Starting this week, Duval County will allow Florida residents to apply for or renew a concealed weapon license at the tax collector’s office in downtown Jacksonville.
Tax Collector Jim Overton, who was elected late summer in a special election, said he wants to give Duval residents the convenience their neighbors have had for years.
“It’s been offered by 50 counties of the 67 counties in the state, so in order to stay up with the times we’re going to offer this service,” he said. “We’re going to be able to offer concealed weapons here at the office.”
Local tax collectors have been allowed to offer the service on behalf of the state since 2014, because a Florida Statute was passed to meet a growing demand for gun permits.
Previously, gun owners would have to go to one of the state’s eight Consumer Services field offices to apply for a permit. Jacksonville’s is located at 7825 Baymeadows Way.
The statute allows tax collectors to charge an extra $22 “convenience fee” for each new application and $12 for each renewal.
The tax collector’s office can choose whether or not to provide the service.
Overton said offering the service makes a lot of sense.
“It’s a just a convenience for our residents. Prior to this, they would have to go to clay or Nassau or St. John’s County to get it done or the state” he said.
Duval residents can now get the service at the Tax Collector’s office at 231 E. Forsyth Street during regular business hours, which are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
