Florida Emerald Coast?

[MagKnightX]

Is the Florida Emerald (Gulf) Coast gun-friendly? Specifically the Destin area.

I know that Florida En Masse has a shall-issue CCW permit. Unfortunately, Virginia does not allow FL permits to be used, meaning if I move there no carry while visiting the family...

According to the NRA-ILA site, FL seems fairly gun-friendly law-wise, but then, specific areas have different laws.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Aikibiker]

Florida has a pre-emption law that keeps various locals from passing gun control laws. It is solely in the hands of the state except for requiring background checks at gunshows. That is the only place a county can pass a law the state didn't.

Florida CCW will cost you about $150 dollars after you pay the license fee, course fee, and get your finger prints and picture taken. Some police and sheriff's departments offer free or very cheap permit courses so you may be able to catch a break there.

If you are worried about carrying while visiting your family in VA you may want to see if they offer an out of state permit or have legal open carry. Or better yet write the VA department of state (or it's equivalent) and ask them to enter into a reciprocity agreement with FL. We will recognize any state's permit if that state will recognize ours.

For more info on the Gulf Coast area you might check here: http://www.floridashootersnetwork.com/phpbb/index.php3

 

[TarpleyG]

Even down here in South Brooklyn (Broward), South Long Island (Palm Beach), and North Cuba/Puerto Rico (Dade), they are pretty nonchalant about it. No problems thus far. I would think, given the southern hospitality of northern Florida, you'll be just fine around Destin.

GT

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I've packed many a time in Destin... no problems, but then again, I guess no one knew I was packing.

 

[Ed N.]

You won't have any problems in Destin, other than shocking yankee transplants when they see you packing up the car to go to the range. This state is very gun friendly, with the possible exception of Miami, but even Miami's hands are tied by the state preemption law. Heck, we're even knife friendly, if you happen to like switchblades.

Does Virginia offer a non-resident permit you could use for your visits?