Background

In 1989 the Florida Legislature passed a law (section 790.065 F.S.) that led to the creation of what is now known as the Firearms Purchasing Program (FPP). The law applies to all firearms dealers, manufacturers and importers in Florida who sell firearms to persons who are not licensed dealers.

Each year the FDLE processes over 650,000 background checks related to firearms purchases in the state, with an estimated 125,000 concealed weapons checks.

Historically, FPP members would answer phone calls between 9am and 9pm every day, used excel spreadsheets to track requests, and then researched criminal history information. This process was lengthy and manual. Automation of this process became necessary for FDLE to be able keep up with the increasing volume of requests for background checks related to gun purchases and concealed weapons permitting. Today, firearm eligibility transactions average about 2.5 minutes to complete.