Owning a Gun in Florida Legally
If popular media is to be believed, America is a nation of gun-toting liberals who use their weapons at will. On the contrary, while it is a Second Amendment right to carry a weapon, not every household in America has one, and not every citizen is hiding a gun on their hip. Surprisingly to some, obtaining a weapon legally is not as easy as it may seem.
In Florida, purchasing a firearm comes with several restrictions. There is no denying that criminals and others can purchase weapons by illegal means but, for those who want to follow the letter of the law, obtaining a firearm comes with several caveats.
Who is Eligible to Purchase a Firearm?
Any adult is eligible to purchase a firearm in the state of Florida, provided they do not have a felony conviction on their record or an active warrant for their arrest. Additionally, a person may not be addicted to a controlled substance, or have been adjudicated as mentally defective.
An illegal alien, a person with a dishonorable discharge from the armed forces, or a person who has denounced their citizenship is not able to purchase a firearm. Anyone with an active protection order, a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence, or who is under indictment for a crime that carries a jail sentence of more than one year is ineligible.
Who Can Purchase a Shotgun or Rifle?
Almost anyone can purchase a long gun in the state of Florida. Anyone 18 years of age and older who is a legal resident of the United States can purchase such a firearm. There is no waiting requirement in Florida for a shotgun or rifle, meaning you can purchase the gun and take it home the same day.
Who Can Purchase a Handgun?
In Florida, you must be 21 years of age or older to buy a handgun legally. There is no specialized permit, nor are fingerprints required, but buyers do have to wait for three days before they bring their weapon home. A demographic-based background check is completed for every handgun purchase.
If you have any questions as to your rights to purchase or carry a weapon in the state of Florida, or you need an attorney to represent you in court, please contact our offices. Our attorneys are here and ready to answer any questions that you have. Call now.