Q&A for How to Buy a Gun in Florida

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Question

Can I have a hand gun in the glove compartment of my car or in my trunk if I don't have a concealed license?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as the firearm is "securely encased." Fl. Stat. s. 790.251(5) states "it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use."

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Question

Is it standard to have to wait for two weeks to take possession of a handgun when the background check has been passed?

Community Answer

No. The law in Florida is 3 business days, if you are cleared of a background check.

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Question

While you're trying out the feel and weight of different guns, will a dealer permit you to use it for target practice to get a feel for the gun?

Community Answer

Not in a stand-alone store. There are gun ranges, however, that have a selection of rental firearms. You typically pay a small fee to use any of the guns from the rental pool. This is a good way to get a feel for the type of gun you'd like to use.

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Question

I have a .38 that was left to me in a trust. How do I become the registered owner?

Community Answer

In Florida, you are not required to register a firearm unless it's an NFA firearm, such as a short barreled shotgun, short-barreled rifle, or machine gun. You are not required by law to register your .38 unless you live in a state that requires any type of firearm to be registered.

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Question

I'm a resident of Illinois and a part-time resident of Florida. I have a concealed weapon license for the state of Florida. Can I buy a firearm in Florida now?

Community Answer

You must show proof of your Florida residency, such as a Florida property tax bill, and you will be able to purchase a firearm in Florida.

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Question

If I purchase a gun using layaway, do I need to wait the 72 hours after the final payment?

Community Answer

Yes, unless you have a concealed carry permit, you have to wait 72 hours after making the final payment.

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Question

Can I buy a gun when visiting from another state?

Community Answer

No, you will need a new weapons license from the state you're visiting if you don't have an IWL.

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Question

I am a resident of Florida, and have a concealed carry permit. What do I need to sell some of my long guns?

Community Answer

Long guns may be privately transferred without the involvement of an FFL. However, the transfer has to be in person and it is suggested that you know who you are selling the firearms to. In other words, copy their driver's license and keep that information. If something happens down the road and that weapon is used in any illegal activity and it can be traced back to you, that can be a huge problem. It is always suggested that you transfer firearms through an FFL for your protection, if for no other reason.

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Question

I am a resident of PA with a PA driver's license and a permit to carry a concealed weapon issued there. I own a home in FL as well, and I'm a resident about 5 months per year in FL, may I purchase a handgun in FL based on these circumstances?

Community Answer

Yes, Florida has Carry Permit Reciprocity for PA. As long as you follow the laws of Florida while carrying your firearm, there is no difference between your PA Carry Permit and a Florida one.

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Question

I accepted a dishonorable discharge forty years ago, but I want a shotgun now. Will my discharge eliminate my eligibility?

Community Answer

As long as it's not a felony discharge, then you can own a shotgun, but you will not be able to get a concealed weapons permit.

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Question

Can I buy a handgun if I own a home in Florida but am not a resident?

Community Answer

Florida allows you to buy a gun as a normal resident would. States such as California and New York, have gun laws that are different from Florida. A gun shop owner will be able to tell you which states have which laws.

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Question

Can a DD-214 showing Honorable Discharge from 1987 be used as proof of firearm proficiency (FL statute 790.062)?

Community Answer

Yes. The timing of the DD214 is irrelevant, so long as it states Honorable Discharge. I just got my CCW with a 2000 Honorable Discharge; my dad recently got one with a 1967 Honorable Discharge.

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Question

With a concealed weapons license, do I have to wait the 72 hours to purchase a gun?

Community Answer

No, you don't. You just need to pass the instant check, which takes about 5-10 minutes.

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Question

Do I need a state issued photo ID to purchase a gun in Florida?

Community Answer

Technically, all you need to do is prove your residency within Florida. In practice, almost all gun stores will require a Florida ID (driver's license, ID card, or a firearms license/concealed carry permit issued to residents) showing a Florida address.

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Question

Will having a concealed weapons permit in one state help me get a permit in Florida if I'm moving there?

Community Answer

No. You still have to go through the FL process to get your conceal carry permit.

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Question

Can I get a CCL in Florida if I had a drug misdemeanor years ago? Can I purchase a firearm?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as it is not a current offense. If you are on probation, probably not.

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Question

I have a concealed carry permit. Can I purchase a hand gun without a waiting period?

Community Answer

Yes, provided you pass the NICS background check. With a CC permit and a Florida driver's license you can buy from a private party with no BG check.

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Question

Can I buy a gun in Florida if I am a Canadian citizen working there under a TN working visa? I have a Social Security number and Florida driver's license.

Community Answer

You may legally buy from a private party, provided you are not a convicted felon.

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