Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for Concealed Weapons License Training in Florida?
Florida has very few requirements for course structure for Concealed Weapons License training classes. The only guidance provided by Florida Law is for a Certified Firearms Instructor to “…observe a student safely handle and discharge a firearm.”
(FL Statue 790.06)
Why the "this is not an NRA-Approved Course" Disclaimer?
Do not let this disclaimer discourage you from signing up for these courses. Simply put, the NRA Requires the disclaimer
anytime an NRA Certified Instructor advertises Non-NRA courses along with NRA Courses on promotional materials.
The disclaimer itself does not mean that the quality or content of the "non-NRA course" is lacking, it simply means that the
course content and syllabus has not been recognized by the NRA. In fact many high level advanced firearms manipulation
classes and Concealed Firearms classes taught in other states are often "non-NRA courses".
How do I apply for my Florida Concealed Weapons License after I attend one of your classes?
This will be discussed in class.
What payment do you accept?
Cash or Check, payable upon attendance of the course.
What should I wear to the Shooting Range?
Closed toe shoes and modest clothing as we do not want hot brass and shell casings falling down your shirt or pants.
Bring safety glasses and hearing protection, if you wear prescription eye wear you may use that as “safety glasses”
I see advertisements for (insert random nationwide concealed carry company here) on my social media, are you an instructor for them and where do you teach their classes? What topics are covered in these classes?
A lot of these nationwide companies are taking away business from the various local and talented Firearms Instructors in Florida. Usually these classes are geared towards firearms owners who all ready know how to shoot and is a quick review of the firearms safety rules, how a firearm operates, and how to apply for your Florida Concealed Weapons License. First time shooters may take these course but keep in mind that this course is not a thorough beginners course as the shooting requirement of the class to minimal (sometimes only shooting 5 rounds). Consult local instructors such as myself or a local gun shop to see what their CWL Courses entail and how thorough the classes are, especially relating to the shooting requirement.
What topics are covered in your Personal Protection Classes?
The Personal Protection classes are designed primarily as a thorough beginners firearms safety and manipulation class. The course is designed to get new and experienced shooters comfortable with shooting and handling a firearm. Essentially in the course we take the firearm and make using the firearm a part of one’s muscle memory so under stress you know how to use the firearm without having to think. “Hacking your brain” if you will.
Basic Handgun Course Syllabus includes:
Firearms Safety & Storage
Self Defense & Incident Avoidance
Types of Handguns
Handgun carry options
Ammunition
Shooting Fundamentals
Draws from Concealment (aka weapon deployment)
Speed and Tactical Reloads
Malfunction Clearing
Cover and Concealment
What to expect at the shooting range:
Shooting human analog targets @ 7, 15, and 25 yards
Shooting with one hand
Shooting while retaining a flashlight
Various Reloads and Malfunction Clearing
Do you teach Conceal Carry Law, Use of Force Law, other Laws and their applications, and Shoot / No Shoot scenarios in your courses?
Short answer: NO! However, I will show you the resources where you can find the applicable laws. Understand that the
burden of knowledge of the law is your responsibility as a law abiding citizen. When you apply for your Concealed Weapons
License you will receive a hard copy of applicable laws for responsible and legal concealed carry and use of force.
(The Florida 790 and 776 statutes)
Please understand that I am a firearms instructor not a lawyer or attorney. Teaching the law would open myself up to liabilities
should a graduate of one of my classes use a firearm and tell a jury that “well my firearms instructor said I could do so”. I know
other instructors teach the law but they do so at their own risk, the only instructors that can teach the law are those who are
current attorneys or are a State of Florida Class K Law Enforcement and Security Guard Instructor.
Please seek an attorney or attend one of the many gun law seminars hosted by US Law Shield for legal advice in these matters.