Florida firearm bill of sale is a form a seller and buyer use to document a gun transfer in Florida.
The bill of sale provides evidence of the firearm’s legal owner.
How to Sell a Firearm Privately
Florida has strict requirements for firearm sales. Only a licensed dealer, manufacturer, or importer can sell firearms in the state per Fla. Stat. §790.065.
While this state isn’t one of the most limiting, it is important to consider the laws in place to avoid potential issues.
Requirements
You can conduct a private gun sale in Florida, but you must ensure the buyer is eligible and can legally complete the purchase per Fla. Stat. § 790.23. The buyer must be at least 21 years old and a state resident.
You must provide the buyer with a written warning about storing the firearm safely, and you cannot sell to minors (Florida Statutes Section 790.175).
While licensed dealers must complete background checks, private sellers do not have to do this.
However, you must verify that the person is not prohibited from owning a firearm by state or federal law.
Florida requires a three waiting period between the firearm purchase and delivery (Florida Constitution, Article 1, Section 8). The three days do not include weekends or state holidays.
If a person has a concealed carry permit, the waiting period does not apply.
Restrictions
Federal law and Florida law states that the following people do not have the right to own or possess a firearm and cannot legally purchase one (Florida Statutes Section 790.064) :
- 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.
Registration
The state does not require registering firearms when you purchase them.
The state does not allow the state or governmental agency, including the police, to keep records of privately owned firearm owners (Florida Statutes Section 790.335(2)).
Concealed Carry Permit
In Florida, you can apply for a concealed carry license with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Florida Statutes Section 790.06).
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.
How to Apply
Follow the steps below to apply for a concealed carry permit.
Step 1 – Begin Application
Complete the Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Application or complete the online application. [1]
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 as outlined in Fla. Stat. §790.06(2)(h).
Step 4 – Get Fingerprinted
Attach a full set of fingerprints per Fla. Stat. §790.06(5)(c).
Step 5 – Pass Background Check
You must pass a background check per Fla. Const. art. 8 §5(b).
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. [2]
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 (Florida Statutes Section 790.015).
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.
Florida Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of what a Florida firearm bill of sale looks like.
