RESOURCE: Florida's Concealed Weapon Program

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Next time you're out in a crowded place, take a look around. Chances are someone's carrying a handgun and you wouldn't know. Channel 9's Steve Barrett has uncovered just how common concealed weapons are in the places we all go.

It might be in a purse, or a pocket, a car, or a briefcase, and you have no way of knowing. In Central Florida, about one in 40 adults has a permit to pack hidden heat.

"I think it's mostly for safety, just knowing you have protection. Especially being a woman," said permit applicant Venus Gorospe.

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"If I was put in that position, I would have something that says, 'Hey, I was certified. I was knowledgeable about using my weapon and I properly used it,'" said permit applicant Chaddrick Borders.

At Rieg's Shooting Range in Orlando, owners Eileen and John Rieg think anyone who owns a gun should have a permit to conceal it.

In fact, John Reig teaches a concealed firearms course twice a week. He and his wife are seeing an upswing in business, especially among women.

"People have been wanting to get trained. They want to know about responsible firearm ownership," Eileen said.

More than 55,000 Central Floridians are licensed to carry a concealed weapon. Orange County has the most, followed by Brevard and Volusia.

Orange County has 14,942; Brevard County is next with 11,527; Volusia County has 10,631; Lake County follows with 6,401; Seminole County has 6,330; Osceola County has 3,701; and Flagler County has 1,864.

That worries many people, especially now that Florida law allows the use of deadly force if someone feels their life or property is being threatened. Yet, statistics show violent crime actually decreased with Florida's right to conceal, depending on who you believe, anywhere from seven percent to 40 percent.

The Hogkinsons are tourists from Great Britain. Powerful guns are outlawed there, yet both wish they could carry.

"People who carry guns are not out there starting things. They're taking care of themselves in something somebody else starts," said Steven Hogkinson.

Concealed weapons aren't allowed in bars or other liquor licensed businesses. They can't be used to threaten others. In fact, they can't be visible at all.

Gun proponents say, while not knowing who's carrying may make some uneasy, it also makes criminals think twice.

Carrying a concealed weapon is considered a right in Florida. The license costs about $100. If you're 21, can shoot and have a clean record, chances are you qualify.