xenophon
Regular Member
Message I got back from FL when I asked them:
"Unfortunately, it does not appear that reciprocity agreement between Florida and Wisconsin is going to happen. The problem is that we (Florida) do not qualify for reciprocity with Wisconsin. Authorities in Madison informed us of this fact after we approached them with an offer of reciprocity. Apparently, another state can qualify for reciprocity with Wisconsin only if the eligibility requirements and processing standards in that other state sufficiently match Wisconsin's requirements and standards. The problem centers around an important difference in the way which our two states conduct background checks. Please let me to explain further.
Here in Florida, we are required by law to conduct a fingerprint-based background check on individuals applying for a Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License. This is both a statewide and a nationwide background check conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI. It is very important to note, however, that while this background check includes a review of a number of criminal history databases, it does not include a search of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS database search is a name-based search only, and the fingerprint-based background check conducted in Florida does not include overview of NICS information.
Under your state's new concealed weapon licensing law, authorities are required to conduct a background check of license applicants that includes the NICS database for the purpose of determining whether an applicant is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. In addition, Wisconsin's new law allows for the recognition of concealed weapon licenses issued by another state only if the background check conducted by that state is comparable to the type of background check that Wisconsin conducts for its concealed license applicants.
In short, Florida simply does not meet standards set forth in Wisconsin law that would allow authorities there to recognize the Florida concealed weapon license, and because Wisconsin authorities have indicated that they cannot recognize concealed weapon licenses issued by the State of Florida, we cannot honor concealed weapon licenses issued by the State of Wisconsin.
I wish I had better news concerning between Florida and Wisconsin. Regrettably, it appears that our two states are at a stalemate on this issue. I hope the information in this e-mail sheds some light on the legal issues involved. In the meantime, you can certainly apply for a Florida license. Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with a precise answer with regard to turnaround time. At the moment, we are issuing licenses within approximately 6 weeks after receipt of a complete application. However, we have seen a sharp increase in the demand for concealed weapon licenses in the past few months, and it is likely that this turnaround time will increase."
Well, at least they tried and made an effort. Looks like a non-res is the only option. At least FL gives you lots of other states.
"Unfortunately, it does not appear that reciprocity agreement between Florida and Wisconsin is going to happen. The problem is that we (Florida) do not qualify for reciprocity with Wisconsin. Authorities in Madison informed us of this fact after we approached them with an offer of reciprocity. Apparently, another state can qualify for reciprocity with Wisconsin only if the eligibility requirements and processing standards in that other state sufficiently match Wisconsin's requirements and standards. The problem centers around an important difference in the way which our two states conduct background checks. Please let me to explain further.
Here in Florida, we are required by law to conduct a fingerprint-based background check on individuals applying for a Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License. This is both a statewide and a nationwide background check conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI. It is very important to note, however, that while this background check includes a review of a number of criminal history databases, it does not include a search of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS database search is a name-based search only, and the fingerprint-based background check conducted in Florida does not include overview of NICS information.
Under your state's new concealed weapon licensing law, authorities are required to conduct a background check of license applicants that includes the NICS database for the purpose of determining whether an applicant is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. In addition, Wisconsin's new law allows for the recognition of concealed weapon licenses issued by another state only if the background check conducted by that state is comparable to the type of background check that Wisconsin conducts for its concealed license applicants.
In short, Florida simply does not meet standards set forth in Wisconsin law that would allow authorities there to recognize the Florida concealed weapon license, and because Wisconsin authorities have indicated that they cannot recognize concealed weapon licenses issued by the State of Florida, we cannot honor concealed weapon licenses issued by the State of Wisconsin.
I wish I had better news concerning between Florida and Wisconsin. Regrettably, it appears that our two states are at a stalemate on this issue. I hope the information in this e-mail sheds some light on the legal issues involved. In the meantime, you can certainly apply for a Florida license. Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with a precise answer with regard to turnaround time. At the moment, we are issuing licenses within approximately 6 weeks after receipt of a complete application. However, we have seen a sharp increase in the demand for concealed weapon licenses in the past few months, and it is likely that this turnaround time will increase."
Well, at least they tried and made an effort. Looks like a non-res is the only option. At least FL gives you lots of other states.
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