Is a Washington Non-Resident Permit Valid in Florida?

Why

• Florida recognizes out-of-state permits only when the holder is a resident of the issuing state.
• A non-resident permit from Washington therefore does not qualify — the holder is not an Washington resident.
• Florida allows permitless carry for eligible adults 21+, which extends to visitors who may legally possess a handgun.

s. 790.015 (as amended by ch. 2023-18) recognizes a valid concealed carry license from ANY state provided it was 'issued to the nonresident in his or her state of residence' and the holder is 21+ (18+ if servicemember or honorably discharged veteran) - no reciprocal agreement required, but non-resident permits (license state != residence state) do not qualify; such holders may still carry permitless if eligible. A holder who establishes Florida residency keeps recognition for 90 days only. FDACS still publishes a legacy mutual-agreement list, but the statute controls.

Carry rules in Florida

Florida's rules control while you're there. These are the ones travelers trip over most.

• No proactive duty. Licensees must carry the license plus valid ID and display both upon demand by a law enforcement officer (s. 790.06(1)); permitless carriers must carry and display valid ID on demand (s. 790.013) - violation is a $25 civil penalty.
• Florida sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Florida allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• A person eligible under s. 790.01 (or licensed) may carry a loaded concealed handgun on their person in a vehicle; independently, anyone 18+ in lawful possession may keep a handgun in a private conveyance if it is securely encased or not readily accessible for immediate use (s. 790.25(4)).

Off-limits places in Florida

• Police, sheriff or highway patrol stations
• Detention facilities, prisons and jails
• Courthouses and courtrooms
• Polling places and meetings of the Legislature or governing bodies
• K-12 schools, career centers, and college or university facilities
• Portions of establishments primarily devoted to dispensing alcohol, and airport sterile areas

Frequently asked questions

Is a Washington non-resident permit valid in Florida?

You won't carry "on your permit" in Florida — the state doesn't honor it. You can still carry under Florida's permitless law for adults 21+ if you meet its eligibility rules.

Do I have to tell police in Florida that I am carrying?

No proactive duty. Licensees must carry the license plus valid ID and display both upon demand by a law enforcement officer (s. 790.06(1)); permitless carriers must carry and display valid ID on demand (s. 790.013) - violation is a $25 civil penalty.

Does Florida limit magazine capacity?

Florida sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Florida without any permit?

Florida allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Where does Florida publish its official reciprocity list?

Florida publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.