Hot topic - Should I get a non-resident permit or an Ohio resident permit?
To answer this question lets say that, for arguments sake, you want to get a Florida, non-resident permit, since this is the most common scenario.
Current states who DO NOT accept a non-resident Florida liscense, but will accept an Ohio resident liscence are: Michigan, South Carolina, Nevada, and Minnesota.
States that will accept Florida non-resident, but not an Ohio resident are - Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
The problem with a non-resident permit is simple - more and more states are closing the loop hole of having a non-resident permit. It could be next year, or next month - but eventually states plan to phase out these non-resident permits. Since each state words their laws a little differently you may find yourself in a very sticky situation should you get pulled over as an Ohio resident, in another state with yet another states non-resident permit. Is this beginning to make sense? Can you imagine explaining that one to the over zealous trooper who pulled you over doing 68 in a 65?
Read what the Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services - DIVISION of LISCENSING has to say about it:
http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/news/concealed_carry.html
"ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RECIPROCITY AND TRAVELING WITH A FIREARM
QUESTION 4. I have a Florida Concealed Weapon/Firearm License, but I am not a legal resident of Florida. Can I travel to the states that recognize Florida licenses and still carry a concealed weapon?
Most of the reciprocity states will honor Florida non-resident permits; however, authorities in a number of states have informed us that there are specific provisions in their laws that restrict the terms of their mutual recognition agreements ONLY to the LICENSED RESIDENTS of other states. Therefore, those individuals who hold Florida licenses but who are not residents of Florida cannot carry concealed weapons in these states.
BE ADVISED: Because gun laws are subject to change or different interpretation by state courts, we recommend that non-resident Florida licensees call or write licensing authorities in the states in which they will be traveling to obtain the latest information on this important topic."
I think that says it all folks. When you have a CHL or CWP or CCW from your state of residence you are protected by your states laws and reciprocity agreements, when you have a non-resident permit, you lose a measure of that protection.
A few years back they changed the renewal process in Ohio for a resident permit, it was a very small change indeed, but it was advertised in many local newspapers, on the 11 o'clock news and was widely known for months before the change took affect. Should their be a change in Florida law, will it be in the local newspaper? I don't think I want to chance that.
Finally beware of "in your home" or "3 hour course" advertisements. These are generally not a good idea for all of the reasons stated above and because they afford very little time to familiarize students with laws, firearms, and essential self protection and range time. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! My advice is to steer clear of these kinds of courses and stick with the tried and true.
For a list of Certified Instructors in the State of Ohio check out http://www.buckeyefirearms.com/
