Recently discover that
Arizona is a new option for non-residents. Has almost exactly the same reciprocity map as FL...including OH.
Nice. At a quick glance it looks like FL and AZ are pretty even:
PERMIT LENGTH YEARS: FL = 7, AZ = 5
PERMIT COST: AZ = $60, FL = $75 + $42 fingerprint fee. You can get prints for $5, but you have to do it in FL (not feasible for most of us)
STATES COVERED: FL gives you two more state (AZ and WA), whereas AZ does not cover FL or WA. Since I carry a resident SC (which covers FL), FL has no advantage for state coverage except adding WA.
TRAINING REQUIRED: FL requires a training certificate. I did not see anywhere in the law where I could just submit a copy of my CWP. AZ, as shown below, accepts all sorts of training, including a DD214.
PRINTS REQUIRED: Both require fingerprints. FL says that you must use their FP cards. They will mail them to you free. But their cards are no different than standard cards. If your fingerprinting facility can print on your card, you use a regular card as long as they add the correct FL information. I have a copy of that at the office and will post in another thread on Monday. AZ also need FP cards. So they are even there.
For training requirements, speed of issue, and
cost, AZ seems the much better deal. For length of permit and state coverage, FL has an advantage. Fingerprinting requirements are the same, EXCEPT for the huge $42 fee. I went with FL, but AZ is a great deal.
AZ law showing that they will accept a current/expired CWP from another state or
a DD214 counts for training, no matter how old it is.
SUBSECTION N:
Link Removed
N. An applicant shall demonstrate competence with a firearm through any of the following:
1. Completion of any firearms training program that is approved by the department of public safety and that is conducted by instructors who are authorized by the department of public safety or who possess current national rifle association instructor certifications in pistol and personal protection and who submit to a background investigation, including a check for warrants and a criminal history records check.
2. Completion of any firearms safety or training course or class that is available to the general public, that is offered by a law enforcement agency, a junior college, a college or a private or public institution, academy, organization or firearms training school and that is approved by the department of public safety.
3. Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Arizona game and fish department or a similar agency of another state.
4. Completion of any national rifle association firearms safety or training course.
5. Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class that is offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies or other divisions or subdivisions of law enforcement or security enforcement and that is approved by the department of public safety.
6. Evidence of current military service or proof of honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States armed forces.
7. A valid current or expired concealed weapon, firearm or handgun permit or license that is issued by another state or a political subdivision of another state and that has a training or testing requirement for initial issuance.
8. Completion of any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualification to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties.
9. Completion of any other firearms training that the department of public safety deems acceptable.
