A Florida firearm bill of sale is a form a seller and buyer use to document a gun transfer in the state, providing evidence of the firearm’s legal owner.
Florida has strict requirements for firearm sales. Only a licensed dealer, manufacturer, or importer can sell firearms in the state.
State Laws for Selling a Gun in Florida
Minimum Age to Purchase
The firearm buyer must be at least 21 years old and a state resident.
Permit for Purchase
In Florida, residents do not need a permit to buy handguns, rifles, or shotguns. However, a permit is required to carry a handgun.
Register a Gun
The state does not require registering firearms when you purchase them and does not allow the state or governmental agency, including the police, to keep records of privately owned firearm owners. [1]
Open Carry Permit
In Florida, open carry of handguns is generally prohibited. Displaying a handgun in non-self-defense situations can lead to criminal charges. Firearms and certain electric weapons are not allowed to be carried openly.
Concealed Carry Permit
In Florida, you can apply for a concealed carry license with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. [2]
To secure a license, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
- Be free of physical or mental conditions that would make you unable to handle a firearm safely.
- Not be ineligible to possess a firearm.
- Affirm you wish to carry for lawful self-defense.
- Prove firearm competency by completing a safety or training program.
The department issues licenses valid for seven years if you meet all the requirements. You must ensure you renew when it expires.
Not every state will honor a Florida license to carry concealed weapons, so check with that state before you carry outside Florida.
How to Apply
Follow the steps below to apply for a concealed carry permit in Florida:
- Step 1 – Begin Application: Complete the Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Application or complete the online application. [3]
- Step 2 – Submit Photo: Attach a color photo taken 30 days prior to applying.
- Step 3 – Show Proof of Competency: Submit a proof of competency form or certificate. [4]
- Step 4 – Get Fingerprinted: Attach a full set of fingerprints.
- Step 5 – Pass Background Check: You must pass a background check. [5]
- Step 6 – Submit Application: Turn in your application to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Step 7 – Pay Fee: Applicants must pay an appropriate licensing fee. [6]
- Step 8 – Get Approved or Denied: The DACS issues and denies all applications within ninety days of submission.
Gun Reciprocity
Florida does recognize permits from other states if they meet specific requirements. [7]
A person must be at least 21 years old, a United States citizen or permanent resident, and have a valid license issued in their state of residence. Florida also recognizes permits for military members and law enforcement.
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership
Federal and state law states that the following people do not have the right to own or possess a firearm and cannot legally purchase one: [8]
- Convicted felons
- Persons with a legal order of mental illness
- Persons convicted of domestic violence
- Persons with substance addiction
- Fugitives from justice
- Illegal aliens
- Military members with a dishonorable discharge
- Persons subject to an active protective order
- Persons with current pending felony criminal charges
- Persons under the age of 24 who have juvenile charges equal to adult felonies
Firearm Inheritance Laws
You can pass a firearm to someone through your will or a gun trust in Florida without restrictions. The only exception is that someone prohibited by state or federal law from owning a firearm will not be able to receive the firearm.
