ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- So many people are now applying for a state license to carry a concealed firearm that it's causing long delays.
In the seven years he's owned the Shooting Sports Pro Shops in St. Augustine, Bob Perry said he's never seen anything like this.
"Everybody's anxious," said Perry.
State records show more than 120,000 people requested a Florida concealed weapons license last month, almost doubling December's total and more than two-and-a-half times as many applications sought in January 2012.
"The state of Florida itself is beginning to fall behind in processing applications," said Perry.
So now, anyone wishing to obtain a concealed firearms license in the Sunshine State will have to wait months to legally carry their concealed weapon.
It used to take just a few weeks for the state to process applications. The logjam of paperwork means it's now taking up to three months for gun owners to obtain the concealed weapons license.
The license also requires certification in a weapons training class.
Perry said, "We have doubled the number of classes and we are bringing on more instructors to handle the load."
