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Florida Criminal Offense

Carrying a Concealed Weapon or Firearm

Carrying a concealed weapon, electric weapon or device, or firearm when the statutory authorization criteria are not met.

Felony or MisdemeanorVaries

Florida Statute

§ 790.01

Carrying of concealed weapons or concealed firearms

View Official Florida Statute

Verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: September 13, 2026

Quick Summary

This charge distinguishes a concealed weapon from a concealed firearm and requires proof the person is not licensed and is ineligible for a license.

Classification Matrix

Use this as a quick classification reference. Specific facts, statutory circumstances, and charging allegations may affect the applicable result.

Concealed Weapon or Electric Weapon

F.S. § 790.01(2)

MisdemeanorFirst Degree

Concealed weapon, electric weapon, or device; authorization criteria not met.

Concealed Firearm

F.S. § 790.01(3)

FelonyThird Degree

Concealed firearm; authorization criteria not met.

Elements of the Offense

Elements marked AND are cumulative. Elements marked OR identify statutory alternatives; one applicable alternative must be established when that theory is charged. Conditional elements apply only to the identified statutory track.

  1. Element 1
    AND — Required

    Required Facts

    The defendant carried a concealed weapon, electric weapon or device, or concealed firearm on or about the defendant's person.

    Plain language: The covered item was hidden on or close to the person.

  2. Element 2
    AND — Required

    Required Facts

    The defendant was not authorized under section 790.01(1): the state must prove both that the defendant was not licensed and was ineligible to receive and maintain a license.

    Plain language: Lack of a license alone is not enough; ineligibility must also be proved.

Jury Instructions

Instruction 10.1

Unlicensed Carrying a Concealed Weapon or Firearm

Use with the current F.S. § 790.01 authorization criteria and proof requirements.

View Official Instruction

Verified against the official instruction source: September 13, 2026

Additional Notes

Quick Reference

Section 790.01 requires proof of both no license and ineligibility for a license. Distinguish a concealed weapon/electric weapon from a concealed firearm.