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Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License
(CWFL) Exam ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL) . This guide covers the eligibility, training
requirements, legal framework, use-of-force statutes, and carry restrictions necessary for licensing and
safe, lawful carry.
POINT-FORM SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
• CWFL vs. Permitless Carry (HB 543): As of July 1, 2023, eligible individuals 21+ may carry
concealed without a license. However, a CWFL provides benefits: reciprocity with other states,
bypassing the state-mandated waiting period (3 days; 5 in Miami-Dade), and legal carry in
certain restricted areas.
• Eligibility Requirements: Minimum age 21 (18 for servicemembers/veterans), U.S. citizen or
legal resident, no felony convictions unless rights restored, no misdemeanor violence conviction
within last 3 years, no domestic violence injunctions, no drug/alcohol abuse history, not
adjudicated mentally defective, and not a fugitive from justice.
• Training & Competency: Applicants must demonstrate firearm competency. This is achieved by
completing a firearms safety/training course taught by a certified instructor. The state requires
proof of proficiency with a firearm.
• Training Components (HB 543/2023): Although permitless carry is law, training courses for
licensing remain valid. Courses typically include classroom instruction (safety, legal use of force,
statutes) and a live fire shooting exercise on a range.
• Legal Use of Force (F.S. §776.012): A person is justified in using deadly force if they reasonably
believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm, or the imminent
commission of a forcible felony. There is no duty to retreat ("Stand Your Ground") if you are in
a place you have a right to be and are not engaged in criminal activity.
• "Stand Your Ground" & Castle Doctrine (F.S. §776.013): There is a legal presumption of
reasonable fear of death or great bodily harm if someone unlawfully and forcefully enters your
dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle. This presumption does not apply if the person is a law
enforcement officer acting in the line of duty.
• Prohibited Carry Locations (F.S. §790.06(12)(a)): CWFL does not authorize carry in: police
stations, detention facilities, courthouses, polling places, schools/college campuses (with limited
exceptions), bars (areas primarily for alcohol consumption), professional/college sporting
events, airports (beyond security checkpoints), and federal facilities.
• Vehicle Carry (Without a License - F.S. §790.25): Persons 18+ may possess a weapon in a private
vehicle without a license if it is "securely encased" or "not readily accessible for immediate
use" (e.g., glove box, closed case). Effective October 1, 2026, unoccupied vehicles must keep
handguns locked in a trunk or locked container out of plain view.
• Vehicle Carry (With a CWFL): With a valid license, there are no restrictions on how you carry
inside the vehicle as long as the weapon is concealed (no part visible). There is no "3-step rule"
for access in Florida.
• Open Carry: Currently, Florida generally prohibits open carry of firearms except for specific
exceptions (hunting, fishing, camping, or lawful target shooting). However, recent trainings
indicate that CWFL holders can open carry as of 2023/2024.
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• Reciprocity: Florida recognizes concealed carry licenses from other states if that state
recognizes Florida's license. Always verify current reciprocity lists via FDACS, as lists can change.
• Medical Marijuana Conflict: Possessing a medical marijuana card and a CWFL is a federal
conflict. Federal law prohibits firearm possession by "unlawful users of... marijuana." Even with
a state-legal card, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you use marijuana.
• New Safe Storage Law (Effective 10/1/2026): It will be a violation to leave a handgun in
an unoccupied and unsecured vehicle unless it is locked in a trunk, locked glove box, or secured
with a device affixed to the vehicle (out of plain view).
Questions 1-50: Eligibility, Licensing & General Knowledge
1. To apply for a Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL), an applicant must generally be at
least what age?
• A) 18 years old for all applicants
• B) 21 years old, unless the applicant is a servicemember or veteran 18 or older
• C) 18 years old with parental consent
• D) 21 years old with no exceptions
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Florida law requires applicants to be 21; however, an exception exists for
servicemembers (active duty) or veterans honorably discharged who are 18 years or older.
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2. A person who has been convicted of a felony in Florida wants to apply for a CWFL. Under what
circumstance is this possible?
• A) If the felony occurred more than 10 years ago
• B) If the conviction was for a non-violent felony only
• C) If their civil rights and firearm authority have been restored by the convicting authority
• D) Never, if the conviction was a felony
• Answer: C
• Rationale: A felony conviction disqualifies an applicant unless their civil rights and firearm rights
have been formally restored by the court or the state.
3. Which of the following would disqualify an individual from obtaining a Florida CWFL due to substance
abuse history?
• A) One DUI conviction 5 years ago
• B) Two DUI convictions within the previous 3 years
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• C) A single arrest for marijuana possession without conviction
• D) Being a social drinker
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Florida law specifically lists "two or more DUI convictions within the previous three
years" as a disqualifying factor for licensing.
4. A Florida resident is 20 years old and recently honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Are they
eligible for a CWFL?
• A) No, because they are under 21
• B) Yes, because veterans honorably discharged are eligible at age 18
• C) Only if they are currently in the National Guard
• D) No, unless they have a medical need for protection
• Answer: B
Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License
(CWFL) Exam ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL) . This guide covers the eligibility, training
requirements, legal framework, use-of-force statutes, and carry restrictions necessary for licensing and
safe, lawful carry.
POINT-FORM SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
• CWFL vs. Permitless Carry (HB 543): As of July 1, 2023, eligible individuals 21+ may carry
concealed without a license. However, a CWFL provides benefits: reciprocity with other states,
bypassing the state-mandated waiting period (3 days; 5 in Miami-Dade), and legal carry in
certain restricted areas.
• Eligibility Requirements: Minimum age 21 (18 for servicemembers/veterans), U.S. citizen or
legal resident, no felony convictions unless rights restored, no misdemeanor violence conviction
within last 3 years, no domestic violence injunctions, no drug/alcohol abuse history, not
adjudicated mentally defective, and not a fugitive from justice.
• Training & Competency: Applicants must demonstrate firearm competency. This is achieved by
completing a firearms safety/training course taught by a certified instructor. The state requires
proof of proficiency with a firearm.
• Training Components (HB 543/2023): Although permitless carry is law, training courses for
licensing remain valid. Courses typically include classroom instruction (safety, legal use of force,
statutes) and a live fire shooting exercise on a range.
• Legal Use of Force (F.S. §776.012): A person is justified in using deadly force if they reasonably
believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm, or the imminent
commission of a forcible felony. There is no duty to retreat ("Stand Your Ground") if you are in
a place you have a right to be and are not engaged in criminal activity.
• "Stand Your Ground" & Castle Doctrine (F.S. §776.013): There is a legal presumption of
reasonable fear of death or great bodily harm if someone unlawfully and forcefully enters your
dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle. This presumption does not apply if the person is a law
enforcement officer acting in the line of duty.
• Prohibited Carry Locations (F.S. §790.06(12)(a)): CWFL does not authorize carry in: police
stations, detention facilities, courthouses, polling places, schools/college campuses (with limited
exceptions), bars (areas primarily for alcohol consumption), professional/college sporting
events, airports (beyond security checkpoints), and federal facilities.
• Vehicle Carry (Without a License - F.S. §790.25): Persons 18+ may possess a weapon in a private
vehicle without a license if it is "securely encased" or "not readily accessible for immediate
use" (e.g., glove box, closed case). Effective October 1, 2026, unoccupied vehicles must keep
handguns locked in a trunk or locked container out of plain view.
• Vehicle Carry (With a CWFL): With a valid license, there are no restrictions on how you carry
inside the vehicle as long as the weapon is concealed (no part visible). There is no "3-step rule"
for access in Florida.
• Open Carry: Currently, Florida generally prohibits open carry of firearms except for specific
exceptions (hunting, fishing, camping, or lawful target shooting). However, recent trainings
indicate that CWFL holders can open carry as of 2023/2024.
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• Reciprocity: Florida recognizes concealed carry licenses from other states if that state
recognizes Florida's license. Always verify current reciprocity lists via FDACS, as lists can change.
• Medical Marijuana Conflict: Possessing a medical marijuana card and a CWFL is a federal
conflict. Federal law prohibits firearm possession by "unlawful users of... marijuana." Even with
a state-legal card, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you use marijuana.
• New Safe Storage Law (Effective 10/1/2026): It will be a violation to leave a handgun in
an unoccupied and unsecured vehicle unless it is locked in a trunk, locked glove box, or secured
with a device affixed to the vehicle (out of plain view).
Questions 1-50: Eligibility, Licensing & General Knowledge
1. To apply for a Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL), an applicant must generally be at
least what age?
• A) 18 years old for all applicants
• B) 21 years old, unless the applicant is a servicemember or veteran 18 or older
• C) 18 years old with parental consent
• D) 21 years old with no exceptions
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Florida law requires applicants to be 21; however, an exception exists for
servicemembers (active duty) or veterans honorably discharged who are 18 years or older.
, Page 3 of 181
2. A person who has been convicted of a felony in Florida wants to apply for a CWFL. Under what
circumstance is this possible?
• A) If the felony occurred more than 10 years ago
• B) If the conviction was for a non-violent felony only
• C) If their civil rights and firearm authority have been restored by the convicting authority
• D) Never, if the conviction was a felony
• Answer: C
• Rationale: A felony conviction disqualifies an applicant unless their civil rights and firearm rights
have been formally restored by the court or the state.
3. Which of the following would disqualify an individual from obtaining a Florida CWFL due to substance
abuse history?
• A) One DUI conviction 5 years ago
• B) Two DUI convictions within the previous 3 years
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• C) A single arrest for marijuana possession without conviction
• D) Being a social drinker
• Answer: B
• Rationale: Florida law specifically lists "two or more DUI convictions within the previous three
years" as a disqualifying factor for licensing.
4. A Florida resident is 20 years old and recently honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Are they
eligible for a CWFL?
• A) No, because they are under 21
• B) Yes, because veterans honorably discharged are eligible at age 18
• C) Only if they are currently in the National Guard
• D) No, unless they have a medical need for protection
• Answer: B
