Some states like Fl. are called "shall issue" which means that unless something disqualifies you( B.G. check etc.) you will be issued a permit. I know Al. is at the discretion of the county sheriff which I think is a bad idea, you could possibly have a county that will not issue any permits to anyone I suppose. I believe Fl. has entered agreements with eveyone who reciprocates with them. Please someone correct me if I am wrong.
www.packing.org is a pretty good site for this kind of information.