Florida publishes a monthly summary report on legal concealed carry at
http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/stats/cw_monthly.htmlThis report covers a period of time between October 1, 1987 to June 30, 2010, almost 23 years.
1,808,526 concealed weapons have been issued by the state of Florida, of which 739,222 are currently valid.
Only167 licenses have been revoked because of a crime committed after the license was issued. Unfortunately, the report doesn't list the reason the license was revoked. Licenses are revoked for a number of reasons including accidentally carrying a firearm into a forbidden area such as a school or courthouse.
Obviously, those who have a concealed weapons permit in Florida are not angels. But by any measure, the
OVERWHELMING majority are very responsible with their concealed firearms.
It's my opinion that the concealed weapons program in Florida has been extremely successful. Many lives have been saved because people who legally carry concealed have been able to successfully defend themselves from serious attacks, often without any shots being fired.
While there is some data that shows crime dropped in Florida after the "shall issue" concealed carry program was introduced, it is disputed. Many factors influence the violent crime rate. Since those who have concealed weapons permits are not police officers or vigilantes, they have only a small marginal effect on shootings involving drug gangs which is a common occurrence in Florida. Concealed carry may be a factor in crime such as muggings, as the wise criminal is aware that there is a possibly that he will encounter an armed victim. He may be more selective in choosing his victims or may decide to simply avoid robbing people on the street.