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Legislation moving through the capitol would make the Concealed Carry Weapon Permitting process faster. Representative Jamie Grant’s bill would allow local tax collectors to process applications, moving the responsibility from the Department of Agriculture.

“It just simply allows me to go to a tax collector and do it in person there rather than mailing it in, so no I don’t think it makes it any easier, it does make it more efficient,” said Rep. Grant.

Applicants right now have the option of mailing their application in or going to one of 8 regional department of ag locations in the state. The bill expands licensing to 67 tax collector offices.

The house bill would allow tax collectors to process the applications, but only if they choose to.

Indian River County Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan says the majority of tax collectors love the idea. She doesn’t see this as an easing up on the permitting process.

“Well I think that’s simply not true. The requirements are certainly the same as they’ve always been; we’re merely filling out an application making sure it’s done correctly,” said Indian River Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan.

Florida has more than 1.2 million concealed carry licenses. The demand can be so high that the 8 regional locations can get bogged down, but the only dissenting vote for the bill in Wednesday’s committee Rep. Mark Pafford said he doesn’t think Tax Collectors need to step in.

“At least in Palm BeachCounty I’m not hearing that there is necessarily a problem in getting these. So I’m going to respectfully not support your bill,” said Rep. Pafford.

The NRA is supporting the legislation. The program would carry about $800 thousand dollars of start up costs funded by concealed carry license fees.