CLAY COUNTY – The only aspect of Florida’s new carry and conceal law that changed on July 1 anyone with a lawfully-owned firearm no longer needs to get a permit. And with the requirement of a permit being eliminated, gun owners aren’t required to complete a firearm training class.

“Of course, we still recommend everyone learns how to use a firearm,” said Green Cove Springs Police Chief E.J. Guzman. “You don’t need a permit, but you really should take a class.”

There have been some confusing messages about the new law. It does not allow anyone to carry a weapon openly. Where a firearm is concealed and where they are permitted hasn’t changed, Orange Park Police Lt. Cody Monroe said.

“My only suggestion to all those who decide they want to carry a concealed firearm in Florida is to seek out training,” Monroe said. “Practice with your firearm. Learn the laws that govern the use of your firearm and lethal force.

“To anyone considering obtaining a firearm for their protection and carrying it concealed in Florida, we encourage you to reach out to your local law enforcement and ask about the laws that govern their use. Do your own research and learn everything you can. Become an asset with your firearm, not a liability.”

Before July 1, a lawful gun owner needed to complete a four-hour class, instruction and pass a test. Florida now joins Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansa, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming to ratify a permitless concealed carry law.

Anyone carrying a concealed weapon must have identification. Also, the weapon must be concealed from sight, such as in a locked glovebox, purse or in holster.

Regardless, weapons aren’t allowed in the following places:

• Any elementary or secondary school facility or administration building;

• Any police, sheriff or highway patrol station;

• Any courthouse or courtroom;

• Any polling place;

• Any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality or special district;

• Any meeting of the Legislature or a committee thereof;

• Any school, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms;

• Any career center;

• The inside of the passenger terminal of any airport, unless the firearm is encased for shipping to be lawfully transported as baggage;

• Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose.

Also, there are other factors to be allowed for concealed carry, like:

• You must be a United States citizen;

• You must be at least 21;

• You can’t have any disqualifying felony convictions, no conviction for a crime relating to violence or drug abuse, and no misdemeanor charges for domestic violence.

• Factors such as a history of drug or alcohol abuse, commitment to a mental institution, or dishonorable military discharge may also be reasons for concealed carry ineligibility.

Monroe said his agency would use social media and make appearances to stress the importance of safe gun ownership. OPPD also has free gunlocks available at its headquarters.

“One of the initiatives we plan to implement at the Orange Park Police Department will be social media messaging aimed at educating the public on laws that affect firearm carry and use,” he said. “In addition, we offer free gunlocks through Project Child Safe. Responsible gun owners must consider utilizing locks and safes to prevent unauthorized access to their firearms – especially children who may live in a home with firearms. I think education with this new law will be key in ensuring the safety of our communities.”

For more information, visit Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Green Cove Springs and Orange Park police department social media pages.