Age

[MattInSFL]

Ok... when i turned 18 the first thing i started doing was buying rifles. I really wanted a handgun but thought it was illegal for me to own one. Then one day i was talking with a person that seemed to know alot about firearms and laws and he told me i could buy from private seller and even carry in my car as long as it follows the "3 step rules." I eventually bought a revolver from a private seller but soon after, many people told me it was illegal. Since then I've heard different things from different people. I'm now 22 so it doesn't really matter i'm just interested. Input?

[Bucky69]

Ok... when i turned 18 the first thing i started doing was buying rifles. I really wanted a handgun but thought it was illegal for me to own one. Then one day i was talking with a person that seemed to know alot about firearms and laws and he told me i could buy from private seller and even carry in my car as long as it follows the "3 step rules." I eventually bought a revolver from a private seller but soon after, many people told me it was illegal. Since then I've heard different things from different people. I'm now 22 so it doesn't really matter i'm just interested. Input?

Mattin, under federal and Florida law, you may posses and own a handgun at age 18, you just cannot purchase it from an FFL - all other legal means, FTF or gift are allowed. You must be 21 or older to get a concealed carry permit. Otherwise, and generally speaking all other laws regarding firearms and firearm ownership, federal and Florida are the same for you no matter how old you are.

If you have any specific legal questions you should contact an attorney. A good source for information is the book "Florida Firearms Law, Use & Ownership" by Jon H. Gutmacher, Esq.

[mr. b]

also, Matt, just to nitpick, there is no "3 step rule" thats a bunch of malarkey.

You must have the weapon "securely encased", and out of plain view. Which means in a SNAPPED holster and out of sight, or in the glove box/center console with the door closed, or in a snapped case of any kind. It can be loaded, unloaded, cocked, whatever as long as it is encased and out of sight. (without a permit)

I'm sure someone will wander into this thread with the exact wording of the law, but that is the cliff notes version.

[Mr. X]

Great Input Guys i've been hearing the same from people who doesn't know anything, But didn't know any weapon you carry has to be incase inside a vehicle??

[Mr. X]

Just got back from the gun store "Empires" and i talked to one of the cools guys there Jon, he told me for any florida resident under 21 is illegal to own a Hand Gun...Whats sup with that? I was telling my friend alot of people has the own beliefs :!:

[Bucky69]

Just got back from the gun store "Empires" and i talked to one of the cools guys there Jon, he told me for any florida resident under 21 is illegal to own a Hand Gun...Whats sup with that? I was telling my friend alot of people has the own beliefs :!:

Jon does not know what the **** he is talking about. See pages 20 and 21 of the Gutmacher book. Ole Jon is wrong. Again, in order to purchase a handgun from an FFL - you must be 21. "Under Florida and Federal law, any citizen of the age of 18 years, or more, who is not under some other legal disability, may possess or own a handgun, rifle or shotgun." Gutmacher, page 21. One thing you should learn from this is to not always believe what you hear from a salesperson, however well intentioned or not that they are.

[Mr. X]

That's what i told him and his reply was that Anyone sells a Hand Gun to a Resident under 21 is illegal and there breaking that Law! All tho i told him i heard it from cops his reply was "everyone needs to read the laws restrictions"...

[Stainless]

You had to go and do it. Here it is in plain english. Please copy paste and print.

Purchase:
790.18 Sale or transfer of arms to minors by dealers.--It is unlawful for any dealer in arms to sell or transfer to a minor any firearm, pistol, Springfield rifle or other repeating rifle, bowie knife or dirk knife, brass knuckles, slungshot, or electric weapon or device. A person who violates this section commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Ownership:
790.17 Furnishing weapons to minors under 18 years of age or persons of unsound mind and furnishing firearms to minors under 18 years of age prohibited.--

(1) A person who sells, hires, barters, lends, transfers, or gives any minor under 18 years of age any dirk, electric weapon or device, or other weapon, other than an ordinary pocketknife, without permission of the minor's parent or guardian, or sells, hires, barters, lends, transfers, or gives to any person of unsound mind an electric weapon or device or any dangerous weapon, other than an ordinary pocketknife, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(2)(a) A person may not knowingly or willfully sell or transfer a firearm to a minor under 18 years of age, except that a person may transfer ownership of a firearm to a minor with permission of the parent or guardian. A person who violates this paragraph commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(b) The parent or guardian must maintain possession of the firearm except pursuant to s. 790.22.

Possession/carry:
790.22 Use of BB guns, air or gas-operated guns, or electric weapons or devices by minor under 16; limitation; possession of firearms by minor under 18 prohibited; penalties.--

(1) The use for any purpose whatsoever of BB guns, air or gas-operated guns, or electric weapons or devices, by any minor under the age of 16 years is prohibited unless such use is under the supervision and in the presence of an adult who is acting with the consent of the minor's parent.

(2) Any adult responsible for the welfare of any child under the age of 16 years who knowingly permits such child to use or have in his or her possession any BB gun, air or gas-operated gun, electric weapon or device, or firearm in violation of the provisions of subsection (1) of this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3) A minor under 18 years of age may not possess a firearm, other than an unloaded firearm at his or her home, unless:

(a) The minor is engaged in a lawful hunting activity and is:

1. At least 16 years of age; or

2. Under 16 years of age and supervised by an adult.

(b) The minor is engaged in a lawful marksmanship competition or practice or other lawful recreational shooting activity and is:

1. At least 16 years of age; or

2. Under 16 years of age and supervised by an adult who is acting with the consent of the minor's parent or guardian.

(c) The firearm is unloaded and is being transported by the minor directly to or from an event authorized in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b).

Note ALL of this is regarding minors. Florida Law does not regulate, nor restrict any aspect of ownership or possession by a person over 18 (a non-minor). Florida does not give a CWL to a person under 21. Federal and state law prohibits the PURCHASE of a firearm by a person under 21.

My 6yo son owns one handgun, one shotgun, and three rifles. They were all purchased by me and given to him as a gift and he can legally own and possess them in certain situations as shown above.

Know the laws and tell everyone to get bent, once you know the laws.


BTW:
(l) A person traveling by private conveyance when the weapon is securely encased or in a public conveyance when the weapon is securely encased and not in the person's manual possession;
(17) "Securely encased" means in a glove compartment, whether or not locked; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether or not locked; in a zippered gun case; or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access.

[MattInSFL]

Thanks for the info. I wish everyone knew this so i would of known for sure when i was 18. Every time i was convinced it was fine, some one would tell me it wasn't. Now i know and can let others know that have same questions at that age. Thanks

[Stainless]

Never trust what someone tells you, read the laws and know the laws. There are a LOT of people, cops, and "experts" who will tell you an absolute "truth" that is so far from the truth that it is funny.


BTW, research black-powder pistols and how they relate to the laws and you will find that there are no laws prohibiting the conceal carrying of a black-powder pistol. Here's a start:
(2) "Concealed firearm" means any firearm, as defined in subsection (6), which is carried on or about a person in such a manner as to conceal the firearm from the ordinary sight of another person.

(6) "Firearm" means any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; any destructive device; or any machine gun. The term "firearm" does not include an antique firearm unless the antique firearm is used in the commission of a crime.

(1) "Antique firearm" means any firearm manufactured in or before 1918 (including any matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar early type of ignition system) or replica thereof, whether actually manufactured before or after the year 1918, and also any firearm using fixed ammunition manufactured in or before 1918, for which ammunition is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.


But research for yourself.

[MattInSFL]

BTW, research black-powder pistols and how they relate to the laws and you will find that there are no laws prohibiting the conceal carrying of a black-powder pistol. Here's a start:

Just wondering, what brought up black powder? Have you or anyone you've known concealed 1 before?

[Stainless]

I just wanted to show how many laws there are regarding different things and how many people do not know the laws. It was just an interesting add since a person under 21 can "appearently" legally carry blackpowder, based on the above laws.

Just my legalistic ramblings.

[MattInSFL]

I see. That's okay. Like you said I need to learn the actual gun laws for myself anyways, especially in these times. So any input helps.

[Noli Me Calcare]

I'm 19 and I bought a P3AT a few months ago, I was really happy to hear about this law!

[ef8egk]

yep, im 19 and never had a problem aside for a few leo's who think civilians shouldnt be armed. i keep the gun in my glove box loaded, as long as you let them know that you have a firearm in the car you should be good.

[Gray Rider]

BTW, research black-powder pistols and how they relate to the laws and you will find that there are no laws prohibiting the conceal carrying of a black-powder pistol. Here's a start:

Very interesting considering the fact that there are some pretty decent BP replica revolvers in .44 & .45 calibers. Some are actually small enough to be practical for concealed carry though most of these only come in .32 caliber. Carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber you'd still have 4-5 shots depending on the model. Better than nothing. Plus, after the first shot or two at the bad guy the smoke should obscure everything in the immediate vicinity. Then again there's Pyrodex. :wink:

[seefoodlover]

Very interesting stuff here. Thanks guys for all the info, I'm 18 in Nov :) The blackpowder theory is interesting. My mother is a court reporter so I will have her propose this to some of her lawyer friends and see if they can confirm that.