How to Get a Gun Dealers License in Florida

Last Updated: May 10, 2022 Approved

Individuals who want to obtain a gun dealer's license in the state of Florida are not required to obtain a state license or permit; however, a federal license is still required. A gun dealer's license, also known as the Federal Firearms License (FFL), can be obtained directly through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The process for obtaining an FFL consists of completing an application for the license, passing a criminal background check, and interviewing with an inspector from the ATF. After the ATF has approved your application, you can then receive your gun dealer's license to sell guns and firearms in Florida.

Steps

1
Acquire the paperwork needed to apply for an FFL. To apply for a gun dealer's license, you will need the FFL application and Certificate of Compliance forms. The paperwork can be obtained from an ATF office or from the Internet.
- Call the ATF field office located in Florida 1-305-597-4800 to receive the forms by mail. (If you call, you will now be directed to visit the website and print the paperwork yourself.)
- If you live in the Miami area, obtain the forms in person at the ATF field office located at 11410 Northwest 20th Street, Suite 201, Miami, Florida, 33172.
- To print the forms from the Internet, visit the ATF website provided in the Sources section of this article, then click on the links for the application and Certificate of Compliance located on the right-hand side of the website.
2
Visit a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) office to obtain fingerprint cards. The ATF will use the fingerprint cards to run your criminal background check.
- Ask the FDLE office for 2 copies of the fingerprint identification cards. Some offices may require you to pay a fee to receive the fingerprint cards.
- If you need assistance with locating the nearest FDLE office, call the FDLE headquarters at 1-850-410-7000.
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3
Collect 2 photographs of yourself. The photographs must be at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) in length and 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide.
4
Determine the amount of your application fee. The application fee will differ depending on the type of guns and weapons you plan on selling at your establishment.
- Obtain 200 dollars (145 euros) for the fee if you will only be selling handguns and non-destructive weapons.
- Obtain 3000 dollars (2177 euros) for the application fee if you will be selling weapons that are considered to be destructive devices; such as grenades and bombs.
5
Obtain the fee in the form of a check or money order. If you plan to pay by credit card, you will have the opportunity to print your credit card information on the application.
6
Fill out the gun dealer's license application. The application will require you to enter information such as the name and address of your business, the type of weapons you plan to sell, the names of business partners if any, and information about your criminal history, if any.
7
Fill out the Certificate of Compliance. This form will require you to indicate your United States citizenship status.
8
Send all your paperwork items to the Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) at the ATF. Once the FFLC receives your application and additional paperwork, they will send all your paperwork to the ATF field office located in Miami.
- Place your gun dealer's license application, Certificate of Compliance, the fingerprint cards, pictures, and fee into an envelope to send to the FFLC.
- Mail the envelope to the ATF headquarters office at: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, P.O. Box 409567, Atlanta, Georgia, 30384-9567.
9
Interview with the Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) from the ATF. The IOI will meet with you to inspect your business premises and make sure it meets the zoning requirements for your Florida area. The IOI will also speak with you about gun dealer's licensing laws.
- Since the state of Florida does not have any specific licensing requirements, the IOI will ensure that you fully understand the federal laws regarding holding a gun dealer's license.
10
Receive feedback from the FFLC. After your meeting with the IOI, the IOI will submit their recommendation regarding your application for the gun dealer's license over to the FFLC. After you have passed the background check, you will receive your gun dealer's license within 60 days.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I run a gun shop out of my home?

Community Answer

It's inadvisable to run a gun shop if you have kids and teens below 20 years of age. However, you can. Just make sure you have a locked room for the weapons.
Question

If I have a conceal carry license, do I still need to do a finger print card and back ground check or can I give My # for that part of the app.?

Community Answer

You must get another fingerprint card from the local law enforcement office (police station, etc). Concealed Carry License and ATF are separate institutions.

Warnings

If you have decided to change any information you initially entered on your FFL application after turning it in to the ATF, such as the name of your business or your hours of operation, the 60-day waiting period to receive your gun dealer's license may be restarted.

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