Florida Gun Control Laws

Florida has some of the loosest gun carry and possession laws in the country. In 2008, it became a “take your gun to work” state, meaning that businesses cannot fire their employees with a concealed weapon license. Employees are allowed to keep a legal firearm locked in their car in a company parking lot. This law exists to protect the Second Amendment rights of Florida residents during their commute to work.  Additionally, the state of Florida possesses uniform gun laws across the state regarding concealed carry, which is allowed with permit.   Florida is known as a “shall issue” state when it comes to concealed carry permits. The state of Florida’s concealed carry permit is recognized by thirty-three other states across the U.S.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

State laws preempt all local and municipal laws regarding firearms, there, weapons possession penalties and regulations are the same across the state of Florida.  Some of the more commonly violated possession laws include:

• Use of firearm during commission of felony renders a mandatory sentence of ten years, which cannot be suspended or reduced
• Use of firearm with discharge where no one is hurt during commission of crime is a felony with a mandatory sentence of twenty years on top of other sentences for charges
• Use of firearm during commission of a felony which harms someone becomes a mandatory life sentence in some instances
• Concealed weapon carry without a permit is a first degree misdemeanor offense in the state of Florida

Requirements: For Firearms Possession and Carry in the state of Florida

Florida Gun Purchasing Laws

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

Florida laws allow private transfer of weapons between legally allowed individuals without filing with the state.  However, gun dealers and other retailers of handguns and other weapons must register with the state and adhere to all recording and reporting laws.  The state also strictly follows the terms of any federal weapons act, including enforcement of these laws.

• Firearm sales can be made between residents without any required processing.
• Larger municipalities can elect to require a concealed carry permit for a buyer to purchase a gun at a gun show or from another private individual.

Requirements: For Purchase of Firearms in state of Florida

Firing Handguns and Self Defense in Florida

In 2005, Florida became a “Stand-your-ground” state, meaning that it has a self-defense law with the following four components:

• Law-abiding residents and visitors are legally allowed to presume that any individual who breaks into a residence or occupied vehicle intends to cause bodily harm or death, and may use deadly force against the intruder
• An individual has no “duty to retreat” if attacked with force, and may retaliate with deadly force if he or she believes that imminent threat exists
• If an individual uses force against an imminent threat or danger, then he or she cannot be prosecuted in a civil or criminal court
• If the individual is brought to court and found innocent, then the state of Florida will pay for all expenses for defense

Legal Help

For more information about legal defense against civil or criminal firearms charges, contact an experienced attorney.  Penalties from gun charges in the state of Florida are strict, especially those involving firearms during the commission of a crime.  Seeking legal counsel in these instances is essential, as defendants typically face decades in prison upon conviction.