• Although the paperwork may not be too exciting, the license approval to drive, hunt or carry a gun will surely bring a smile.preparing for christmas image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com
  
  Across the United States, there are three main licenses that individuals look forward to obtaining, whether it is each season or at a certain age. These licenses for optional activities include a driver's license, a hunting license and a license to carry a gun. The state of Florida is no different from America's other 49 states in respect that its residents are still required to have licenses to participate in these activities; however, the requirements for these licenses will differ from those in other states.
  
  

Driver's License

• According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), when a person reaches the age of 16, they are eligible for a driver's license. Florida license law dictates that a licensed driver who is 16 may not drive from 11 p.m. through 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older or driving to or from work. A person who is licensed to drive who is 17 years of age is not permitted to drive from 1 a.m. until 5 a.m. with the same exceptions as a 16-year old.
  
  Florida DMV also states that if a person is 18 or older is obtaining a driver's license for the first time, she must complete a drug and alcohol traffic awareness course, a written DMV test on road signs and a vision test.
  
  Those who wish to test for a license at any age must pass a behind-the-wheel driving test, according to Florida DMV.
  
  

Hunting License

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requires that all residents of Florida obtain a hunting license with few exceptions. Exceptions include those who are under the age of 16 or over the age of 65. Also, those who hunt or fish on their own property do not need to apply for a Florida hunting license. Florida residents who are totally disabled or members of the armed forces who are not stationed in Florida but who are on leave for less than 30 days also do not need to obtain a Florida hunting license.
  
  

Gun License

• In the state of Florida, a license to conceal and carry a firearm is required and valid for seven years, according to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Licensing (FDACS). In order to obtain a license to carry a gun, a Florida resident must be 21 years of age or older, be able to demonstrate competency with the firearm and be a United States' citizen or lawful permanent resident alien.
  
  The FDACS notes reasons for ineligibility include, but are not limited to, a felony conviction, a misdemeanor conviction of violence in the last three years, a record of drug or alcohol abuse, a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. armed forces or renouncement of U.S. citizenship.