Delayed by COVID: Volusia County concealed weapons license office just waiting on equipment

Volusia County is set to get its first concealed weapons licensing office this year if supply chain issues connected to the COVID-19 pandemic ease.

Tax Collector Will Roberts said the space in the DeLand office has been ready for months.

“For the past several months, we have been waiting on the state to provide the equipment that is needed. The state has had difficulty receiving equipment due to the chip shortage and other impacts from the pandemic,” Roberts said. “We just need the computers and the training on this new equipment from the state so that we can offer this convenience.”

Florida offers concealed weapons licenses to U.S. citizens and residents who are at least 21 years old and can demonstrate competency with a firearm. The licenses are valid for seven years.

Volusia County residents in search of a concealed weapons license could gather the documents and submit applications by mail, but the process can be cumbersome.

“Instead of having to go to different places to get their fingerprints done, get their passport photo taken and then mail the packet to the state, they can do all of those things from the tax collector’s office,” Roberts said.

In-person, the process only takes about half an hour, followed by several weeks of waiting. The average wait is 50 to 55 days, according to the state.

Tax collector’s offices in neighboring counties often attract Volusia County residents, collecting a $22 fee when providing a new license and $12 for a renewal. The nearest locations offering the service are in Lake Mary, Flagler Beach and Titusville, according to a state database.

“Right now, that money is leaving Volusia County because our citizens are traveling to other counties to get this completed. We need the money to stay in Volusia County to benefit our residents,” Roberts said.

Roberts said he’s been frustrated by the lengthy wait. He named concealed weapons licensing as one of his top priorities when he was sworn in at the start of 2021.

“My staff and I have been looking forward to providing this service for the first time in Volusia County. The delays have been very discouraging, but we understand these delays are happening everywhere due to the pandemic,” he said.

Roberts won election in 2020 to become the first tax collector in Volusia County in 50 years. The county was one of only three without the post when Florida voters passed Amendment 10 to the state constitution, requiring each county elect a tax collector, sheriff, property appraiser, supervisor of elections and clerk of court.

The tax collector completes the takeover of driver’s license services this week, with the South Daytona office reopening under local control on Tuesday.

Also on tap for 2022, Roberts said, is turning his focus to establishing a location in Deltona, the county’s largest city.

“I have been actively looking for space for an office on the southeastern side of Deltona,” he said. “Unfortunately the pandemic has slowed the wheels of progress, which is very frustrating. In my first year, I’ve learned that things move much more slowly than I would like due to the level of coordination that is required when working with governmental partners during a pandemic.”