On July 1, 2023, Florida's "Permitless Carry" law (House Bill 543) officially went into effect. This legislation allows any person who meets the legal requirements to own a firearm to carry a concealed weapon in public without needing a government-issued Concealed Weapon License (CWL). While you no longer need a permit or the associated training and background check specifically for the license, the firearm must remain concealed; open carry is still generally illegal in Florida. The law did not change who is eligible to own a gun, nor did it allow guns in "prohibited locations" like schools, courthouses, or airports. For 2026 residents and visitors, it is vital to remember that while the permit is gone, the responsibility to know the "not authorized" locations remains strictly on the individual to avoid serious felony charges.