3 Reasons Why You Should Have a Concealed Carry Permit - Even in a Constitutional-Carry State



Three Reasons to Get Your Concealed Carry Permit, Even in a Constitutional-Carry State

So... Florida will soon become a permit-less, open carry state [next month]. It's already a permit-less concealed carry state. Why even get a permit!

Permit-less carry makes it easier to exercise your rights. That’s good. But “easy” doesn’t always mean “wise.” A quality concealed-carry class with a certified instructor, followed by getting your permit, still delivers real advantages: you’ll understand your state’s use-of-force laws, you’ll expand where you can legally carry when traveling, and you’ll stress-test your judgment before a crisis. In Florida and some other states, a permit can also streamline purchases by exempting you from the state waiting period.

1) Know the law where you live and carry

Self-defense law is not common sense and it is not “what your uncle told you.” Statutes define when force and deadly force are justified, when there’s no duty to retreat, and when immunity may apply. For example, Florida’s self-defense law lays out the standards for using or threatening force and the conditions for immunity from prosecution or civil suit. Reading the actual law, with an instructor walking you through real scenarios, beats relying on rumors every time.

Reputable courses don’t just show how to run a pistol. They cover safe handling, storage, state-specific rules, and the practical “don’t do that” details that keep you on the right side of the law. Policy reviews of firearm-training programs show curricula commonly include operation, safe handling, and the legal framework you’re expected to follow.

2) Reciprocity: carry legally when you cross state lines

“Constitutional carry” (also called permitless carry) generally means you can carry a handgun without a permit in your state if you’re otherwise lawful to possess. That does not automatically translate across state lines. Many states still require a permit for visitors, and each state decides which permits it recognizes. A valid permit often unlocks lawful carry in many more jurisdictions than permitless status alone. Use an up-to-date reciprocity map and your issuing state’s official reciprocity page before you travel.

Examples:

  • USCCA Reciprocity Map: interactive tool to check recognition of your specific permit(s).

  • State guidance (Florida): official reciprocity list and program details from FDACS.

  • Practical note (Texas): even with permit-less carry at home, a Texas License to Carry helps when you travel to states that require a license and honor Texas permits.

3) Critical thinking under pressure

A good instructor forces you to think through messy, real-world hypotheticals: lighting, bystanders, barriers, mistaken identity, third-party defense, and when the threat actually ends. You’ll also cover the aftermath: expect detention, seizure of evidence, interviews, and the possibility of arrest or charges while facts are sorted out. Planning for counsel and legal expenses is part of being a responsible adult.

Florida bonus: A permit can bypass the waiting period

Florida imposes a 3-day waiting period for retail firearm deliveries (5-day in Miami-Dade County). By statute, that waiting period does not apply to holders of a Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License, among a few other exceptions. Local agencies also summarize this benefit to help residents understand why many still maintain their CWL after permitless carry. Always confirm your situation at the counter and keep your license current.

Getting started

  • Take a reputable class that covers state law, safe handling, storage, and scenario-based decision-making. Organizations like NSSF and NRA publish core safety rules that your course should echo.

  • After training, apply for the permit even if your state allows permitless carry. Then use an authoritative reciprocity map and your state’s official pages before traveling.

  • Make a legal/financial plan for the aftermath you hope never comes. Understand the process and have counsel lined up.

Note: Laws change. This article is information, not legal advice. Always verify current statutes and reciprocity before you carry.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to leave us a comment. Also, follow us on our social media accounts... and don't forget to visit our shop online at:  www.ascensionarmory.net


Sources

Location: Miami, FL, USA

Comments

Post a Comment