Laws regarding Long Guns

Florida has no specific laws regarding the registration of long guns, or permits to buy, outside of federal regulations. However, Florida has imposed a higher minimum age to purchase rifles & shotguns. You must be 21 to purchase a rifle or a shotgun in Florida, unless you are a law enforcement or correctional officer, and then the age is 18.

“Assault Weapons” Law

Florida has no laws on the books regarding “assault weapons” or any other classification of weapons. No rifle features are restricted in the state.

Laws regarding Hand Guns

Age to Own a Handgun

Florida does not have any laws as to the age required to own a handgun. You must be 18 years of age according to Federal law, and 21 according to Federal Law to purchase one from a licensed gun shop. People above the age of 18 but below 21 can acquire a handgun through a private purchase or a gift.

Handgun Permits

Florida has no laws requiring a permit or special application process to own a handgun. You do not need a special permit to own a handgun or pistol in the state of Florida.

Carry Laws

Florida doesn’t have the best carry laws for defending yourself outside your home. In fact, it’s pretty restrictive overall.

Open Carry

Open carry in Florida is generally not allowed with a few exceptions. You are allowed to open carry on your own private property, but nobody else can open carry on your property, even if you give them permission. You are allowed to also win

Concealed Carry

Florida is a “shall issue” state for citizens or lawful permanent residents over the age of 21. This means that the default of the state is to issue a permit, unless there is a valid reason to not give one.

Laws Regarding 80% Lowers

There are no laws on the books restricting the ownership of 80% Lowers or the manufacture of your own firearm.

Laws regarding Magazine Capacity

Florida has no laws regarding magazine capacity. All magazines are legal regardless of capacity.

Laws regarding NFA Items

Destructive devices are legal in Florida. Florida has increased penalties for unlawful possession of destructive devices under Fla. Stat. 790.161. Destructive devices refer to projectiles that contain more than 1/4oz of explosive, or a weapon which will expel a projectile more than a ½ inch in diameter that does not have a sporting purpose (things like elephant guns are exempt).

SBR/SBS

There an no laws restricting short barrel rifles or short barrel shotguns in Florida.

Suppressors or Silencers

Florida has no laws restricting the use or ownership of suppressors so long as they are owned and possessed in accordance with federal guidelines.

Machine Guns

Florida has no laws restricting the use or ownership of machine guns so long as they are possessed in accordance with federal guidelines.

AOWs

Florida has no laws restricting the use or ownership of AOWs so long as they are possessed in accordance with federal guidelines.

Red Flag Laws

Unfortunately, Florida does have red flag laws. Fla. Stat. 790.401 gives the police permission (through judicial approval), to confiscate firearms from someone deemed a threat to themselves or others for a period of up to one year.  The danger in Red Flag laws is that the burden of proof to confiscate weapons is very low, and they may end up confiscated due to nothing more than a phone call from someone, with no investigation or due process given.

 

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Always double check your state and local laws. Laws are subject to change, and the information in this blog may not be up-to-date or accurate.