Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane today closed the “Florida Gun Loophole” that previously gave Pennsylvanians – who were not also Florida residents and who were either denied, found ineligible or had gun permits revoked – the ability to obtain a Concealed Carry Permit from the state of Florida.  Kane’s action closes the Commonwealth’s 12-year-old “Florida Gun Loophole” by requiring Concealed Carry Permit holders to be a resident of Florida [see addendum for new agreement].

“Our state’s gun traffic and permits should never be bypassed,” said Kane. “Closing this loophole shows that it is possible to swiftly implement common sense gun safety measures that protect our streets. This is my administration’s first official step, but it certainly will not be our last.”

“This is a significant step toward making Philadelphia, and the entire Commonwealth, safer for all residents,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.  “Modification of the firearm reciprocity agreement with Florida will ensure that all citizens with Concealed Carry Permits in Pennsylvania have met the standards set forth by our great state.   I congratulate Attorney General Kane for taking swift action on this important issue.”

Under the new gun reciprocity agreement with Florida entered into by Attorney General Kane, Pennsylvanians – who may have a Florida gun permit without being a Florida resident – will have 120 days under the agreement to obtain a Pennsylvania concealed carry permit [see addendum]. Today, there are approximately 4,000 Pennsylvanians, who have obtained a Florida permit.

In 1995, the Pennsylvania General Assembly gave the Attorney General the authority to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has formal written reciprocity agreements with eighteen states that recognize a valid license to carry firearms issued by Pennsylvania.  Conversely, Pennsylvania recognizes valid firearm carry licenses/permits from those states.  In addition to the 18 formal agreements, other forms of reciprocity are applicable — in total Pennsylvania has agreements with 28 states.

For additional details on Firearm Reciprocity Agreements in Pennsylvania, please visit attorneygeneral.gov. For additional details on carrying firearms in Pennsylvania, please visit the Pennsylvania State Police’s website

ADDENDUM:

NOTICE FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL KATHLEEN G. KANE

The Attorney General of Pennsylvania has entered into a modification of the current firearm reciprocity agreement with the state of Florida.  This reciprocity agreement previously permitted citizens of Pennsylvania who were not also Florida residents to obtain a Concealed Carry Permit (hereinafter “CCP”) from the state of Florida.  The CCP would then be honored in Pennsylvania without the need for a CCP granted by a Pennsylvania issuing authority.  This agreement has been modified as follows pursuant to the authority of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania as found in 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109(k)(1):

1.      If you are currently a resident of Pennsylvania only and have a CCP from the state of Florida, your Florida permit will no longer be recognized in Pennsylvania 120 days from the date of this Notice, or on June 8, 2013.  In the proscribed time period you may apply for a CCP in the county of your residence.  Please be aware that your local Sheriff or Police Department (in cities of the First Class) will have forty-five (45) days from the date of your application on which to grant or deny your application for a CCP.

2.      If you are a dual resident of Pennsylvania and Florida you need not apply for a CCP in Pennsylvania if you currently hold a CCP from Florida.  You must, however, carry with you proof of your Florida citizenry/residence along with your CCP identification when you are carrying a concealed firearm either on your person or in a vehicle.

3.      If you are a resident of Florida only and have a CCP from Florida it will continue to be honored in Pennsylvania with all the same rights and recognition as contained in the Reciprocity Agreement between said States.

IMPORTANT

This Notice does not impact the validity of Pennsylvania CCP’s issued to residents of Pennsylvania.  All valid and unexpired Pennsylvania CCP’s remain in full force and effect.  Further, if you are a resident of Pennsylvania only and have a CCP from Pennsylvania it will continue to be honored in Florida with all the same rights and recognition as contained in the Reciprocity Agreement between said States.

The article above provided by the Office of the Attorney General.