ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida has a record 1.4 million active concealed weapon licenses, according to state figures, up more than 100,000 from a year ago.
The state has put applying for a concealed weapons permit on the fast track.
Last year, the governor signed a bill that allows tax collectors' offices to accept applications. That program has now expanded to 10 counties. The latest county to join in is Brevard.
"So being able to go to a local office where you have someone walk you through the process makes sure that everything is done accurately and more quickly," said Erin Gillespie, of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
As an example, in Brevard County, applicants can pay a $134 fee, scan in the information on their firearms safety class, fill out the online application, get fingerprinted and take their picture for the license all in one place. The entire process takes about an hour.
Under the program, the Department of Agriculture still processes the forms once they've been filled out.
WFTV
