How to Get an FFL in Florida in 5 Easy Steps

If you want to start a firearms business, Florida is a great place to consider for its home base. In the state of Florida, any individual who wishes to engage in the firearms business must get a federal firearms license (FFL), just like in any other state. Beyond the federal requirements, however, the process is relatively straightforward. Florida is a gun-friendly state that has no state-regulated gun licensing, making it easier for new business owners to get an FFL. Let’s ‌look at how to obtain an FFL in Florida in five easy steps.

Getting a Florida FFL: An Introduction

Let’s start with the basics. A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is a license in the United States that enables an individual or a company to engage in a business related to the manufacture or importation of firearms and ammunition, as well as the interstate and intrastate sale of firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) issues federal firearms licenses.

Beyond the direct buying and selling of firearms/ammunition, an FFL-authorized dealer is also required to facilitate the sale or transfer of a firearm between individuals if the individuals do not reside in the same state. 

To get an FFL in Florida (or any state for that matter), you’ll need to apply to the ATF.^[1]ATF. “Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives”. February 29th, 2024. In this article, we will look at Florida FFL requirements, the FFL license cost in Florida, and how to get an FFL in Florida. 

Step 1: Meet All of the FFL Requirements

When starting a business in the firearms industry, you must meet all requirements before applying for your FFL. There are federal, state, and local/zoning requirements. Some requirements are standardized for all states, and some are unique to getting your Florida FFL.

Federal requirements

The federal requirements for getting an FFL are standardized across all 50 states. You’ll need to meet the following federal requirements to obtain an FFL in all states.

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States
• Not have a prior felony conviction
• Not be a user of federally illegal drugs (this includes marijuana because it’s a federally illegal drug, even though it’s legal at the state level)
• Have no prior conviction for domestic violence
• Have no prior conviction of any other offense that would disqualify you from owning a gun
• Not have a formal diagnosis as mentally incompetent
• Not have violated any federal gun laws
• Operate out of a physical location, either a home or storefront
• Meet the requirements for operating an FFL out of your chosen business location

If you’re eligible to purchase a gun, you are most likely eligible to get a license to sell them.

State requirements

Becoming an FFL dealer in Florida is easier than in most other states because Florida has no state-level licensing requirements. With that said, the ATF agent will require you to be familiar with the “Florida Department of Law Enforcement“, a 22-page guide outlining how to process and conduct FFL background checks. This requirement is because Florida is a “partial point of contact state.” This means the FBI does not conduct all background checks for FFLs. Instead, a state agency can take that process over.

Local and zoning requirements

Florida FFL requirements are much easier to navigate than most states because there are no state-level gun dealer licenses. Local requirements, however, may pose a point of contention. The main issue with local zoning requirements is that you, as a prospective business owner, must prove your business location suits the business purpose. While that sounds obvious, it can get a little messier for home-based FFLs, so check with your local regulators for more information.

Step 2: Select the Type of FFL You Need

Once you have worked out the Federal and state regulations, it’s time to figure out what type of FFL your business will need. There are nine options for FFLs. 

The correct option for you will depend on your business model, the types of weapons/accessories you want to work with, and whether you want to deal, manufacture, or import firearms.

FFL license types

As we mentioned, you can choose from 9 types of FFL licenses. Depending on your business plans, you should first select whether you want to be a gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer. Below, we break down each type of Florida FFL within those three categories:

Dealer license types:

• 01 Type FFL: Dealer in firearms other than destructive devices
• 02 Type FFL: Pawnbroker in firearms other than destructive devices
• 09 Type FFL: Dealer in destructive devices
• 03 Type FFL: Collector of curios relics

Manufacturer license types:

• 06 Type FFL: Manufacturer of ammunition for firearms other than ammunition for destructive devices or armor-piercing ammunition
• 07 Type FFL: Manufacturer of firearms other than destructive devices
• 10 Type FFL: Manufacturer of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices, or armor-piercing ammunition

Importer license types: 

• 08 Type FFL: Importer of firearms or ammunition for firearms other than destructive devices or ammunition other than armor-piercing ammunition
• 11 Type FFL: Importer of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices, or armor-piercing ammunition

Step 3: Complete an Online FFL Course

Although an online course is not a Florida FFL requirement, it is always a good idea. When starting a high-risk business, being well-versed in the rules and regulations both federally and at the local level is always best practice. 

Step 4: Apply for Your Florida FFL

Once you have chosen the FFL you want and have met the federal and state regulations, it’s time to move forward with your application process.

To apply on the federal level, you’ll need:

• A completed application.
• Form 4473. The federal government uses this form to conduct a background check on any individual who wishes to purchase or sell firearms.
• Your fingerprints will be used to conduct a criminal background check.
• Your photographs will be used to create your FFL license.

Step 5: Have an Interview with a Representative from Your Regional ATF Office

After you’ve completed your application and passed the background checks, your regional ATF office in Florida will arrange an in-person interview with you. ​​The Industry Operations Investigator (IOT) will meet with you to talk about your business, take a look at your proposed business location/home, and verify that you understand the federal laws around selling, importing, and/or manufacturing guns.^[2]ATF. ​​”How to Become a Federal Firearms Licensee in 10 Easy Steps”. February 29, 2024

FFL License Costs in Florida

FFL License costs are the same for every state. Each license and renewal is valid for three years.

Getting a Federal Firearms License in Florida: Closing Thoughts

Getting a federal firearms license in Florida benefits firearm businesses for many reasons. It makes it easier for gun owners to buy firearms from licensed dealers, and FFL holders can also purchase firearms at wholesale prices, saving buyers significant money. Finally, an FFL allows holders to conduct business online and ship firearms to customers in other states. Ultimately, an FFL can help to streamline the process of buying and selling firearms for gun owners. But, to sell firearms in the first place, you’ll need a firearm-friendly merchant account, also known as a high-risk merchant account. A high-risk merchant account will give you the security, support, and peace of mind you need to run your business successfully. With years of experience servicing firearm businesses, we offer customized and secure solutions to merchants normally turned away for credit card processing!