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Florida About To Hit Concealed Weapons Milestone

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – Florida is about to hit a milestone when it comes to those 'packing heat'.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said sometime next week the state will issue its one millionth permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Florida is number one in the nation when it comes to the number gun owners with concealed weapon permits. The number of people applying for concealed weapon permits has risen sharply over the last four years.

Putnam said that four out of five people with a permit are male. Roughly 10 percent of those with a valid permit are not state residents.

Anyone who is 21 years and older and is legal resident or citizen of the U.S. can apply for a permit. Convicted felons who have not had their rights restored and those judged mentally incompetent are ineligible.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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