Beachwood Becomes Eighth New Jersey Town to Offer FREE Carry Permits

Man in a suit drawing a concealed firearm

On October 15, Beachwood, New Jersey, became the eighth town in the state to enact an ordinance refunding the $150 municipal portion of the state-mandated Permit to Carry fee.

Ordinance 2025-26 was read and then voted on with a motion to pass as introduced. The measure passed in a three-to-zero vote, with one council member absent, Council President Zakar. Voting “Yes” were Councilmen Korsa, LaCrosse, and Santos.

Eligible Beachwood handgun carry permit applicants who paid the full $200 fee on or after October 15, 2025, can receive a refund from the CFO upon submitting proof of payment and confirmation of borough processing.

Beachwood resident Richard Files spoke with News2A about his role in helping to bring this measure to the attention of the Beachwood elected representatives. An early concealed carry permit holder and Second Amendment advocate, he embarked on an email campaign to police officials, elected representatives, and the Beachwood mayor, sharing the NJFOS media briefing that was adopted by many other towns as a blueprint to bring this measure to his town.

“It’s my duty to fight for others’ rights who feel similarly to me. I think we’re the first in Ocean County to pass such a resolution,” said Files, adding, “I explained there was no burden to the town or justification for the $150 fee, and I believe this just wasn’t on their radar until I brought it to their attention.”

Files’ advocacy speaks to the significance of everyday citizens getting involved in bringing meaningful change with regard to Second Amendment rights issues at the local level.

Additional towns are expected to vote on similar measures in the coming weeks and months. To learn how you can introduce a similar measure in your town, check out the NJFOS policy brief, which can also help guide conversations with elected officials.

At the time of publication, Beachwood Mayor William Cairns was unavailable for comment.

The statutory fee to apply for a concealed carry permit in New Jersey has been $200 since the state’s so-called “carry killer” bill was signed into law in December of 2022. $50 of that fee was designated to go to the New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit struck down the $50 portion of the fee as a “tax on a right.”

Each town that votes to rebate the $150 portion of the fee makes the permit application free.

Want FREE New Jersey Permits to Carry a Handgun in Your Town?

If you would like to approach your town to introduce the idea, or if the town has expressed interest, the exact resolution language and briefing kit can be found here.

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