Under Florida Statute 790.01,
“A person who carries a concealed weapon or electric weapon or device on or about his person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree” and
“A person who carries a concealed firearm on or about his person commits a felony of the third degree.”
A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine, and/or probation. A third degree felony is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five (5) years in State prison.
It should be noted that it is NOT a violation of this statute for a person to carry self-defense chemical sprays (mase), a non-lethal stun gun or dart-firing gun or other non-lethal electronic weapon or device that is designed solely for defense purposes.
If you are charged with this crime, you should contact an attorney immediately. Your attorney may be able to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed depending on the facts of your case. Often times an attorney can attack issues like the legality of the search of your person in order to obtain a more favorable outcome for you.
For more information on this law, visit www.leg.state.fl.us or call an attorney with our firm for a free consultation.