Texas-Florida Reciprocity Question

[JBryan314]

Hello everyone. I've got a question and I've done research and can't seem to find answers. Someone at SurvivalistBoards.com directed me here, said there's a ton of knowledgable people.

I was born and raised in Florida, and went into the Army four years ago. My last duty station was Fort Hood. While I was stationed there for two years, I still had my Florida driver's license, if that matters. I got my Texas CHL while I lived in Copperas Cove. I assume that because I lived in Texas, I had a Texas "resident" CHL. During my visits to Florida, I understood myself to be covered to carry concealed because my "resident" CHL from Texas is honored in Florida.

Here is the issue I have now. I've moved back to Florida since being honorably discharged from the Army about a week ago. From what I understand, Florida does not honor a "non-resident" Texas CHL. So, do I now have a "non-resident" CHL simply because I no longer live in Texas? I have the same CHL card I always did while I lived in Texas. Am I covered right now to carry? I haven't been able to find these answers anywhere.

I am going to start the process of obtaining a Florida permit tomorrow. But I'd like to be able I carry until then if my Texas CHL covers me. I just don't know if it does anymore since I've left Texas.

Thanks in advance.

[MoJo]

As it stands right now you have no CHL unless you change your Texas Resident CHL to a Non-Resident CHL. That's the way I understand this issue.

[rbwhatever1]

Thank you for your service. Maybe you should just "visit" Florida until you no longer have to visit...

[gringo pistolero]

Be careful of internet experts who have never read the law.

790.015, Florida Statutes, says:

a nonresident of Florida may carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm while in this state if the nonresident:
(a) Is 21 years of age or older.
(b) Has in his or her immediate possession a valid license to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm issued to the nonresident in his or her state of residence.
(c) Is a resident of the United States.

and it also says

(3) If the resident of another state who is the holder of a valid license to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm issued in another state establishes legal residence in this state ... the license shall remain in effect for 90 days following the date on which the holder of the license establishes legal state residence.

Best wishes.

[rbwhatever1]

I'll have to agree with Old Gringo. Be careful of the Internet experts. That 90 Day Florida Grace Period for Valid Licenses from other States is awesome if one's out of state license is actually valid.
Someone else will have to weigh in on how the "30 day Texas Address Change Rule" applies to you. All those pesky details Law Abiding Citizens have to consider just to be able to defend himself...

Good luck in Florida!

[Keith B]

When you move to Florida you can change your Texas CHL address to the Florida one. HOWEVER, when you become a Florida resident, then Florida will NOT honor your non-resident license from Texas. So, your best bet is to apply quickly for your Florida license. You should be able to use your Texas CHL as proof of your firearms proficiency.

[ryanj]

You may not be able to carry but you can keep the firearm in your glove box or console in your vehicle without a permit so at least you're covered while driving. FL CWPs are taking about 30-45 days now to process and get mailed out. When I got mine it was about 60 days so they have improved.

[victory]

Did you get a Texas DL or keep your Florida DL the whole time? What was your home of record?

[C-dub]

Did you get a Texas DL or keep your Florida DL the whole time? What was your home of record?

This is the part I'm concerned with. JBryan314 may have lived in Texas just like I lived in California while stationed there, but officially I was still a Texas resident and never applied for or got a CA DL. I'm not sure if he was ever actually a Texas resident and eligible for a Texas resident CHL. And if he maintained his FL DL, but his Texas CHL had his Texas address on it then the two licenses never matched. If this is how it was then it sounds like something slipped through the cracks and should have been a non-resident license from the start.

[RoyGBiv]

Cal the Florida issuing authority. I believe that's the department of agriculture. Ask them. Report back the answer they give you.

I'm guessing here but I'd bet you're OK for 90 days after you establish residency.
I would get my TX license changed to non resident within the 30 day window after getting a FL DL.

Just my opinion.

[nightmare]

I was born and raised in Florida, and went into the Army four years ago. My last duty station was Fort Hood. While I was stationed there for two years, I still had my Florida driver's license, if that matters.

Did you ever establish residency in Texas?

[saltydog452]

Voter Registration Card and/or something like a Utility Bill shows proof of residence.

salty

[C-dub]

One post a week ago. Hmmmm

[victory]

Voter Registration Card and/or something like a Utility Bill shows proof of residence.

salty

It seems that cuts both ways. Florida can use utility bill to show someone is a Florida resident and therefore needs a Florida license to carry in Florida.

[saltydog452]

Dunno.

Unless the 'other state' has access to Voters information and the applicants mail, it'd seem that proof of residence would be resolved. Kinda doubt that they'd be a dilligent search initiated to dis-prove an applicants verifiable credentials.

Maybe an inquiry over at the Florida CHL Forum could help resolve the issue.

Prior to taking some Grand-Kids to Disney/Orlando, the Fla CHL folks answered several questions for us.

__________

Side Note: While there, Mr. Peanut Himself, Jimmie Carter, and about a dozen or so openly visible escorts, visited the fast food sit-down snack bar/souvenir shop. Customers were politely shuffled around so himself and his guests could sit.

Myself, bride, and Grand-Kids gently reseated. I was legally carrying a concealed BHP.

salty