Firearm laws can differ tremendously based on the state you are in. For example, Florida enforces several laws prohibiting or restricting the manufacture, transportation, transfer, sale, or possession of certain firearms and other dangerous weapons.
Under the Florida state legislature, carrying concealed weapons or firearms is the act of having a weapon that is not in plain view in public. If you are arrested for illegal concealed carry, you could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by up to 1 year in jail.
If the concealed weapon is a firearm, the individual may also be charged with carrying a concealed firearm, a third-degree felony with potential penalties that include up to 5 years in prison. However, if you have a license to carry a concealed weapon, you cannot be charged with this offense in Florida.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement has stated that you “must be 21 years of age [in order to buy a firearm]. Rifles and shotguns may be purchased by a person who is at least 18 when that person is a law enforcement officer or correctional officer as defined in F.S. 943.10 or service member as defined in F.S. 250.01.”
In Florida, you typically cannot possess a firearm if:
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You are under 16 years old, unless the weapon remains in the home, unloaded, and under parental supervision.
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You suffer from or have a drug addiction.
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You are declared mentally ill.
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You are a convicted felon, and your civil right to own a firearm has not been restored.
If a convicted felon had a firearm or even ammunition when not allowed to, they could receive another felony for that action as well. To clarify, just carrying the ammunition to a firearm can result in a violation. For more info on weapon laws, please see Florida’s statutes on the issue here.
Next Steps
If you are facing firearm-related charges, we may be able to help. Here at Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we have the skills, experience, and determination to help get you a favorable outcome for your case.
We have handled countless criminal defense cases and know how to navigate the legal system. When you need someone who you can trust to help defend your rights and freedom, rest assured Hager & Schwartz, P.A. is here for you. You can reach us at (954) 840-8713 or contact us through our website today.