license/permit, or "CCW", and even other permeations of these terms.  They are all referring to a state license or permit that allows one to legally carry a firearm in a concealed manner.

2. I need to make sure I can qualify for a FL Concealed Weapons License.  How may I check before I submit my application?

Although Florida is a "Shall Issue" state, there are many ways one may not qualify for a FL CWP.  To verify if you qualify before taking our class and paying the Florida fees (from submitting your application afterwards), click HERE.

3. How much does the Concealed Weapon (Firearm) License cost?

The State of Florida charges an initial fee, which normally includes the fingerprint processing fee if you apply at a Division of Licensing Regional Office (one may apply by mail as well, additional fees may apply).  The full list of current fees may be found HERE.

There are also many counties authorized to process FL CWP/CCW applications at their Tax Collector's Office.  The Division reports there is an additional $22 fee for this specific service.  As of 2016, this option is now available in Lee and Collier Counties.

Please note: These fees do not include the cost of the required Safety Course, such as the one offered by Naples Gun Shop & School (call us for the current class rates!)

4. How soon after I take the Naples Gun Shop & School's class and I submit my Concealed Weapon or Firearm License application will I receive my license (CWP/CCW)?

There are a few ways one can apply once they have met the safety class requirement.  The time it takes for Florida to get you your new Concealed Weapons License actually depends on how you applied.

• IN PERSON: If you submit your FL Concealed Weapons License application IN PERSON at one of the Division's Offices. 

The closest Div. of Licensing Regional Office to the SWFL area is the North Port office.  Their office is located at:

Sumter Crossing Commerce Building
4451 Aidan Lane, Ste. 102
North Port, FL 34287

Contact information for this office, and ONLINE APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING is available HERE.  Attendees of our classes have been able to schedule their CWP Application Appointment for as soon as the Monday after our class! 

The state says it may take around 90 days to process, but we have heard of students getting theirs back in as quick as 10 days!  The North Port office is about an hour drive from Naples.  This is the quickest way to get your FL Concealed Weapon License in your hand, and they will take your fingerprints electronically, as well as your digital photograph on site. 

• ONLINE: One can now apply online through FL’s new online application form.  ONE MUST STILL BE FINGERPRINTED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR THE DIVISION OF LICENSING (we will provide you with a fingerprint card).  Full instructions on how to get fingerprinted are available HERE.  The instructions and online application form are HERE.  We don’t know the real-world time frame to receive your CWL/CWP using this method.  This is going to be around $97, plus a credit card fee. 

• COUNTY TAX COLLECTORS OFFICE: As of 2016, many counties now offer the FAST TRACK option to process your application.  The authorized Tax Collector's Office will do your photo, fingerprints and electronic applicaion; there is an additional $22 "convenience" fee charged.  Collier County's Concealed Weapons Office location offers online scheduling HERE. Collier County tends to schedule appointments 8-9 weeks out in season, and 1-2 weeks out in the summer months. You may also process your Concealed Weapons & Firearms Licnese renewal through the local Tax Collector's Office.

• MAILED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: When you take your Basic Handgun/CWP Classes from Naples Gun School, we will give you a mail-in copy of the Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Application, which also includes the an ink fingerprint card.  If you choose this option, we can provide the required Notary Service once you have completed, but yet not signed your application (you will sign in front of the Notary).   Once you complete our class, you will have to set up an appointment at the local Law Enforcement Agency's office to have your fingerprints taken either electronically or via the old ink method using the card we supply.  The Collier County Sheriff's Office's headquarters offers a free ink fingerprint service (bring the card we supply) on Tuesdays & Thursdays from Noon to 4 pm. You will also have to supply a passport photograph with your application, which you may get at most Walgreens or CVS locations.  The law says the State of Florida has 90 days to process your application, but we've heard they are taking much more time than that via the mail-in method.

• MAILED TO DIVISION OF LICENSING HEADQUARTERS IN TALLAHASSEE: Same process as if mailed to a Division of Licensing Regional Office, except if mailed to their Headquarters, the process historically takes MANY MONTHS.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Per Florida Law and the Florida Division of Licensing, ONLY the Division, authorized Tax Collectors, and Law Enforcement Agencies may take your fingerprints for your FL Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Application.  There may be other CWP/CCW Instructors alleging they will take your fingerprints for an additional fee; don't fall into this trap as the Division probably will REJECT your application.

5. How long is a Florida Concealed Weapons License (CWP/CCW) valid for?

The Florida license is valid for seven (7) years from its date of issuance.  License holders are required to maintain their correct address on file with the Division of Licensing.  The Division will mail a renewal notice months prior to the CWP's expiration.

6. Once I get my FL CWP/CCW license in hand, may I legally carry a firearm in another state?

That depends. Presently, the State of Florida recognizes and has Concealed Carry License reciprocity agreements with almost 75% of the United States. The list of which states will accept a Florida Concealed Weapons License is maintained HERE.  If you are traveling outside of Florida, double check the FL Div. of Licensing's list, as well as www.USACarry.com's Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity interactive map.  REMEMBER; it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to know where it is legal for you to carry your firearm.

7. I already own my own handgun. May I use it for your CWP/CCW class?

Normally, we'll supply the handguns and ammunition for the CWP/CCW Class.  In most situations, we utilize a type of ammunition available only to Law Enforcement & Government Agencies called Simunition. This allows us to conduct live-fire practice in our own facility, using specialized Glock 17T handguns.

8. Where are the classes held?

Our classes are held at our office/shop located at 327 Airport Pulling Rd N., Naples, FL 34104, across the street from the Naples Airport and next to Good Times Diner.  The live-fire portion of the class is held in our own facility, see #7 above.

9. I've heard it's ok to use an Airsoft, BB or paintball gun for the FL Concealed Weapons License Class.  Is that true?

NO, and absolutely NOT.  Florida statutes REQUIRE live ammunition and a real handgun is used as part of the class.  The use of Simunitions, BB/pellet "guns", Airsoft "guns", and other types of imitation firearms and/or ammunition used exclusively to conduct training for a FL Concealed Weapon or Firearm License application WILL result in the rejection of the application or suspension or revocation of a FL CWP/CCW. 

As a matter of fact, Naples Gun School and www.NaplesGunSchool.com is in no way associated or affiliated with gun-school.com or Ken Silver, past owner of Gun School of Bonita Springs, which was ultimately shut down for not complying with the law and using Airsoft-type guns for the CWP/CCW classes. 

Unlike Ken Silver (who has an active arrest warrant out against him), Lockdown LLC, d/b/a Naples Gun Shop & School is 100% compliant with Florida Statutes and the FL Division of Licensing's requirements.

10. I have more questions, OR, I want to schedule a class! How can I contact Naples Gun School?

Stop by our office or drop us a note; our address is:

Naples Gun Shop & School
327 Airport Road North
Naples, FL 34104

Our phone number is (239) 300-0891
Our email address is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.