Summary

This operational audit, for the period March 1, 2005, through February 28, 2007, and selected actions taken through June 30, 2007, focused on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ administration of the State’s concealed weapons and firearms licensing program.  Our audit also included a follow-up on prior audit findings contained in audit report Nos. 2006-029 (contract management procedures and practices) and 2006-051 (Department inspection programs).   Our audit disclosed:

Finding No. 1:    For fiscal years 2005-06 and 2006-07, the Department’s legislatively-approved performance measures and standards required that 90 percent of license revocations or suspensions be initiated within 20 days after receipt of disqualifying information.  Audit tests disclosed that Department staff did not accurately record the date upon which reports of disqualifying events or conditions were received. 

Finding No. 2:   Upon receipt of information concerning disqualifying events or conditions, the Department did not always timely initiate administrative actions to suspend, revoke, or deny licenses.  Additionally, we noted that the Department did not always timely initiate application suspensions.

Finding No. 3:   The Department sometimes sent unnecessary correspondence to concealed weapon and firearm licensees and error or omission letters which did not properly reflect actual deficiencies in the applications received.

Finding No. 4:   The Department, in consultation with FDLE, should consider developing a methodology that would allow the efficient use of outstanding warrant information to identify licensees and applicants who are awaiting disposition of formal charges relating to a disqualifying crime.  To fully evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the use of warrant information, the Department should initially approach using the information through a pilot project.

Prior Audit Findings:  The Department has taken adequate corrective actions for findings included in audit report Nos. 2006-029 and 2006-051.

The Commissioner's response is included at the end of this report as Appendix A.