Can I Keep a Gun in My Car in Florida?

August 9, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements Social Share

Although Florida is known as a state with lenient laws when it comes to firearms, improperly storing a firearm can lead to serious legal penalties. Florida laws permit you to keep a weapon or firearm in your vehicle as long as you have a concealed carry license. However, if you meet certain criteria, you do not need to have a concealed carry license to keep a weapon or firearm in your vehicle. Concealed carry refers to having a firearm on your person but hiding it from the view of others. You must obtain your concealed carry license from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. If you would like to read more about carrying a concealed firearm, you can do so here.

What if I Don’t Have A Concealed Carry License?

In some cases, you do not need a concealed carry license to store a weapon or firearm in your vehicle. Section 790.25 of the Florida Statutes centers around lawful ownership, possession, and use of firearms and other weapons. Specifically, Section 790.25(5) lists the criteria for possession in private conveyance. This section states that in order to store a firearm in a vehicle or interior of a private conveyance without a license to carry, the individual:

1. Must be 18 years of age or older;
2. Must possess the firearm or other weapon for a lawful purpose such as self-defense;
3. Must have the firearm within the interior of a private conveyance, not on their person, and;
4. Must securely encase the firearm or weapon so it is not readily accessible for immediate use.

If you do not have a concealed carry license and would like to learn more about obtaining one, you can do so here.

I Have a Gun in My Car & Get Pulled Over–What do I do?

The laws regarding whether or not you have a legal duty to inform an officer you have a firearm in your vehicle vary from state-to-state. Section 790.06 of the Florida Statutes states that an individual has no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed weapon or firearm. However, drivers can disclose the information if they choose to and are required to inform the officer that they have a weapon or firearm if they are asked.

How We Can Help

If you have been charged with unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon or firearm in your vehicle, it is imperative you contact a knowledgeable defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options. Don Pumphrey and team Pumphrey Law firm have years of experience defending clients against firearm and weapon charges and will ensure each defense is explored in the favor of you or a loved one’s case. Contact Pumphrey Law Firm today at (850) 681-7777 or send an online message for an open and free consultation with a defense attorney on our team.

This article was written by Sarah Kamide

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