There’s now another option for local residents to apply for a concealed weapons permit. A branch of the Walton County Tax Collector’s office is the latest to participate in a new partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to speed up the process.
The Northern Branch of the Walton County Tax Collector’s Office in Defuniak Springs now helps process state concealed weapons permit applications. Florida Ag spokesman Aaron Keller says it’s a relatively new partnership because of a law passed last year.
“Concealed weapon license in Florida are very popular, and so, when it comes to renewing or applying, often there is a bit of wait time because so many people are interested in it,” said Keller. “So, in addition to our eight regional offices as well as being able to apply online and via mail, residents can now apply at 12 county Tax Collector’s offices around Florida.”
In addition to the now 20 physical locations, Keller says his agency is working to expand to other counties.
“This is kind of the first phase of this partnership,” added Keller. “We expect to roll this out to other counties throughout Florida. Really the goal is to make applying for your conceal weapons license or renewing it as convenient as possible.”
After the Tax Collector’s offices receive the applications, take fingerprints and photos, the information is sent to the Ag Department--which will still issue the permits.
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