Firearms Safety

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) offers a Citizen’s Firearm’s Course for Okaloosa County residents at least 21 years of age. A complete application is required, and a background check will be performed.

This two day course is designed to instruct you in firearms safety, to familiarize you with your firearm and to help you become proficient with its use. Classroom portion and Range Portion must be completed in the same week. If you cannot complete both portions in the same week, you may reapply again after 6 months.

Classroom Portion:

  • Must bring firearm, holster and valid photo ID to the class for instructor inspection.
  • Ammunition is not allowed in the classroom.
  • Notify instructors of any medical conditions that might affect your participation in the training (for example: diabetes, back problems, etc.). We can work with many situations and have successfully trained people with various disabilities and medical conditions.

During the course, you will:

  • Familiarize yourself with your firearm
  • Become proficient with its use
  • Be educated on current firearms laws
  • Learn about civil liability of having a firearm in your home or business

Range Portion:

  • Designed to incorporate the class instruction with firing of firearm
  • You must have your own firearm and 50 rounds of ammo (a max of two people can share a firearm, for example, a husband and wife, or parent and adult child)
  • No magnum calibers larger than .357 magnum
  • Must have ear protection, eye protection, holster and a sturdy belt
  • Holster must be designed to securely retain the firearm in the holster during movement (bending, sitting, etc.)

Participation:

A background/criminal history check of every participant will be conducted. Participants having any potential conflicts resulting from their criminal history check will be contacted and the Range Master will be solely responsible for determining final approval for participation.

Answer all of the questions honestly or there will be possible refusal of attendance.

Conviction of felony charges and some misdemeanor charges may automatically disqualify an applicant.

Should you plan to purchase a firearm to participate in this firearms training, please be aware of the following factors: small firearms require more training to use effectively. They usually have smaller sights and a shorter barrel. They have a smaller grip. Users normally feel more recoil from a small firearm. If you do not plan to carry the firearm on your ankle or in your pocket, please consider a mid-size firearm.

Class Scheduling:

YOU MUST CONTACT ROBERTA PIFER PRIOR TO 5:00 PM ON THE THURSDAY BEFORE THE CLASSROOM PORTION HELD ON MONDAY NIGHT TO INSURE ALL PAPERWORK IS COMPLETE.

Please direct all questions, comments or requests for information to the CFA Point of Contact: