JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A record number of background checks have been run nationwide on people looking to buy guns, including more than 3 million last month.
The St. Johns County Tax Collector’s Office is one of the first offices in Northeast Florida to provide concealed weapons applications. Since the program launched last April, agents have processed 1,567 applications.
Public affairs administrator Patsy Heiss said in the first 2 1/2 days of 2016, agents at the Tax Collector Office processed 56 applications.
“We’ve seen an increase in people. They don’t have to drive to Jacksonville or Orlando. Instead, they can come in here. We have a one-stop shop,” said Heiss.
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The office is making concealed weapons permit applications more accessible. Customers can complete their application on a computer, and have their photo and fingerprints taken in a convenient process. Agents then submit the application to Tallahassee electronically and they say it could take up to 90 days.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam H. Putnam partnered with Tax Collector Dennis W. Hollingsworth to seek passage of legislation that allows the office to accept concealed weapon license applications. Applications are processed at the 4030 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, location only.
The St. Johns County Tax Collector’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Heiss said the program is about making it easier for residents to take care of their government business. The total fee for the concealed weapon license is $112.
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