Florida Gun Laws in Plain English
In Florida, you can carry a concealed firearm without a permit if you are 21 or older and legally allowed to own a gun. However, you generally cannot openly carry your firearm unless you are fishing, hunting, or camping. When buying a gun from a dealer, you must be at least 21 and wait 3 days (excluding weekends) before taking it home. You do not need to register your guns, and private sales between friends do not require a background check.
Critical: Florida Gun Law Gotchas
These are the most important things to know that could get you arrested or charged with a crime:
- #1Constitutional Carry does NOT exempt you from the Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act (1000ft buffer). You need a physical CWL for that exemption (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)).
- #2Open carry is ILLEGAL in Florida (Fla. Stat. § 790.053), unlike most other permitless carry states. Don't do it unless fishing/hunting.
- #3The 3-day waiting period applies to rifles and shotguns too, not just handguns (Fla. Stat. § 790.0655).
- #4You cannot carry inside any airport terminal building, even the non-secure baggage claim area (Fla. Stat. § 790.06(12)).
- #5Bump stocks are a felony to possess under state law (Fla. Stat. § 790.222), regardless of federal rulings.
- #6Having a medical marijuana card does not make you legal to own guns; federal law still prohibits you (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)).
- #7If you don't have a permit, your vehicle gun must be 'securely encased' (glove box, snapped holster, case). Wedging it between seats is illegal (Fla. Stat. § 790.25(5)).
- #8You must be 21 to buy a rifle or shotgun from a dealer, which is stricter than federal law (Fla. Stat. § 790.065(13)).
- #9Brief, accidental display of a concealed firearm is not a crime, but intentional printing or display is (Fla. Stat. § 790.053).
- #10You can be charged with a crime if a child under 16 gets your unsecured gun (Fla. Stat. § 790.174).
- #11Red Flag laws (Risk Protection Orders) are active and allow police to seize guns without a criminal conviction (Fla. Stat. § 790.401).
Read these carefully - they cover common mistakes that lead to felony charges.