Florida Gun Sales Laws

Permits

• You don't have to apply for a special permit to purchase a gun in Florida. This includes buying a shotgun or rifle, and you don't have to register it, license it or have a permit to carry it. You don't need a permit to purchase a handgun, either, nor do you have to register it or hold a license to own it. However, if you wish to carry your handgun concealed, you must have a concealed carry permit. If you wish to carry it in the open, you're not required to have a special permit.

Who Can't Buy A Firearm in Florida

• If you're a convicted felon, you cannot buy a firearm in Florida. Nor can you have a gun in your control, care, or custody. You can also forget about gun ownership if you are a drug addict, alcoholic, vagrant or mentally incompetent.

Waiting Period

• If you purchase a handgun in Florida, there is a three-day waiting period (excluding weekends and holidays) between buying the gun and being able to take it home. This waiting period doesn't apply to those carrying a valid concealed carry permit. You aren't required to wait three days if you're trading in another handgun.

Age of Purchaser

• It is illegal to sell, give, barter or transfer gun ownership to a minor (18 or younger) without his or her parent's permission. It is also illegal for gun dealers to sell or transfer any firearm, pistol, or Springfield or repeater rifle to a minor.

  In order to purchase a shotgun or rifle in Florida, you must be at least 18. If you want to buy a handgun, you have to be at least 21.

Background Checks

• Before a gun dealer, manufacturer or importer can hand over a gun you have purchased from them, you must fill out a form that must be approved by the Department of Law Enforcement. This department maintains a database of people who are prohibited from buying a gun based on court records. The buyer must list his name, date of birth, gender, race, and Social Security number. He also must present proper identification such as a current driver's license. The purpose of this check is to make sure that the applicant is not a convicted felon, or someone who meets the above-stated criteria banning them from gun ownership. This instant check costs $8.

  Not everyone must undergo an instant background check when purchasing a firearm. This includes gun manufacturers, licensed dealers, collectors, importers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers and people with a concealed carry license.