Columbia county tax collector
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You may call us at 386-758-1077 or you can send us a message.
Columbia County Tax Collector’s Office
OTHER SERVICES
Concealed Weapon Licenses
Apply, renew, or update your Florida license.
Know what to bring before your Lake City visit.
Application and renewal service at our Courthouse Annex office.
Included in our in-person application process. Bring your supporting documents.
Check the date on your license and plan your renewal visit.
Check your eligibility
FDACS determines eligibility and issues Florida concealed weapon or firearm licenses. Review its current requirements before applying.
Current age guidance: FDACS now accepts applications from people age 18 or older who meet all other requirements, following its June 2026 court-decision notice.
Applicants must meet citizenship or lawful permanent residency requirements and demonstrate competency with a firearm. Criminal history, court orders, and other disqualifying conditions can affect eligibility.
Where can I review the complete requirements?
Read the FDACS eligibility requirements and current notice. If you have questions about a specific record or condition, contact the Division of Licensing before paying application fees.
First-time applications
Apply at our Lake City office, where staff help you complete the electronic application, take your photo, and scan your fingerprints. You do not need to complete an application or arrange those services in advance for this in-person process.
Plan your visit
- Review eligibility and gather the documents listed below.
- Use our appointment page or call (386) 758-1077 for scheduling help.
- Allow time for document review, the application, photo, fingerprints, and payment.
Will I receive a new license during my visit?
Initial licenses are reviewed by FDACS and mailed after approval. Submitting an application at the Tax Collector’s Office does not guarantee approval or same-day issuance.
Can I apply online or by mail instead?
FDACS offers other application methods. Follow its instructions for the method you choose; document and fingerprint arrangements may differ from an in-person application.
This service is available at Lake City only. Fort White does not process concealed weapon licenses.
Back to services ↑What to bring
Bring the documents that apply to your application. Clear, legible copies of training records help avoid delays.
- Photo identification: a driver license or state-issued identification card.
- Proof of firearm competency: an acceptable training certificate or other qualifying record.
- Payment: state licensing fees and the applicable Tax Collector service fee.
- If applicable: citizenship or permanent-residency documentation, legal name-change documents, and court records relevant to your application.
What training documentation is accepted?
FDACS accepts qualifying hunter-safety, firearms-safety, and other approved training records. Military or organized-competition records may also qualify. Review the full list before your visit.
A training certificate should show your name, the instructor’s name and credentials, and the instructor’s license or certification number. Bring a legible copy; FDACS advises against sending original training documents.
I was born outside the United States
Bring official documentation confirming citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Review the FDACS application instructions for the documentation that applies to you.
Can I visit for fingerprints only?
Our office does not provide fingerprint-only service for mail-in applicants. Re-fingerprinting is limited to applicants who originally applied here and need to be re-fingerprinted.
Renew your license
Florida concealed weapon licenses are valid for seven years. FDACS generally sends renewal instructions about 95 days before expiration. For a Columbia County renewal appointment, your license must be within 90 days of expiration.
Bring to your renewal visit
- Your license number or renewal notice.
- State-issued photo identification.
- Payment and any applicable legal name-change document.
Staff take a new photo. Eligible renewals can be printed in our office; renewals involving a name change are reviewed by FDACS and mailed.
My license has already expired
You may renew within 180 days after expiration with a $15 late fee. After more than 180 days, you must apply for a new license.
I already submitted my renewal online
Once an online renewal is submitted or paid, a regional or Tax Collector office cannot finish that transaction. Contact FDACS at (850) 245-5691 if further action is needed.
Can I renew online or by mail?
Yes. Follow the current FDACS renewal instructions and your renewal notice. Out-of-state renewals require fingerprints and have a different state fee.
Fees & payment
The totals below include the FDACS fee and Columbia County Tax Collector service fee. Card-processing charges and any late fee are additional.
| Service | Total |
|---|---|
| New application $97 state + $22 local | $119 |
| Florida resident renewal $45 state + $12 local | $57 |
| Out-of-state resident renewal $87 state + $12 local | $99 |
| Late renewal Within 180 days after expiration | + $15 |
Paying at our office
Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted. Our published credit-card processing charge is 2.5%; confirm the final amount before payment.
Do special fee categories apply?
FDACS lists different fees or exemptions for eligible Florida law enforcement personnel, active judges, and certain other license categories. Bring proof of the applicable status and ask staff to confirm your total.
Military & law enforcement
Active military members and veterans
FDACS expedites qualifying applications. Active-duty applicants should bring official military identification or current orders. Honorably discharged veterans should bring the long-form DD 214 showing discharge status.
Review the separate FDACS training-document requirements; the record must support the purpose for which it is submitted.
Active Florida law enforcement documentation
Bring an agency letter confirming current employment as a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer. The letter should be on agency letterhead and signed by an authorized official.
Retired Florida law enforcement documentation
Bring an official record identifying the Florida public agency and retirement date. Former employment alone does not establish the retired-officer category. Florida’s fee treatment does not extend to federal or out-of-state law enforcement retirees.
Staff can help identify the documents and fee category to submit. FDACS makes the licensing determination.
Back to services ↑Changes & replacement
I moved: update my address
Notify the Division of Licensing within 30 days after an address change. You can use the FDACS online address-change service or send written notice. An address update does not require a new card.
I changed my legal name
Send FDACS a written request and a copy of the legal document supporting the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A revised card costs $15. You may instead keep the current card and submit the name-change documents with your renewal.
Mail to:
Division of Licensing
P.O. Box 6387
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6387
For a name change during a local renewal visit, bring the legal documentation. FDACS reviews and mails the renewed license.
My license was lost, stolen, or destroyed
Follow the FDACS replacement instructions. The state replacement fee is $15. A mailed request requires a notarized written statement and the required identifying information. Replacement requests cannot be submitted online.
Call our office before visiting to confirm whether local replacement service is available and whether a local fee applies.
Forms & help
Track an application
Use your FDACS tracking number and date of birth with the official status-check service. Contact FDACS about missing documents, review notices, or a licensing decision.
Why might processing take longer?
Missing information, fingerprints that cannot be read, or records requiring further review can delay an application. Follow any FDACS notice and provide the requested records directly to the agency.
Where do I find current forms and instructions?
The FDACS license hub links to current forms, application instructions, renewal options, eligibility guidance, and fees.
Where can I check recognition by other states?
Review the official FDACS reciprocity information and the current rules of your destination before traveling. Requirements can differ between states.
Local appointment help
For Lake City visit preparation or scheduling questions, call (386) 758-1077. If the appointment page does not show available times, call the office for assistance.
Back to services ↑Services
Kids Tag Art
Kids Tag Art is a fundraising project that inspires elementary grade art students and raises money for the school's art program. A special thanks goes out to our Platinum Sponsor- Nutrien and our Gold Sponsors- Edward Jones, Baya Pharmacy, Walmart Transportation, First Federal Bank, & LKQ!
