Buying a Gun in Florida

A person younger than 21 may not purchase any firearm, and licensed importers, manufacturers and dealers may not sell or transfer a firearm to a person under 21 (third-degree felony); law enforcement and correctional officers and servicemembers may buy rifles and shotguns. The under-21 purchase ban applies to all purchasers, including in private sales. Possession: a minor under 18 may not possess a firearm except an unloaded firearm at home, or in listed situations such as supervised or lawful hunting, target practice or firearm training.

Florida has no state law that requires a background check for private (non-dealer) firearm sales. The state background check (through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement) applies to sales or transfers by licensed importers, manufacturers and dealers. However, the Florida Constitution gives each county 'the authority to require a criminal history records check and a 3 to 5-day waiting period, excluding weekends and legal holidays, in connection with the sale of any firearm occurring within such county,' where a 'sale' is a transfer for value 'when any part of the transaction is conducted on property to which the public has the right of access'; concealed weapons license holders are exempt. Otherwise, state law preempts local firearm regulation.

3 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, or until the background check is completed, whichever is later, between purchase and delivery of any firearm from a retailer (licensed importer, manufacturer or dealer). Exceptions: concealed weapon license holders (including law enforcement, correctional officers and servicemembers), trade-ins, and rifles or shotguns bought by a person who completed a 16-hour hunter safety course and holds the hunter safety card (or is exempt and holds a Florida hunting license).

Florida has no state law that specifically regulates unserialized, homemade or kit firearms. State law prohibits knowingly altering or removing a manufacturer's or importer's serial number, and selling, delivering or possessing a firearm with an unlawfully altered or removed serial number.