If you have decided to join the growing ranks of Florida CWP permit holders, The ESS Global Florida Concealed Carry Guide will help you stay on the right track.
Florida Concealed Carry Guide
If you’re one of the thousands of people here in the Tampa area, who have decided to take your self-protection seriously and apply for a concealed carry permit, congratulations! The ranks of people who have decided to stop being a victim and become their own first responder are growing every day. Carrying a concealed weapon is an empowering act that signifies you are taking charge of your personal safety and the safety of your family and loved ones.
We are sure that many firearm holders have plenty of experience on the range with a pistol, before deciding to carry.
But, for many people, a concealed carry training class is their first step into the world of firearms training, and as such, they arrive at the class with no understanding of what lies ahead and how they should prepare for a concealed carry class.
The ESS Global Florida Concealed Carry Guide
Rule #1
A concealed carry class is a permitting class, not a training class.
As such, you will leave the training facing the realities of carrying, with a clear idea of the Florida firearm laws. It’s similar to a driving test, which doesn’t really prepare you for a daily commute on I-275.
So for this Florida Concealed Carry Guide, we have to hammer this home. Take a basic pistol course. Practice drawing, aiming and firing! Find a range and use it. Get comfortable with your firearm.
Deciding to Carry
No Florida Concealed Carry Guide would be complete, without pointing out some important things to consider. The decision to carry a firearm brings about a whole new set of circumstances. There are many more factors to consider, than simply owning a firearm for home protection or to keep in your vehicle.
Before you decide to concealed carry, ask yourself;
- Will I carry a firearm every day, as often as I can?
- Will I have enough time set aside to practice at the range?
- Am I prepared to act if threatened with harm?
If you answered “no” to any of those questions, you may need to reconsider spending the time, energy and cash, to apply for a concealed carry permit.
Applying for a Concealed Carry Permit in Florida
Most states, including Florida, require a permit or license to carry a weapon in a concealed manner. Every state that requires a license also requires some form of training before sending in the paperwork.
And Florida is no exception. See the qualifications to carry in Florida.
You’ll notice that one reason you can be denied is “Failing to provide proof of proficiency with a firearm” which refers to the training class, where you will get the paperwork that tells the state you passed your driver’s test CWP exam at the end of the concealed carry course.
A good class will address all the issues associated with the permit application process, so it all goes smoothly, and you get your concealed carry weapon permit.
Florida Concealed Carry Guide Side Note:
What is the difference between all of these…
- CCW
- CWP
- CCP
- Concealed Weapons Permit
- Concealed Weapons License
- Concealed Carry Permit
- Concealed Carry License
Nothing.
All of these names refer to the very same thing. A license to carry a concealed weapon.
Florida Conceal Carry Guide – Choosing a Weapon
Here, you should talk with friends that carry. Go with them to the range and hold and fire their gun. Not everyone has the luxury of trying out a firearm before purchasing it so, if you can take advantage of that, do it. Go to the store and hold them. Does it feel right? If you are going to be carrying, you need a correctly sized firearm! Get one too “bulky” and you may quickly find to you no longer carry, defeating the purpose of obtaining a concealed carry permit.
Find one that is right for yourself and your hands/ body. Did we mention you must practice with it? Believe us, the first time you pull it out to defend yourself is no time to be unfamiliar with your weapon. Practice, practice and practice some more.
Choosing a weapon is a big task. Not only is ESS Global the premier security and protection firm in Florida, we are also an FFL dealer. We can assist you with acquiring your weapon of choice.
Florida Concealed Carry Guide – Get a Good Holster
Do some research. Holsters vary greatly in size, shape, materials and quality. If it’s not comfortable to carry, it’s not right. Make adjustments to your setup until it’s comfortable for everyday use.
A quality holster is not something you want to shortchange yourself on. A holster is more than just something to hold the firearm in place, and it can make the difference between safe and responsible carry, and unsafe carry.
Florida Concealed Carry Guide – Choosing A Concealed Carry Training
The first factor to consider. Does the instructor or facilitating organization hold any current certifications as a firearms instructor such as: NRA Certification, D.O.E. certification, or other certifications.
Second, what experience does this instructor have in teaching firearms courses? For example, has the instructor taught firearms courses to armed security guards, law enforcement or military? Or is this their first batch of classes held in a firearms store, solely designed to get you in to buy more firearms?
Third, will you have easy access to their courses? Will this instructor or organization offer other courses to increase your skill sets after completing the concealed carry tra
ining? Remember, concealed carry training is only the start of your training if you are serious about protecting yourself and loved ones.
Choose your training wisely. ESS Global Corp is the only protection organization in the state of Florida that is D.O.E. licensed. We have NRA instructors. If you are in the Tampa/ Clearwater area, ESS wins hands down, offering much more information than most any other classes.
Carrying
So you’ve gotten your permit and can now concealed carry.
Two things are likely to happen.
Printing
Down here in Florida, we don’t wear bulky clothing for half the year (or more) like up north. You need to be aware of “printing”. This is when your firearm ‘prints’ on your clothing creating a visible outline when bending over, or reaching for something or simply shows all the time because your shirt is too tight.
Look in the mirror, play around with your set-up until you are happy and confidant.
Situational Awareness
Also, once you begin to carry, it’s human nature for you to become more aware of your surroundings. At first, you may be wondering if people around you know you are carrying. Now you may even be looking at people wondering if they are carrying. You are now a bit more aware of your surroundings. If you would like to take this a higher practical level, consider taking the ESS Global Situational Awareness Training.
Florida Concealed Weapon Guide – Practice Makes Perfect
This cannot be stressed enough. Practicing with your firearm is one of the most important things that you can do.
- Find a range and be there on a regular basis to practice with your carry firearm.
- Practice shooting with the same ammunition you carry. Different ammunition behaves differently. If you know what to expect, there will be no surprises should you need to use your firearm in a stressful situation.
- Practice drawing your unloaded firearm from your holster. If you are ever in a situation where you need to get it quickly, this is where memory will come into play. In a stressful situation, you need to be alert and able to draw with as much consistency as if you were practicing with an unloaded weapon in your home.
- Lastly, it is highly recommended that everyone who chooses to carry a firearm receive at least some basic handgun training. Going to the range and shooting is great practice, but a good instructor in a controlled environment can greatly boost your confidence, as well as highlight limitations you may not have even considered before.
A Final Note
A Florida Concealed Carry Guide would be incomplete without mentioning the 5 rules.
And these five rules need to be memorized.
Five Basic Handgun Safety Rules
- Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction (down is great).
- Treat ALL firearms as if they were loaded.
- Keep your trigger finger outside the trigger guard and off of the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Be certain of your target, your line of fire, and what lies beyond your target.
- Always wear appropriate eye and ear protection when shooting and maintaining your firearm.
Upcoming Training in Tampa/ Clearwater at ESS
Concealed Carry Training (Sale – $50)
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The NRA Basic Pistol Class in Tampa covers;
This motorcade training in Tampa will cover the following:
This is a two day course, that starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM each day.
INTRODUCTION