Carrying a Concealed Weapon – My Rules for Everyday Carry in Miami

I remember when I turned 21 and became eligible for a concealed weapons permit. At the time, I carried the only pistol I owned, a full-sized Colt 1911. I knew the laws. I understood the do’s and don’ts. But beyond that, I didn’t have a system. I didn’t yet understand how to choose what to carry, how to prepare a firearm for daily concealed carry, or how to build the right mindset for personal protection. Over the past sixteen years of carrying a concealed weapon in Miami, I’ve developed my own checklist of rules. These rules came from personal experience, conversations with other concealed carry citizens, and lessons learned at the range. If you’re considering concealed carry in Florida, this is my logic and state of mind.

Always Carry – If You Can Legally Do So

As long as you are legally permitted to carry your firearm in Florida, carry it. Every day. You cannot predict when or where a threat might present itself. It won’t announce itself in advance. It won’t schedule an appointment. It may happen on a routine drive, a quick store run, or while out with your family. If you choose to carry for protection, it must become consistent. You don’t leave it home because the day “looks calm.” Of course, this assumes you fully understand Florida concealed carry laws and prohibited locations.

Don’t Get Hung Up on Calibers

The “go big or go home” mentality sounds good in conversation, but real life is different. Anything reliable is better than nothing. Your daily activities, clothing, and environment will dictate what you can realistically carry. Some days I can comfortably carry a full-sized FNP .45 ACP. Other days, I may need something smaller like a .22 Magnum revolver.

The key is adaptability.

Educate yourself on ballistic performance, effective range, and shot placement. Understand the energy and limitations of the caliber you choose. The firearm you can carry consistently is more important than the biggest caliber in your safe.

Always Test Your Firearm Before Carrying It

Never take a brand-new firearm out of the box and immediately place it into your concealed carry holster. There could be manufacturing defects. There could be magazine issues. There could be cycling problems. Before I carry any new firearm, I run it through a checklist:

  • Basic visual inspection and cleaning.
  • Mechanical function check of slide, springs, and magazine release.
  • Dry fire testing.

Then range time.

I confirm sight picture, recoil control, and trigger familiarity. I run rapid fire drills to stress the firearm and expose possible feeding issues. I test every magazine individually. You do not want to discover a defective firing pin or unreliable magazine during a defensive situation. If you need a controlled environment to test a carry firearm in Miami, structured range time at Stone Hart’s Gun Club & Indoor Range allows you to verify reliability before trusting your life to it.

Always Run Your Defensive Ammunition Through Your Gun

Not all firearms function perfectly with all ammunition.

Before I carry a specific defensive round, I run at least two to three magazines of that exact load through the firearm.

I confirm:

  • Proper feeding
  • Reliable ejection
  • Consistent cycling

Some firearm and ammunition combinations simply do not work well together. It’s rare, but it happens. Testing removes doubt.

Always Carry a Second Magazine

Magazines are often the weakest link in a semi-automatic firearm. Springs wear out. Feed lips bend. Followers fail. If a malfunction occurs, clearing the chamber and inserting a fresh magazine may solve the problem instantly. If the magazine caused the failure and you reinsert it, you may repeat the issue. Every magazine you intend to carry should be tested the same way as your primary one. Redundancy is not paranoia. It is preparation.

Secure Your Firearm Properly on Your Person

When carrying concealed, your firearm must remain secure throughout your daily activities. Whether you use a holster, clip, fanny pack, or dedicated carry purse, you must be confident it will not allow the firearm to fall out or shift dangerously during movement. Retention and trigger protection are non-negotiable.

Know and Understand Florida Concealed Carry Laws

Finally, concealed carry is governed by state and federal law. It is your responsibility to understand where you can carry, when you can use force, and what your legal obligations are as a concealed carry citizen in Florida. Training, education, and regular practice matter just as much as equipment. Concealed carry is not about fear. It is about responsibility, preparation, and discipline.

By: Martin Cardenal

FAQ: Concealed Carry in Miami and Florida

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Florida?

Florida law has evolved in recent years. While permitless carry may be allowed under specific conditions, understanding the exact legal requirements and restrictions is critical before carrying.

How often should I practice with my concealed carry firearm?

Regular practice is essential. Monthly range sessions are a strong baseline, with dry fire practice supplementing live fire training.

Should I carry the same firearm every day?

Consistency is ideal, but lifestyle may require flexibility. The most important factor is proficiency with whatever firearm you choose to carry.

Is a spare magazine really necessary?

Yes. Magazine-related failures are common mechanical issues in semi-automatic firearms. Carrying a spare adds both capacity and redundancy.

Where can I practice concealed carry skills in Miami?

A professional indoor range like Stone Hart’s Gun Club & Indoor Range provides a safe and structured environment to build skills and test equipment.