Florida THR Members! Can someone help me out???

[PUMC_TomG]

I'm a Florida resident in need of my CCW permit. I was previously an Indiana resident with an Indiana permit. I have shot with the Purdue NROTC pistol team, shot in a couple IDPA matches, and even took a seminar with the USMC pistol team at USMC Weps Btn Quantico...

Unfortunately, the MOI at NROTC is reluctant to sign an affidavit of training for me because he is only a "weapons handler" and not an instructor. Additionally NROTC matches "don't count as formal competition" in his words so that is out as well... The head of the IDPA matches at the range I attend at college (in Indiana) isn't sure if IDPA matches qualify for the "Shoot a match" clause that qualifies as training under FL statutes. And I have no idea how to get proof or even in contact with the Weps Btn at Quantico. I doubt they even have any records of my presence.

So I'm between a rock and a hard place... I have to return to school Saturday night. Are there any NRA Instructors, or the like in the Central Florida area that I could meet with to demonstrate competency? I'd like to get this app sent in ASAP so that when I return to FL permanently in May my CCW should arrive shortly after.

Cliff Notes:
I have carried CCW for 3 years in Indiana... but now need a Florida permit to match my license and residency. My firearms training is more than adequate... but people are reluctant or unable to give me documentation.

I won't be acquiring my FL LEO certification until after August...and I don't want to wait...

Thus if any FL THR members are qualified to do this.... could you help me out? I'll be shooting an Indiana IDPA match up near school on the 27th... but again - the match director isn't sure about if his signature will work....


SO... can anyone help me out????
Thanks,
Tom

 

[Alan Fud]

I may be mistaken on this but I believe that Florida will accept a license from another state as proof of training. I know that when I left Florida, PA accepted my FL license as proof of firearms knowledge and issued a PA license without any additional proof of training.

 

[Aikibiker]

If nothing else works out for you every gunshow in the state runs permit training classes. They cost on average $35 dollars and take a few hours of your time. Also many police stations run free or nearly free training. You might call your local LEO agencies and see if they have a class coming up.

 

[PUMC_TomG]

I was at North Precinct BCSD all damned day too... didn't think to ask them to help me out...

I'll call an agent tomorrow to see if he has any advice.

 

[MarkDido]

Tom,

The every-other-month gun show is March 27th at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on 50 (East Colonial) in Orlando

I'm pretty sure they offer a CCW class for a reasonable fee.

Where in FL are you aiming to become a LEO at?

Mark

 

[Dave P]

Tom, I can get you to the Malabar range tomorrow and maybe find someone to vouch for you.

Drop me a line.

Dave

 

[Greybeard]

I'm obviously not in Florida, but do belive they accept the NRA "First Steps" classes. Those can be done in as little as 3-hours if you can locate an NRA instructor who has the certificates on hand. I did such a quickie private class for a very experienced Texas CHLer a few years ago - before FL recognized other states' "proof of training".

 

[Diggler]

Alan

I know that when I left Florida, PA accepted my FL license as proof of firearms knowledge and issued a PA license without any additional proof of training.

That's because PA doesn't require training OR firearms knowledge! Just a clean background and two references...

 

[PUMC_TomG]

MarkDido - I've got some connections here in Brevard County at the Sheriff's Department - and due to all the activity and opportunities it is my primary agency at the moment.
However I also have connections at Miami-Dade... but don't speak enough Spanish to feel safe down there.

DaveP - I really appreciate your offer... I PM'd you with my phone number so we can get in contact... Thanks alot

 

[Hkmp5sd]

Here's the official story on training.....

5. Presents evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or military service;

A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes; or an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught said course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document which shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition shall constitute evidence of qualification under this paragraph; any person who conducts a course pursuant to subparagraph 2., subparagraph 3., or subparagraph 7., or who, as an instructor, attests to the completion of such courses, must maintain records certifying that he or she observed the student safely handle and discharge the firearm;

Have any old certificates, awards, score sheets, membership cards, etc.??

 

[Dave P]

I talked to Tom on the phone, and it sounds like he can't find any documentation between his two residences. I did point him toward a local, formal class tonight, tho. So if he make the class he should be good to go.

 

[PUMC_TomG]

I do have a membership card, and a lost score sheet....
I also entrusted an Honorable Discharge from the AF Reserves to my parents house... and it got lost during a move... 6 month wait from DoD for a new one. :banghead:

I know I should have kept better records, etc... but not much I can do about it now.

Dave was great setting me up with an instructor who squeezed me in to an already scheduled class this evening... I'll be heading over there in about 25 minutes.

I'd like to give a BIG BIG BIG Thank You to Dave for providing so much help to me this afternoon.
Once again the TFL/THR crowd proves to be a great bunch of individuals.

 

[Lennyjoe]

And that my friends is what makes the High Road a great place.

Friends helping out friends. A great moment in THR history.

 

[PUMC_TomG]

Well - I passed the class... like I was worried....

"Kim" was a really likeable guy and did a great job of covering the basics, and the responsibilities that come with handgun ownership and CCW. There were a couple people in the class 100% new to handguns.... and he did a damned good job of trying to straighten them out. (Although a few just plain scared me when I thought about them + a firearm..... but they'll figure it out.)

So now I've got my certificate documenting some training... I'll stop by North Precinct to have one of the cute Crime Scene Unit gal print me (I really hope she's on duty ) and drop by Walgreen's for my picture... Then it's off to dad's office to get his secretary to notarize it and into the outgoing mail.....

Current word on the street is FL CCW permits are running at 30-45 days.... let's hope they keep up that good pace!

Thanks again Dave!!!

 

[MarkDido]

Tom,

Good luck on the LEO thing.

I live in Orlando, but I went to BCC there on Post Road and got my degree in Crime Scene Technology. I spent a lot of time in class, and a lot more time at Captain Katanas plying my Crime Scene Photography instructor with alcohol. (He's an ex-Satellite Beach Sgt., so it wasn't hard)

I'm currently with OSCO as a civilian fingerprint analyst. Love the job. I work the 3rd shift with all women, but that's not a bad thing - they all bring food and feel obligated to feed me! Life if good!

Mark