Scott signs bill to lower concealed weapons fees

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The cost to get concealed-weapons licenses will be reduced under a bill signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Rick Scott.

The measure (SB 772), one of 14 bills Scott signed, reduces the license fee from $70 to $60 on the initial application and from $60 to $50 for renewals.

With nearly 1.5 million concealed-weapons licenses currently issued in Florida, the change is projected to reduce state revenue by $2.99 million next fiscal year, according to a Senate analysis of the bill.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, whose agency oversees concealed-weapons licenses, has said the measure is part of efforts to make the application process "more convenient and affordable."