Q. I am writing to request your help in expediting the severe delay with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing. I applied for a concealed weapons permit in early January 2009. My check was paid that month and my background check was exemplary. Yet, I am still waiting.

When I call, the hold times are typically 40 minutes to one hour, and I am told my application is still pending due to the backlog.

I am well aware of the surge of applications, but waiting six months for what should be a one-month process is excessive.

-- Name withheld on request, via e-mail

A. We contacted Terry McElroy, spokesman of that department, who said he could not discuss an individual's application due to confidentiality.

McElroy said that the increased volume of applications for concealed weapons permits has been unprecedented, as much as three times the number of applications received three years ago.

He said the department has been authorized by the Florida Legislature to hire 61 temporary workers to help tackle the backlog, which stood at more than 80,000 applications earlier this year.

"We are making progress and apologize for any delays that citizens are experiencing," he said. "We are doing all that we can to expedite the process and ask for the public's patience."

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