Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Floridians be proud....you are doing your job!!!


Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests


The state greenlighted funds to hire 61 workers to tackle a backlog of concealed-weapons permit applications.
BY STEVE BOUSQUET
Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau
TALLAHASSEE -- Floridians in record numbers want to carry concealed weapons, a trend linked to a surge in crime, economic anxiety and fears of stricter gun laws.

The state is buried under a backlog of 95,000 applications for concealed-weapons permits and it needs to hire a lot more people to handle the paperwork. A legislative panel Wednesday gave Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson the OK to spend $3.9 million more so he can hire 61 temporary workers.

''Once the economy gets bad, crime always goes up,'' said Bronson, a police officer. ``People get desperate whenever things are not going the way they feel like they should be going, and they'll do things they normally wouldn't do.''

The state reported a surge in applications in November after the election of President Barack Obama, who in the past has advocated stricter gun control laws but who also campaigned as a defender of Second Amendment rights. Florida received 75,679 first-time concealed-weapon permit applications in 2007 and 86,269 in 2008, in addition to tens of thousands of renewal forms. About 541,000 Floridians have permits for concealed weapons.

Nationwide, retailers report a surge in sales of firearms in recent months. Some Florida stores have run out of ammunition.

As applications for gun permits stack up, the state has reported a spike in phone calls from impatient applicants, and at least 140 large tubs in a Tallahassee office building are filled with unprocessed applications.

FEES TO PAY SALARIES

By law, the state must process permit applications within 90 days. A permit is valid for seven years and costs $117, which includes a $44 fee for state and federal background checks and a set of fingerprints. The money to hire new employees comes from fees paid by applicants, not from general tax dollars.

Adding to the backlog of applications is that the state gives a priority to renewal forms, to avoid cases of gun owners unknowingly having their permits expire or to catch cases in which permit holders have broken the law.

Asked about the surge in gun permit applications, Gov. Charlie Crist said: ``I'm pro-gun. I think people ought to have the right to protect themselves, and if people want to get new certificates, that's their constitutional right . . . If they use those instruments responsibly and prudently and within the bounds of the law, everything should be fine.''

The state senator in Crist's hometown of St. Petersburg disagreed. ''More guns is never a good thing, especially in an urban area,'' said Sen. Charlie Justice. ``There are very few areas of our city that have not been touched by gun violence.''

Bronson said it's a positive thing that people would seek to legally own a concealed weapon. ``That's the reason why people get concealed weapons, so that if they are threatened with their life they can defend themselves and their family and their property. And this is the right way to do it.''

`BECAUSE OF FEAR'

At Jet's Florida Outdoors store in Westchester, which sells guns, sales clerk Chris McCarthy said people are buying the weapons because of the economy but also because they're afraid of a possible crackdown on gun ownership under the Obama administration.

''The demand is because of the fear. People are concerned with losing their rights,'' McCarthy said.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/flor...ry/910739.html

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Three Letters Re: The Risk to Reward Ratio in Getting Concealed Carry Permits

Sir:
Some states allow for the public release of permit holders names and sometimes address. Newspapers have requested these lists (since they are public information) and then published them.Other states (like Minnesota, and others) makes it a crime to release to the public who is a permit holder. - X.



James,


Which States do this????:36_1_28::36_1_28::36_1_28:

http://www.survivalblog.com/

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Talked to my friend in FL yesterday, told me about the 95,000 back log. He's waiting for his too.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Palm Beach County has over 215,000 permits, the most of any County in the state. Total population of the County is about 1.15 million IIRC.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

One signature, and they're all invalid.

The Second Amendment is a CCW permit. One day soon, that's what everyone will realize.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

I agree, plus they (the CCW) points you out as a gunowner and a potential risk if they ever have to serve a warrant.

NO NOT get a CCW, just carry.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

:emotions16:

+1 there!

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Easiest answer to that problem?

Go with Vermont's answer.

Anyone over 18 and not a felon can carry. No licenses or permits needed.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Im hitting myself in the head for my letting my wife delay our CCW. We wanted to get one together, but I am more eager than she is. She didnt want to do the class alone, so I put off doing it by myself to go with her.

Well, screw that, im getting my ducks in order whether she is ready or not.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Vermont's statutes are consistent with the 2A.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Let me tell you, or warn you, don't come down here and play games because you probably will get shot with no questions asked.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Folks, those of you who know me know I'm no drama queen ... and the photo below should help us explain WHY we should consider carrying now, more than ever.

I left my home at 1pm last Friday to walk to the convenience store, here in a "historic section" of a rather quaint smallish city in NC ... I crossed the street just IN FRONT POF MY HOME about 20 seconds after I walked out the back door. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD was this Taiwanese 6" dagger double-edged half serrated knife.

This is TRUE. Why it was there at 1pm Friday I don't know ... but to carry this would be to carry a DEADLY WEAPON and somebody out there must have decided it was time to ditch it ... it had signs of tire rubber compound sticking to the un-serrated side...

I used to be a charter boat captain so allow me to make an allegory... There are sharks lurking in my (our) lagoon ... many people choose to ignore and diminish the dangers, swimming with sharks, as they live blissfully oblivious from day to day. They say the sharks have never bothered them, they see no sharks... LOOK!

Let this be an education - CRIMINALS LOVE GUN CONTROL LOBBIES for such reasons ... my favorite CC pistol, a CZ 83 in 9mm Mak, is shown alongside with a scalloped edge 3w LED flashlight - which I carry concealed now EVERYTIME I leave my home.

If an unsuspecting perp shows me this knife just once, and gives me a chance -- I'll unleash HELL.

FYI: The nasty knife I found is shown below and remember CRIMINALS WILL CARRY A WEAPON! Bank on it!

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Alternate headline: FLORIDA CANT KEEP UP WITH STARTING NEW FILES ON GUN NUTS



...now we know who to come after first.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Felony conviction = mandatory sentensing for gun crime......do not take the chance ....unless you are a high profile sports figure....

Agree that the constitutions intent is for us all to carry if we want....but right now (except for Vermont)......get a permit or pay the price when caught .......I carreid in Mich for 12 years without a license....you had to be the brother-in-law of the Chief up until 10 years ago....


The government must a 3 inch file on me from guns (several purchased from the US Government), foreign travel to odd commercial settings, pilot license, cash transactions, 25 border crossings per year .....and a few other goodies....

They got out number...lots of others here as well.......they will not come knocking when there are 100 million bristling with guns....

BTW: Florida CCW licensing is so loose that nearly no other states share carry reciprocity with Florida.......but they are very effective within Florida.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Yesterday at a FL gunshow I will tell you the CCW class was busting at the seams. The entire gunshow was so crammed with people that the fire marshall was at the door letting one person go in for every one that went out. I have never seen it like that before. Almost became roadkill when an extra large dude in a electric scooter damn near ran me over as he was trying to get to the beef jerky booth. Other than that it was a good show. I was able to pick up two factory mags for my glock 26 at $25 each. Sad to say that is a good price nowadays, and I also got a good supply of stripper clips for my SKS. I looked at the 7.62 x 39 but the prices were outrageous.

Our private gun club is having waitlists for the CCW classes and trying to fit extra classes in because the demand is so high. I do believe FL may have one of the highest rates of CCW permits in the country.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

So you could imagine my surprise when I found out that of all the States NJ shares reciprocity with Florida.

I still have to pick my Jaw up off the floor when I Think about that one.


T

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

:36_1_28::36_1_28::36_1_28::36_1_28:

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Are you serious? The person in charge of approving CCW permits is named CHARLES BRONSON?

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Life is full of funny stuff like that!

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

And thank you for your cooperation...

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

That's funny, since in California it's a misdemeanor for "lawful" illegal concealed carry (that is, no intent to commit a felony while carrying, or being a convicted felon, etc.) - CVC 12025. "Three to six month" sentence kicks in only on second conviction.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Felony here in Michigan - regardless of criminal intent or not.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

I seriously believe Charles Bronson was purely elected because of his name.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

I would be wary of putting my name on a government list which indicates you as a weapons owner and NO I'm not paranoid. Submitting fingerprints to the FBI and your state agency is somewhat suspect also. All that info is sorted and cataloged. Just think when the National Guard comes to your town to do weapons confiscation you'll be first on the list. I know that probably sounds a little shrill and suspect but given the current climate I am wary of being listed in any government database.
Secondly, this does raise some issues about who is packing. I have seen some of these people and some are very questionable. I am not against them carrying or owning a firearm but some are already half cocked looking for a reason. It takes more courage not to carry and use a weapon than it is to carry and look for a reason to pop somebody. The use of deadly force is the last option and should be respected as such!
If you really wanna be bold strap on a AR-15 and walk around. No sense in hiding your little pea SHOOTER because while you are trying to hit me with your pistol I'll be unloading on your ass with my HK MP5 on full full auto.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Umm that is BS.

http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/new...led_carry.html

and while Florida is shall issue, they require fingerprints which many other states do not. it these extra requirements that make Florida's permit so widely recognized. Same with Utah.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

PBR Steetgang ... great handle from a great movie, Apocalypse Now. But let me respond to a few things.

• I believe that my state of NC has a similar FLOOD per capita of CCP applicants, although it is just not reported as with Florida here.
  
  
• My 9mm Makarov (similar to a .380) is not a pea shooter but is designed for rugged reliable military and police use by the same folks that designed and adopted the venerable AK-47, masters of RELIABLE small arms design and usage.
  
  
• My primary concern is CONCEALED defense. You speak of carrying an AR-15 or an HK MP5 -- you will be arrested for carrying to the terror of the people the first time anyone calls the cops on you -- guaranteed. No business person I've spoken to about concealed carry is concerned about me carrying in their place of business UNLESS I show it to someone inside -- then they will toss me out as I could drive away customers who object or are afraid of me and my gun. I can't blame them too much since they are running a peaceful business and want to appear that way. Many small business owners however also carry concealed and no one would ever know.
  
  
• If you carry concealed with no permit and are caught, you will not be issued a CCP ever. And if you own a (manly man?) AR-15 or MP-5 and don't carry it on you -- what good is it to you? I say it's useless. Also I say my 13 rounds of 9mm are a real and present danger to anyone who threatens me. And showing your gun neutraizes the surprise factor and makes you a target of anyone who wants your gun to steal -- they'll just be sure and take you out first.
  
  
• And I'm NOT looking for trouble as you infer about CC permitees. I found a dagger knife as shown above. I was not LOOKING for it but it reminded me that there are a lot of common and very deadly weapons on the street other than mine. The next time I see that type knife pointed at me as a deadly threat, I can be mentally prepared to unleash a quick burst of 3-5 shots to Center of Body Mass or head, with 8-10 more waiting and ready to pop off. Mental preparedness such as this is good, you think? (i.e. Muggers, don't bring a knife to my gunfight) Simple logic.
  
  
• My carrying a concealed weapon does not make me less "courageous" than a man who does not carry. On the other hand, it takes courage to accept the right and responsibility of carrying such quick deadly force. Some people are so afraid of screwing up, they let the police take the responsibility for them -- a coward's way IMO. A scared man refuses to go down and BOLDLY apply for legal CC -- preferring me to do the deed of deterring violent attacks in my community. That's why most men and women just don't carry. They are afraid of the burden of responsibility for their own actions of defense. Muggers will stand to lose big if they take me on, me just a lone grey haired middle age man, yeah. I am the to a gambling mugger perhaps the Ace of Spades, only one in a deck of 52... but I'm there and you should consider joining me. My death card card is only showing face down... so in any case, maybe Charlie will know who did this if we chance to meet.
  
  http://www.warbooks.com/Graphics/DeathCard.jpg
  
  
• The authorities know no more about the weapons I own now than they did before I got my CCP. On the otherhand, they have now done a complete background check on me and declared me FIT and COMPETENT with a firearm under concealment and in defensive usage. It's easy to take away a right that has never been accepted, refused, as by you. But once they grant me (us) a right, I think they should offer me (us) a damn reason to take my gun off my hip. ALL CCP holders have never been convicted of a violent crime or threat of violence, not so with non-CCP gun owners like you. I've been declared SAFE with a gun concealed in public, by my State Constitution and Sheriff, not you. I've been explained how and when to use deadly force under law, not so with you perhaps. Right now I am establishing a personal record of SAFE concealed carry, a proven safe track record. So they might logically get YOUR guns first, huh?
  
  
• Even the wild west had some gun laws once you step into a drinking gambling saloon... if you don't like em get out of the saloon.
  
  
• Florida and NC have complete CCP reciprocity and are similar in many ways regarding CC laws, pretty wide open, i.e. a "Shall Issue State". I siezed the day and I'm thankful I did. What's your concern now, PBR?

My feelings are expressed. Thanks.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

Comments like this crack me up...

How is the info they gather on a CCW and different than the info they get when you purchase a firearm??? When you fill out the normal forms do they not point you out as a gun owner or atleast a gun buyer???

I don't like any more forms than the next guy and I'm not trying to be a d!ck, but I just don't get it...

Maybe you guys picked up on somethig I missed out on...

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

If I am stopped and questioned or detained by any LEO, I am to inform him at once, hands held open if standing, or firmly on top of the steering wheel if in the car … “Officer, I have a concealed carry permit. My pistol is on my left hip. (Or otherwise state that I am currently unarmed) I await your instructions.” … and then I should follow them like Simon-Says, EXACTLY like Simon-Says. I am informed then I'll have NO PROBLEMS related. Yes, my DL is now 'tagged', much as would be yours -- if you are ever caught for a carry illegally, you betcha.

1. If I fail to do this and he runs my license and finds that I DID NOT inform him of my existing CC permit EXACTLY as above. I will get a $100 fine at the least, possible guns in my face, and possible permanent revocation of my CCP.
   
   
2. But if I do this declaration EXACTLY as described above, I will be questioned just as any other citizen for a slight infraction such as speeding or a broken tail light and unrelated to the pistol, when stopped by a LEO.
   
   
3. If YOU are detained as above and found guilty of ILLEGAL CONCEALED carry you will have your gun taken, be on a police database SHATLIST for firearms offense forever when they run your DL number... and afterwards you may be 'justifiably?' strip searched for jaywalking next time, who knows?

So I am LEGAL -- and that’s the way it is. I don’t carry a gun to resist LEOs – NO WAY! -- unless times REALLY CHANGE as in Red Dawn -- and for now Mr or Ms LEO should know it by HOW I CARRY. How can I be so far off track by having a CC permit? Please feel free to explain how you are better off by avoiding a CC permit and carrying.

I comment here because I feel my state is much like Florida regarding this whole issue and I'm glad I fit under the current law's microscope so far, granted they are pretty strict:

Gun sales skyrocket in NC
PUBLISHED JANUARY 30, 2009 12:15 AM

Permits to carry concealed weapons are up as much as 90 percent in some North Carolina counties amid worry the Obama administration would restrict gun ownership. … The spike has also meant more customers for people who teach firearms classes. A person must complete a class to get a permit to carry a concealed handgun in North Carolina.

“I was doing this as a hobby and basically it is getting to be a full-time job,” said Sherrill, the gun class instructor. “I have had about 400 (students) since September and usually I didn't have that many in a year.”

Some law enforcement officials say they aren't concerned that more guns will mean more crime. Almost all gun-related crimes are committed by people carrying illegal weapons, not permit holders, law enforcement officials say…
http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.d...=2009901300330

---------------------------------------

North Carolina Firearms Laws Explained

Q: My grandmother has always carried a small pistol in her purse for personal protection. She does not have a permit. Could she get in trouble for this? It's just a small ladies' gun.
A: For many, many years it has been common practice to ignore concealed carry laws in NC, and many police officers and judges looked the other way as long as the person was otherwise law-abiding. This is no longer true. The penalties for illegal concealed carry have been increased to a serious misdemeanor for the first offense, and a felony for the second offense. Law enforcement personnel actively look for weapons during roadblocks and routine traffic stops. Schools and municipal buildings may have metal detectors installed. Concealed carry without a permit is illegal and unwise. Tell your grandmother she should either get a permit or discontinue carrying her gun. It doesn't matter how big or small the gun is, it's still a firearm.

Q: I don't want to get a Concealed Handgun Permit; I just want to carry a gun openly in a holster. Is this legal?
A: In North Carolina there is no State law specifically prohibiting the open carry of firearms. Under the theory that if it isn't specifically prohibited it's not illegal, open carry is possible. There are some glaring exceptions to this.

Q: So is open carry legal in NC?
A: In theory, yes. In practice, maybe. It seems to us like a very good way to get arrested.
http://www.ncrpa.org/faq/cch.shtml

If I was REALLY SMART, truly using utmost caution, I wouldn't even be talking to this forum now, like this (I am a complete fiction here, I swear) ... we all take RISKS with the LAW ... all of us ... so we must DEAL WITH IT. It's up to you and me to decide HOW. Thanks and ... Good luck!

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests
 

I've applied for my CCW license. But I don't disagree with you, and I don't think you're paranoid.

Yes, my name is now in my state's database as a gun owner. But my name was already in a federal database as a gun owner -- when I bought my guns, I had to submit to the NCIS check. Legally, the feds are not supposed to keep that info about me, but I'd bet a lot of gold coins that they keep it anyway.

If you've bought a gun and gone through the NCIS check, you're in a database too.

Now, maybe you bought all your weapons before the NCIS checks were necessary. Good! But you should still be glad that I and others like me are getting our CCW licenses.

Because they'll come for us first.

We'll be first on the list for pickup and disposal. Our homes will be the first hit. All I can promise is to take as many of them screaming down into hell with me, if that time ever comes (and, let me make clear, I damn well hope it never comes!)

This will give the rest of you time to act. Time to hide, time to organize, time to resist. Hopefully, with that warning, YOU won't be surprised. We'll give you that warning.

We're the tripwire. We're the bait.

If my dying in a firefight with gungrabbers -- which gives the rest of you on my side enough time to fight and win -- is the only thing I can do to help my country, then so be it. It'll be enough.

Re: Florida can't keep up with concealed weapon permit requests