(1) Except as otherwise provided, the department must investigate an applicant for a license under this chapter before it may issue the license. The investigation must include:

(a)1. An examination of fingerprint records and police records. If a criminal history record check of an applicant under this chapter is performed by means of fingerprint identification, the time limitations prescribed by s. 120.60(1) shall be tolled while the applicant’s fingerprints are under review by the Department of Law Enforcement or the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

2. If a legible set of fingerprints, as determined by the Department of Law Enforcement or the Federal Bureau of Investigation, cannot be obtained after two attempts, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may determine the applicant’s eligibility based upon a criminal history record check under the applicant’s name conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(b) An inquiry to determine if the applicant has been adjudicated incompetent under chapter 744 or has been committed to a mental institution under chapter 394.

(c) Such other investigation of the individual as the department may deem necessary.

(2) In addition to subsection (1), the department shall make an investigation of the general physical fitness of the Class “G” applicant to bear a weapon or firearm. Determination of physical fitness shall be certified by a physician or physician assistant currently licensed pursuant to chapter 458, chapter 459, or any similar law of another state or authorized to act as a licensed physician by a federal agency or department or by an advanced practice registered nurse currently licensed pursuant to chapter 464. Such certification shall be submitted on a form provided by the department.

(3) The department must also investigate the mental history and current mental and emotional fitness of any Class “G” or Class “K” applicant and may deny a Class “G” or Class “K” license to anyone who has a history of mental illness or drug or alcohol abuse. Notwithstanding s. 790.065(2)(a)4.f., the Department of Law Enforcement is authorized, for the limited purpose of determining eligibility of Class “G” or Class “K” applicants and licensees under this chapter, to provide the department with mental health and substance abuse data of individuals who are prohibited from purchasing a firearm.

(4) Beginning January 1, 2017, the Department of Law Enforcement shall:

(a) Retain and enter into the statewide automated biometric identification system established in s. 943.05(2)(b) all fingerprints submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to this chapter.

(b) When the Department of Law Enforcement begins participation in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s national retained print arrest notification program, enroll such fingerprints in the program. The fingerprints must thereafter be available for arrest notifications and all purposes and uses authorized for arrest fingerprint submissions entered into the statewide automated biometric identification system established in s. 943.05(2)(b).

(c) Search all arrest fingerprints against fingerprints retained.

(d) Report to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services any arrest record that it identifies or that is identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(5) A person licensed under this chapter must notify his or her employer within 3 calendar days if he or she is arrested for any offense. If the department receives information about an arrest within the state of a person who holds a valid license issued under this chapter for a crime that could potentially disqualify the person from holding such a license, the department must provide the arrest information to the agency that employs the licensee.

History.—ss. 2, 11, ch. 90-364; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 3, ch. 93-49; s. 6, ch. 94-172; s. 230, ch. 96-410; s. 4, ch. 97-248; s. 6, ch. 2002-295; s. 1, ch. 2005-76; s. 5, ch. 2011-205; s. 44, ch. 2013-116; s. 2, ch. 2014-147; s. 6, ch. 2016-166; s. 13, ch. 2017-85; s. 71, ch. 2018-106.