PALM BAY, Fla. — It will soon be legal for Florida gun owners to carry their weapons without a permit. 

Florida joins 26 other states that allow permitless carry for legal gun owners.

For resident Ashley Davis, a basic firearm safety student, it's the first time in her life she's ever fired a handgun. Under the instruction of Maria Dockery, president and founder of Femme Fatale Arms and Training, Davis wanted to make sure she knew exactly how to fire a weapon safely.

"She's an amazing student. It's her enthusiasm and her positive attitude that really helped her get through," Dockery said. "That's all you need."

Davis said she didn't know what she was doing at first, but Dockery was able to guide her along.

"You know what it makes me feel like? If you've ever mowed the lawn by hand and after you have mowed the lawn, your hands are like that jittery feeling? That's how you feel,but once you keep doing it, you kind of feel strong, like I can do this," Davis said.

Davis lives alone and, for quite some time, has considered having a gun at home for self-defense.

'Permitless carry' allows Florida gun owners to carry guns without the requirement of a permit, a license or even training. 'Concealed carry' means someone can publicly carry a legally owned firearm hidden from view.

Dockery showed Davis several handguns to choose from. Davis gauged her comfort level with each weapon, knowing one day she may need it.

"For me, it's important to have some type of protection," Davis said.

But Dockery said now, despite the new law, they are seeing more people, including an uptick in women, signing up to take their gun safety course.

"The new legislation, you still have a three-day waiting period if you don't have a concealed carry permit," she said. "If you do have the permit, you don't have to wait three days."

The bill still requires a mandatory background check. You must be a Florida resident at least 21 years or older and not convicted of a felony.

Dockery said she believes the new legislation won't change things as much.

"It's not going to make a difference. The bad guys are still going to still be carrying guns and the good guys are going to be carrying guns," she said.

For Davis, she hopeful more people wanting to protect themselves will be responsible like she is.

"Just learn a little more about guns and for me, to gain confidence," she said.