Simunition Marking Cartridges are "ammunition" in Florida

Simunition Marking Cartridges are "ammunition" under the Florida statutes
copyright by jon gutmacher 2017 **

Simulation training is the cutting edge in firearms training today.  It can be on a laser simulator, or a FATS livefire,  or whatever else is out there -- but if you want that to include qualification for a Florida Concealed Weapons License (CWL) -- the stuff you're using for "ammunition" must meet Florida's definition of "ammunition" as set forth in Florida Statute 790.001(19):

(19) “Ammunition” means an object consisting of all of the following:

(a) A fixed metallic or nonmetallic hull or casing containing a primer.

(b) One or more projectiles, one or more bullets, or shot.

(c) Gunpowder.

Some of the stuff out there does not include gunpowder as a propellant.  If it doesn't -- it is not "ammunition", no matter what else it is, or does.  

I was therefore asked by an instructor,  whether I had an opinion on whether "Simunition" Marking Cartridges qualified, and since I wasn't familiar with them, I did an internet search.  I found out they are a training round that uses a non-toxic "bullet" that can color mark a hit (usually effective within 16 feet) that the manufacturer claims is safe to use against live targets.  They also have a non-marking cartridge.  Of course,  the firearms must have modifications to use them, but the beauty is that you have a safe way of actually training with a round that gives actual recoil to a real firearm -- shows the hit by virtue of where the shot lands,  can be used most anywhere with safety -- and also allows qualification for the Florida CWL.

The cartridge uses a firearm primer, has a metallic case, gunpowder to launch the bullet, and the "bullet" is the safe, non-toxic training round.  (I assume it's safe -- but since I have not personally tested it, I cannot vouch for that).

So -- my answer is "yes" -- it is "ammunition" under Florida law.  

** this article may be freely used for non-commercial purposes so long as my authorship is clearly given.  Commercial uses require my email authorization, which I will freely give to instructors without cost.  Just use the email link on my website.